UNA files grievances against amended AHS and Covenant Health immunization policy

Labour Relations

UNA has determined upon review of the revised policy that it is not reasonable in that it applies one set of rules to one group of employees and another set to another group employed at the 16 locations.

United Nurses of Alberta has now reviewed Alberta Health Services’ amended policy on the immunization of employees for COVID-19 and has filed grievances against the implementation of the new policy with AHS and Covenant Health. 

The amended policy was made public on November 29 by Health Minister Jason Copping, who told a news conference AHS would implement what he described as temporary, frequent and targeted COVID-19 testing for staff who are not vaccinated in order to reduce the risk of service disruptions in 16 locations.

UNA believed the initial immunization policy, which required all employees to be fully vaccinated, was appropriate.

However, UNA has determined upon review of the revised policy that it is not reasonable in that it applies one set of rules to one group of employees and another set to another group employed at the 16 locations. 

UNA filed the grievance with AHS on December 6, and with Covenant Health, which had adopted the same wording, on December 9. A copy of the grievance is posted at right. 

Employees who are negatively impacted by the revised policy should contact UNA at nurses@una.ca or by calling UNA at 1-800-252-9394.

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