Alberta Health Services Collective Agreement 2024-2028

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #36

BETWEEN

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and - 

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

RE: RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION BONUS FOR NEW PERFUSIONISTS

In consideration of the significant operational, recruitment and retention challenges in attracting Perfusionists, 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 non-Alberta Health Services Perfusionist who agrees to be employed in areas within Alberta Health Services where recruitment issues are impacting Operations.

2. A retention bonus may be offered to eligible Alberta Health Services Perfusionists who agrees to be employed in areas within Alberta Health Services where recruitment issues are impacting Operations and who complete a Return for Service Agreement.
    

   Recruitment Bonus

3. A recruitment bonus of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment, twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment, or thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) for a three (3) year commitment, to a permanent position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of zero point sixty (0.60) and greater.

4. A recruitment bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment, ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment, or fifteen thousand ($15,000.00) for a three (3) year commitment to a permanent position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of zero point forty (0.40) to zero point fifty-nine (0.59).
    

   Retention Bonus

5. A retention bonus of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment, twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment, or thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) for a three (3) year commitment, to a permanent position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of zero point sixty (0.60) and greater.
6. A retention bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for a one (1) year commitment, ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for a two (2) year commitment, or fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) for a three (3) year commitment, to a permanent position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of zero point forty (0.40) to zero point fifty-nine (0.59).

7. Funds will be paid out in a lump sum of seventy-five percent (75%) upon hire and the completion of a Return for Service Agreement, or upon the completion of a Return for Service Agreement for existing Alberta Health Services Perfusionists, and the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) at the end of term of the agreed to service.

8. Should the Employee terminate employment, the Employee shall forfeit all rights to any remaining amount. The Employee shall also be required to repay the recruitment or retention 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.
   
   (iii)     For Employees who agree to a three (3) year commitment, one thirty-sixth (1/36) of the bonus for each month less than the three (3) year commitment.

9. The payment of a recruitment or retention 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.

10. The Employer shall advise the Union which Employees are eligible to receive the recruitment or retention bonus, and list their FTE, classification, and location.
11. The Employer shall submit all Return for Service Agreements to the Union in a timely manner.

This Letter of Agreement will expire March 31, 2028, or upon the date of ratification of the next Collective Agreement, whichever is later.