New collective agreement for Alberta nurses could see overall increase of 20%

The province and the union representing registered nurses say they have come to a tentative agreement impacting more than 33,000 of them.

The province and the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) have reached a negotiated settlement for a new collective agreement.

“I have tremendous respect for the unique role nurses have in the health and well-being of all Albertans,” Nate Horner, minister of finance, wrote in a news release on Monday. “This proposed settlement recognizes their hard work and dedication and the value they bring to our health care system.”

Horner said no details of the deal would be released until after a ratification vote.

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A news release by UNA said the agreement provides for an immediate increase of about 15 per cent and an overall increase of about 20 per cent (not inclusive of step progression) for RNs and RPNs.

Other changes include increases to change pay, on-call pay, car allowances and agreements that employers will pay all professional college registration and liability insurance fees, according to UNA.

Employers will also commit to providing safe staffing for all patients, residents and clients with a mechanism for reviewing and resolving employee concerns.

UNA says it also received a signed letter from Adriana LaGrange indicating any job transfers of an RN or RPN due to the government’s restructuring of public health care will be to a provincial agency or provincial health corporation and will preserve members' seniority, contractual benefits and union representation.

The UNA negotiating committee is recommending that a ratification vote take place on April 2.