UNA Local 118 members ratify new contract with CapitalCare

Members of United Nurses of Alberta Local 118 employed by CapitalCare have ratified a new collective agreement with their employer.

The four-year contract with a term of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024 includes retroactive salary increases of 1 per cent as of October 1, 2021, 1.25 per cent as of September 1, 2022, and 2 per cent as of April 1, 2023.

Employees will also receive a retroactive 2 per cent salary increase as per the lump sum conversion as of the date of ratification of the new agreement (this does not apply to undergraduate nurse employees).

Other highlights of the contract include new language to better define hours of work for Evening and Night shifts, am improved outline process for posting new rotations and line selection, and improved language allowing mutual agreement to amend shift schedules with less than 14 days notice without penalty.

Improvements to prepaid health benefits include:

• the addition of Occupational Therapists to the list of Paramedical Practitioners, along with Physiotherapists accessed at a rate of $50.00/visit for a combined maximum of 20 visits per year.
• no requirement for a written physician’s order for accessing massage therapy and orthotics.
• improved coverage for Chartered Psychologist/Master of Social Work/Addictions Counsellor that implements a combined maximum of $3000.00 per participant each benefit year, replacing the previous the 20 visit per year maximum.
• no requirement for a written physician’s order for accessing compression stockings.
• coverage for Diabetic Equipment and Diabetic Supplies as per the Health Benefits Plan and include Continuous Blood Testing Device (Libre) covered at 100%.

The Employer has also agreed to work with the Union to develop strategies and initiatives to address the mental health of the workforce.

UNA congratulates and thanks our Local and bargaining team members for their hard-work and solidarity during these negotiations.

UNA provides a wide range of services to its members. A key role is negotiating the excellent collective agreements that regulate salaries, benefits, schedules and working conditions of members. UNA also administers its agreements to resolve disputes, improve working conditions and protect nurses’ workplace rights.