Nurses ratify new deal with Covenant Health

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says more than 89 per cent of nurses voted in favour of the deal.

A new collective agreement between Alberta nurses and Covenant Health has been ratified.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), which represents the nurses, said the new agreement improves wages and working conditions for thousands of front-line workers across the province.

Nursing care staff will receive a 12 per cent raise over four years.

All licensed practical nurses will receive a 10 per cent market adjustment, with certified and uncertified health care aides getting four per cent.

“Our work is far from over,” said AUPE president Sandra Azocar in a statement Monday afternoon. “Members across the province will now have the chance to regroup and reorganize as we prepare for more bargaining when this agreement expires in 2028.”

Of the 69.8 per cent of eligible members that voted, 89.2 per cent voted in favour of the agreement.

The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2024 and expires March 31, 2028.