Alberta Health Services Collective Agreement 2020-2024

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #4

BETWEEN

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and -

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

RE:  JOINT COMMITTEE

The parties recognize the value of an ongoing forum within which to discuss and seek to resolve issues of common concern.  There are a number of issues between the parties that would benefit from joint study, discussion, and resolution outside of the collective bargaining process. Similarly, other issues of joint concern may arise which the parties may agree would benefit from joint study and discussion.

The parties agree that the purpose of the Joint Committee is not collective bargaining, nor is a substitute for collective bargaining. The Joint Committee is not a forum for personal issues or grievances, nor a substitute for arbitration. The purpose of the Joint Committee is to exchange information, enquire into and seek consensus about issues of concern, create joint interpretation bulletins, and make recommendations to resolve ongoing issues of policy and practice within the AHS/HSAA bargaining unit.  

Where it is the intent of the Parties to create a Joint AHS/HSAA forum for the above stated purpose, the Parties agree as follows:

1. The Joint Committee shall establish Terms of Reference outlining the purpose of the Joint Committee, the schedule of meetings for the term of the collective agreement, its key functions, committee membership, and the reporting relationships for each of the Parties. The Joint Committee shall determine the issues to be addressed.
2. The Joint Committee will be comprised of Employer and Union representatives.
3. The Parties may meet quarterly, or as otherwise mutually agreed.
4. The purpose of the Joint Committee will be to:
   1. exchange information;
   2. engage in good faith discussions; and
   3. share information with their respective principals on matters discussed by the committee.
5. The parties will provide available relevant information to allow for meaningful discussion of the issues. The parties will endeavour to provide this information in a timely fashion, and in any event not later than 30 days from the original discussion of the particular issue(s).
6. Upon date of ratification, any and all amendments to the current Collective Agreement shall be reviewed by the Joint Committee.

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