Rexall/Pharma Plus Pharmacies Ltd. (Calgary) Collective Agreement 2024-2028

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #11

BETWEEN

REXALL PHARMACIES ULC
- and -

HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
(hereinafter referred to as the Union)

RE: RECRUITMENT BONUS FOR PHARMACISTS
 

In consideration of the significant operational, recruitment and retention challenges in attracting Pharmacists within the province, the following agreement is made between the Parties on a without prejudice and without precedent basis:

1. A recruitment bonus may be offered to a pharmacist or new graduate hired after date of ratification, who is domestically or internationally trained, and who agrees to be employed at an Employer’s Outpatient Pharmacy where it has been identified that recruitment issues are impacting operations.  The recruitment bonus will be offered at the sole discretion of the Company.
2. The recruitment bonus is applicable only to the Employer’s Outpatient Pharmacies located within the following sites:
   
         (i) South Health Campus
         (ii) Foothills Medical Centre
         (iii) Rockyview General Hospital
         (iv) Alberta Children’s Hospital
         (v) Peter Lougheed Centre
    
3. A recruitment bonus of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) for a one (1) year commitment to a permanent full-time pharmacist.  
4. A recruitment bonus of three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars ($3,750.00) for a one (1) year commitment to a permanent part-time pharmacist.
5. Funds will be paid out in full as a lump sum within twenty-one (21) days of the first active day of employment.
6. Should the Employee voluntarily resign, be terminated with cause or voluntarily transfer to a different site not listed within twelve (12) months of receiving the recruitment bonus, the Employee shall be required to repay the full amount.
7. The payment of a recruitment bonus shall be based on operational need to ensure ongoing operations are addressed. When it is deemed that this Letter of Understanding is no longer required, the Employer shall advise the Union by providing four (4) weeks’ notice.
8. The Employer shall advise the Union which Employees receive the signing bonus and also list their status (full-time or part-time), classification and location.
9. The Letter of Understanding will be in effect as of the date of ratification.