UNA members, among other healthcare allies, protest outside of Chinook Regional Hospital in August 2021. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Canadian Press

Alberta registered nurses to vote on four-year deal with pay hike of 4.25 per cent

Dec 22, 2021 | 2:40 PM

EDMONTON – An Alberta nurses’ union is asking its members to sign off on a proposed four-year collective agreement that amounts to pay increases of 4.25 per cent.

The increase is among the recommendations from a third party mediating the agreement between Alberta Health Services and the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA).

The union says the deal also includes a one-time lump sum payment of one per cent for 2021 in recognition of nurses’ contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be $5 million a year toward recruitment and retention strategies in rural and remote areas and $2.5 million a year for relocation assistance.

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The UNA, which represents 30,000 registered nurses and allied healthcare workers, says the proposal is a reversal of the government’s earlier position to cut nurses’ wages, along with other rollbacks.

Finance Minister Travis Toews says the deal, if approved, will lay the groundwork for long-term stability in the healthcare system while recognizing the work of nurses.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press