AHS Bargaining Update #21

Your Bargaining Committee met on March 14 to discuss next steps in negotiations with Alberta Health Services (AHS). The employer’s offer remains out of touch with the rise in the cost-of-living and insultingly low.

Despite reaching out to AHS with multiple proposed dates, they have refused to meet. Instead, they are insisting on waiting until formal mediation can begin.

This delay is extremely frustrating. There is nothing preventing us from bargaining outside of mediation, yet AHS is hiding behind procedural roadblocks to avoid negotiations.  

We have been clear with AHS: we are ready to meet anytime, anywhere—with or without a mediator. They are choosing not to, which remains deeply disappointing.

As negotiations continue, your feedback is critical. Our recent bargaining survey has received over 7,000 responses in just SIX days. We encourage you to take the survey if you have not already. More information is available here. 

ESSENTIAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS (ESAs) - FINAL STEPS

An ESA is a contract between the employer and HSAA that sets staffing levels during a strike or lockout to ensure public health and safety. Finalizing our ESAs is the last legal step before formal mediation.  

ESAs MUST be approved by both parties before they can be filed with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB).

While both parties have agreed on staffing levels, there remains a dispute over which party is responsible for scheduling designated essential service workers in the case of a strike or lockout. This issue is currently being reviewed through legal channels, and we anticipate a decision by the Essential Services Umpire in the coming weeks.  

Once ESAs are filed, the ALRB will begin its own review process.  

Regardless of the timeline, we will continue to push AHS to return to the table—even without mediation. 

STANDING STRONG TOGETHER

Your Bargaining Committee is committed to securing a deal that reflects the immense value of the work you do caring for Albertans, while securing higher wages for members, better benefits, greater work-life balance and enhanced working conditions.

We encourage all members to stay engaged and informed by watching for upcoming updates. 

Questions? Contact us at ahsbargaining@hsaa.ca.

In Solidarity,

Your AHS Bargaining Team

Megan Connolly, Social Worker, Calgary (Chair)  
Sarah Dorma, Social Worker, Calgary  
Jason Soklofske, Advanced Care Paramedic, Medicine Hat (South)  
Vicki Wakulchyk, Addictions Counsellor, Calgary  
Sarah Mullin, Social Worker, Red Deer (Central)  
Kelly Sherwood, Advanced Care Paramedic, Edmonton  
Chandra Arsenault, Respiratory Therapist, Edmonton  
Brittany Fandrick, Dental Hygienist, Westlock (North)  
Todd Romanow, HSAA Labour Relations Officer (Lead Spokesperson)  
Jody Machtans, HSAA Labour Relations Officer (Spokesperson)  
Sheena Schiemann, HSAA Administrative Assistant Negotiations