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Nurses ratify three-year deal

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Alberta Health Services inked a new three-year deal with the province’s 24,000 nurses after union members ratified the agreement Wednesday night.

The deal will give the nurses a six per cent raise over the three years, with no increase this year, two per cent in the second and four per cent in the final year.

Dr. Stephen Duckett, CEO of AHS said the agreement is good for everyone involved.

“I think it is a responsible deal. I think the United Nurses of Alberta took a very responsible position. It is a good deal for nurses, a good deal for patients and a good deal for taxpayers.”

Heather Smith, president of the nurses’ union was not available for comment, but in a statement said she was pleased and glad the contract would lead to more nursing positions.

“The contract also begins to address nurses’ biggest concern, which is adequate and safe nurse staffing,” she said.

The deal commits the province to hiring 70 per cent of graduating nursing students each year to maintain an adequate labour pool.

Smith said having adequate nurses stationed in hospitals is important.

“Our members are giving a vote of confidence, expecting Alberta Health Services to fulfil the promise to address workplace supply and workplace issues. It is a vote of hope,” she said.

AHS also approved its yearly budget this week. The $11.2-billion document forecasts adding 1,100 new continuing care beds and other project to ease emergency room pressures.

Duckett said the extra beds would add to the province’s staffing costs even without raises in this year’s contract.

“You know 80 per cent of our money is spent on staff so we are going to have to spend a lot of money. If we are going to be expanding services we are going to be spending more on staff.”

The deal also sets up a group to look at high overtime costs in certain units and facilities and examine ways to reduce costs through more full-time positions.