The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) and the Alberta Health Services (AHS) reached a collective agreement in 2018 that has far-reaching implications for the healthcare sector in the province.

The agreement, which covers more than 26,000 employees, was achieved after months of negotiations and a contentious bargaining process.

One of the key components of the agreement is a two percent wage increase in each year of the three-year contract, which will help to address the issue of wage stagnation that many healthcare workers have faced in recent years.

In addition to the wage increase, the agreement also provides for improved job security, expanded benefits, and increased vacation time for workers.

Perhaps most significantly, the agreement includes provisions that will help to address the ongoing issue of staffing shortages in the healthcare sector. Specifically, the agreement provides for the creation of new positions and the hiring of additional staff to help fill critical gaps in healthcare delivery.

For example, the agreement provides for the hiring of more nurses, mental health professionals, and other support staff who are essential to the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

The agreement also includes provisions aimed at improving workplace safety and reducing the incidence of workplace violence, which is a growing concern in the healthcare sector.

Overall, the AUPE-AHS collective agreement represents a significant step forward for healthcare workers in Alberta. It provides for improved compensation, better benefits, and increased job security, while also addressing critical issues like staffing shortages and workplace violence.

As healthcare continues to be a key issue for many Canadians, agreements like this are crucial in ensuring that workers are able to deliver the high-quality care that patients deserve.