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Alberta registered nurses ratify deal that includes wage freeze, job security

Feb 16, 2018 | 12:29 PM

The United Nurses of Alberta says its members have ratified a new contract with the province that includes a two-year wage freeze and job security.

Union president Heather Smith said the contract recognizes the reality of the economic climate in Alberta.

The agreement covers about 28,000 registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.

The three-year agreement will run retroactive from April 2017 to March 31, 2020, and includes a wage re-opening provision in the third year.

The agreement was ratified by Alberta Health Services later Friday.

“Our nursing staff are hard-working and dedicated individuals, and this agreement recognizes the important role nurses play in providing patient- and family-centred care,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS President and Chief Executive Officer.

Alberta is facing a $10.3 billion deficit this year, and Finance Minister Joe Ceci has asked public-sector unions to consider zero wage increases while the province works to keep front-line jobs.