22,000 Health Professionals to Resume Bargaining, Stand in Opposition to “Heavy-handed” Back-to-Work Legislation

EDMONTON – The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) will resume formal mediation with Alberta Health Services (AHS) in November, with members standing in strong opposition to proposed legislation attacking Albertans’ collective bargaining rights.

HSAA represents more than 22,000 highly specialized health-care professionals covered by the agreement with AHS and associated agencies and corporations, including diagnostic imaging technologists, paramedics, mental health and addiction counsellors, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, social workers and more than 200 other professions critical to the health and well-being of Albertans.

New bargaining dates have been negotiated for November 12th, 13th and 14th, with a mediator working with both parties. HSAA remains focused on securing a deal for members at the bargaining table that truly values the important care they provide Albertans.

“Our members provide expert care to patients each and every day. They want a serious offer from this government and the employer that respects, retains and recruits the professionals we need to improve care for Albertans,” said HSAA Vice-President Leanne Alfaro.

“However, we acknowledge that this round of bargaining is taking place under the threat of heavy-handed legislation to override the rights of one group of public-sector workers with back-to-work legislation. This is deeply concerning. Our members support members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association in their struggle and will not be intimidated by these actions. 

“Whether it’s specialized health-care professionals, teachers or nurses, workers in this province deserve to be heard at the bargaining table, not silenced in the legislature.”

Health-care professionals rejected the last offer in September because it didn’t do enough to value their work for Albertans, address the chronic short-staffing crisis impacting patient care, and attract new professionals to the province amid global competition for these workers.

If no progress is made, HSAA is prepared to proceed to a strike vote.

“We share the deep frustration of our members who have been waiting 18 months for a new contract,” said Alfaro. “Our members are united and ready for job action, if necessary.”

In addition, HSAA is expressing deep concern about planned legislation to further expand private, for-profit diagnostic medical services. HSAA members were not consulted about this legislation. 

“There is already a serious shortage of these professionals in our hospitals and health centres and we are deeply concerned that these proposed changes will further drain staff, funding and expertise from Alberta’s public health system, making wait times longer, not shorter.”

HSAA will review the proposed legislation and respond once a bill is tabled in the legislature. 

HSAA members remain committed to protecting and supporting high-quality, publicly delivered health care and we strongly urge the Government of Alberta to do the same.

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HSAA Vice-President Leanne Alfaro is available for interviews upon request.

Media Inquiries:  
Matt Dykstra, Communications Officer  
780-224-9202 | mdykstra@hsaa.ca