Alberta Health Workers Ratify New Contract, Averting Strike at Last Minute

UPDATE: A major crisis in Alberta’s health care has been averted as the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) announces that over 16,000 health-care workers have officially ratified a new collective agreement, just moments before a strike was set to commence. This urgent development was confirmed in a news release issued late Friday, following an intense negotiation period that concluded just before the 8:30 a.m. strike deadline on November 22, 2023.

The new contract, which includes staggering wage increases of nearly 24 percent for licensed practical nurses and just over 17 percent for health-care aides, is retroactive to April 1, 2024 and will remain in effect until March 31, 2028. However, it’s worth noting that nursing care members at the Lamont Health Care Centre rejected the agreement in a separate vote and will return to the bargaining table.

Union president Sandra Azocar praised the agreement, stating, “Members have officially raised the bar for collective agreements in this province.” She emphasized that this deal is a significant step towards better wages and working conditions for health-care workers, positioning them strongly for future negotiations in 2028.

The ratification vote saw an impressive participation rate of 71 percent, with 63.3 percent of members working for Alberta Health Services and other health care entities voting in favor. Notably, members at the Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre in Edmonton expressed overwhelming support, with 95 percent voting yes.

Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the efforts of both AUPE and Alberta Health Services in reaching this agreement, stating, “We appreciate the collective effort it has taken for AHS and AUPE to reach an agreement. We thank these workers for their skill, dedication, and the difference they make every day in Alberta’s health-care system.”

The new contract also addresses staffing challenges in rural areas, introducing funding boosts for the Rural Capacity Investment Fund aimed at recruitment and retention of health-care professionals in hard-to-staff locations.

Before the ratification, picket lines were anticipated across health centers and hospitals, with some members reportedly having already walked off the job. Around 78 percent of union members are classified as essential workers, meaning not all would have been legally permitted to strike, necessitating plans for rotating shifts on picket lines.

This last-minute agreement not only showcases the determination of health-care workers but also highlights the urgent need for continued support and investment in Alberta’s health care system. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Lamont Health Care Centre, where negotiations will continue to ensure fair outcomes for all health-care professionals.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.