By rdnewsNOW staff

Union leaders speak out

Alberta aiming to end 500 nursing jobs over three years; nurses call it ‘betrayal’

Nov 29, 2019 | 12:40 PM

EDMONTON – The union representing Alberta nurses says the provincial government’s intention to eliminate 500 full-time nursing positions over the next three years has left them feeling betrayed.

David Harrigan, a labour negotiator with the United Nurses of Alberta, says that means at least 750 nurses will be out of work once job-sharing is factored in.

Harrigan notes Premier Jason Kenney ran on a platform of reducing spending but keeping front-line services intact.

Harrigan says fewer nurses will translate into longer waits for care, increased privatization and upfront costs to patients.

The government’s intent was communicated in a letter and in a meeting today between the nurses and their employer, Alberta Health Services.

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The two sides are heading into collective bargaining next year, and the health agency says in the letter that it wanted to give nurses a heads up on finances and staffing.

“We do not believe Albertans will support this plan, and they should tell the premier so,” Smith said.

“In light of the promises made by the government not to touch front-line health care workers, we will be asking for an immediate emergency meeting with Health Minister Tyler Shandro,” UNA President Heather Smith said. “We do not believe Albertans will support this plan, and they should tell the premier so.”

Finance Minister Travis Toews released a statement Friday about collective bargaining.

“The Government of Alberta has been abundantly clear that spending restraint, change and innovation is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the high quality services Albertans rely on.

“In order to be transparent and respect the collective bargaining process, unions were notified of potential workforce restructuring to ensure taxpayer dollars bring greater value to Albertans and the communities we serve.

“The MacKinnon report clearly showed, the status quo is not a sustainable option. Despite spending far more per capita on services than other large provinces, our outcomes are no better and often worse.

“We were also clear about the need for an ongoing review of government programs to ensure they are efficient and effective, and that this could result in changes to the public service.

“This means that some difficult but necessary decisions are required to ensure available funding is directed to the front-line services Albertans need most. These could include changes to staffing levels, aligning resources to areas where need is greater, as well as finding alternative ways to deliver services that would keep jobs in the Alberta economy.

“We have the highest respect and admiration for all public sector workers. These potential changes do not change the value we place on their dedication to Albertans.”

(With file from The Canadian Press)