UNA proposes reopening collective bargaining on October 16

United Nurses of Alberta has proposed reopening bargaining for a new collective agreement with Alberta Health Services and other participating employers on October 16, after expiration of the Letter of Understanding postponing negotiations until October 15.

In a letter today to AHS Lead Negotiator Raelene Fitz, UNA Labour Relations Director David Harrigan said that the union believes that in addition to proposals on the table from both sides, Covid-related items now need to be discussed and negotiated.

Harrigan said UNA is seeking updates from AHS on changes planned and already made as a result of the employer’s non-evidence-based Operational Best Practices (OBP) program. He noted that a letter last week to AHS CEO Verna Yiu about the OBP changes had not received a response.

In addition, he said UNA is seeking updates on contracting out of home care services, reconfiguration of services at smaller sites proposed by the employer, previously acknowledged plans to close acute care beds, repurposing of facilities, and changes in staff mix.

Harrigan also asked for details of the AHS response to the Ernst & Young “review” of its operations.

Copies of today’s letter and the September 24 letter to Dr. Yiu are linked to this UNA member update.