Prairie EMS Inc. Bargaining Update #7

Your HSAA Bargaining Committee returned to the bargaining table with Prairie EMS on August 20 and 21, in an effort to reach a new Collective Agreement without the need for compulsory arbitration.

Where discussions stand

In your last Bargaining Update, we explained that we were moving toward compulsory arbitration. However, the parties agreed to return to bargaining with the goal of reaching an agreement without the need for the Compulsory Arbitration Board (CAB) to determine remaining issues, which include term, wages, and market increases.

Unfortunately, we were still not able to reach a tentative agreement.

What happens next

The only path forward is to proceed to the CAB hearing, which has been approved by the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, and is scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2026. Your Committee is now turning its focus to preparing the strongest possible case to advocate for a fair and competitive Collective Agreement on your behalf.

At the hearing, HSAA and your employer will each present their positions on the remaining outstanding issues to the arbitration panel. Each side will have an appointed panel member, along with a neutral third-party arbitrator.

This three-person panel will make a final and binding decision on the remaining issues.

It is important to understand that arbitration is not a quick process. Following the hearing, the panel will require time to consider the submissions and issue its decision.

Further information will be provided as we have more to share.

As always, we acknowledge and appreciate your continued patience and support of your Bargaining Committee throughout this process.

Have questions? Email bargaining@hsaa.ca.

You can also learn more about how the negotiations process works by visiting our Collective Bargaining FAQs or the Government of Alberta’s Labour relations – Dispute resolution methods webpage.