Alberta Health Services Collective Agreement 2020-2024

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #23

BETWEEN

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and -

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

RE:  RECRUITMENT BONUS FOR NEW PHARMACISTS

In consideration of the significant operational, recruitment and retention challenges in attracting Pharmacists to the rural and suburban areas of 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 new graduate or non-Alberta Health Services Pharmacist who agrees to be employed in a rural or suburban Site where recruitment issues are impacting operations.

2. A recruitment bonus of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment and twelve thousand dollars ($12,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment to a permanent position with a full time equivalency (FTE) of zero point sixty (0.60) or greater.

3. A recruitment bonus of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment and six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment to a permanent position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of between zero point forty (0.40) to zero point fifty-nine (0.59).

4. Funds will be paid out in a lump sum of seventy-five percent (75%) upon hire and the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) at the end of term of the agreed to service.

5. Should the Employee terminate employment, or relocate to an urban center (within Edmonton or Calgary city limits), the Employee shall forfeit all rights to any remaining amount. The Employee shall also be required to repay the recruitment bonus prorated based on their length of service, calculated as follows:

   (i)    For Employees who agree to a one (1) year commitment, one-twelfth (1/12) of the bonus for each month less than the one (1) year commitment;

   (ii)   For Employees who agree to a two (2) year commitment, one twenty-fourth (1/24) of the bonus for each month less than the two (2) year commitment.

6. 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 eight (8) weeks’ notice.

7. The Employer shall advise the Union which Employees receive the signing bonus and also list their FTE, classification and location.

8. The Employer shall submit all recruitment bonus agreements to the Union in a timely manner.

This Letter of Understanding will expire March 31, 2024, or upon the date of ratification of the next Collective Agreement, whichever is later.