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By David Opinko

Nurse practitioners ratify first agreement with Alberta Health Services

Oct 13, 2023 | 7:51 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Union of Nurse Practitioners (AUNP) said the first collective bargaining agreement between nurse practitioners (NPs), Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Covenant Health has been ratified.

AUNP said 84 per cent of its members voted on the deal, approximately 96.4 per cent of whom said yes.

Union president Anne Summach said that this marks the beginning of a new era of labour relations for NPs in this province and across Canada.

“Not only does the ratification of this collective agreement give our members employment stability and certainty, but it also validates what we have known to be true for many years – that Nurse Practitioners are a critical part of the healthcare system and can improve the quality of care for all Albertans,” said Summach.

She adds that this contract is the first of its kind in North America in that it was made by NPs and for NPs. It is also the first time NPs in Alberta have had their own contract.

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According to the AUNP website, the title of nurse practitioner was not protected until 2003 and it used to be an extended class of registered nurses. In 2003, Bill 27 reclassified them as nurse practitioners and removed them from the Regional Health Authority Collective Bargaining Regulation.

“Since that time, NPs have not had any formal representation to negotiate wages, benefits, or working conditions,” reads a section of the AUNP website. “While there have been changes over time to remuneration, it has not been adequate or kept pace with the changes in RN salaries over time.”

NPs work in a variety of facilities in Alberta such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and the community.

The newly-ratified deal puts an end to 16 months of collective bargaining between the employer and the AUNP team.

Pattison Media has reached out to AUNP and AHS for additional comments.

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