Good Samaritan Bargaining Update #4

We want to provide you with an update on the status of your collective bargaining, along with some context on why progress has been delayed.

In the summer of 2024, we completed the non-monetary portion of collective bargaining and were ready to move into discussions on the monetary items including wages, benefits, Professional Development Allocation (PDA) and Health Spending accounts. However, our monetary gains are typically closely aligned with those achieved by HSAA members working under Alberta Health Services (AHS). HSAA and your employer mutually agreed to wait for clarity on the monetary outcomes at the AHS bargaining table.

We were hopeful that the AHS bargaining table would conclude in a more timely manner. However, it has turned into a prolonged and difficult journey that is still in progress. 

Because of the continued uncertainty around wage outcomes at the AHS table, and the importance of ensuring your wages don’t fall behind, several scheduled bargaining dates have been postponed and rescheduled only to be postponed again. 

While we remain hopeful for a resolution, your support during this time can make a significant difference. AHS members need to feel the strength of the entire Union behind them. Attend a rally, talk to your friends, neighbours, colleagues and family, and if they end up in strike, show up for them – their fight is your fight. How this ends directly effects the outcome at your table.

We are currently scheduled to resume bargaining in November, with the hope that GSS will have its monetary mandate in place. 

Thank you for your continued patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Marnie Stuart at mstuart@hsaa.ca.

In solidarity,

Joanne Dam, Social Worker, Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre
Patty Soumar, Dietitian, Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre
Marnie Stuart, Labour Relations Officer/Negotiator
Kathy Hearn-McKinnon, Labour Relations Officer