APL Bargaining Update #6

Your Bargaining Committee met with Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) on February 25 and 26 for the initial exchange of monetary proposals, excluding wages. Both sides have now submitted their proposals and are in the process of reviewing each other’s packages.

Your committee presented a robust package aimed at directly addressing the top concerns of APL workers. Our proposals focused on tackling the ongoing issues with short-staffing, reducing excessive workloads, eliminating burnout, and better supporting members struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. We made it clear that without meaningful improvements, these problems will not only persist but worsen, impacting the quality and availability of care Albertans receive with laboratory services.

Bottom-line: our proposals recognize the critical support you need to ensure Albertans continue to receive accurate and timely lab results.

While we are still reviewing APL’s proposal, we feel APL does not see the same urgency in addressing these issues. APL’s position demonstrated a strong preference to maintain the status quo, and in some instances a reduction.

We want to be clear on one other point: your committee will not accept any concessions in your collective agreement.

The next bargaining dates are scheduled for March 18 and 19, where we plan to begin debating our proposals.

We remain committed to achieving an agreement that meets the needs and expectations of our membership. We will continue to review APL’s proposals and push for the improvements you deserve.

If you have questions about your union’s approach to bargaining, you can access a general FAQ page. For further questions or feedback, please email aplbargaining@hsaa.ca.

In solidarity,

Your APL Bargaining Team

Laurie Brassard, Laboratory Technologist, UAH, Edmonton (Chair, HSAA Board Member)
Lisa Constantini, MLA, PSC, Calgary (HSAA Board Member)
Ayed Saad, Laboratory Technologist, FMC, Calgary
Evan Zinyk, MLA, Base Lab, Edmonton
Georgianna Renkas, Laboratory Technologist, FMC, Calgary
Katie Hudson, Combined Lab & X-Ray Technologist, Fox Creek
Bailey-Rae Church, MLA, PSC, Red Deer
Chris Bradshaw, HSAA Labour Relations Officer (Lead Spokesperson)
Tammy Milliken, HSAA Labour Relations Officer, (Spokesperson)