We’re in it now

Friends, By the time many of you get the chance to open this month’s newsletter, bargaining between HSAA and Alberta Health Services (AHS) will have begun. This remains our largest bargaining unit and it’s the contract that sets the framework for all other contracts that we negotiate. For that reason, we will be sending out regular, more detailed updates to all members about the discussions going on at that table. Those updates will be posted on the HSAA website and followed up with emails. 

While the official Employer is AHS, we know that they get their bargaining mandate from the current government. We have seen how the government has approached negotiations with doctors, health support staff and nurses. Now, after several extensions and months of speculation, we will find out whether this government is intent on continuing the assault on Alberta’s health-care professionals. I want to point out that we have seen some positive signs as we watch
bargaining progress at other unions’ tables and we remain hopeful, but we are also ready for a shot across the bow. 

As we move into the 20th month of COVID-19 uncertainty, unanswered questions and a general lack of leadership, I wish I could lay out exactly what will happen next and answer the questions that will come once the process is officially underway. Those answers aren’t in this column. (However, you can reference the path to reaching a collective agreement here.) 

But I can promise you this on behalf of Leanne, all your elected representatives on the Board, your bargaining committees and the staff of HSAA: No matter what comes, our every effort is to ensure that your working experiences are healthy and safe, and that your livelihoods are protected. Not just at bargaining but on every single day we are on the job. 

In Solidarity, 

Mike