HSAA Collective Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is the union representing over 25,000 healthcare professionals in Alberta, Canada. The HSAA Collective Agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for its members, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The 2019 HSAA Collective Agreement represents the latest agreement reached between the union and the provincial government. Here`s what you need to know about this agreement:
Wages and Benefits
Under the 2019 HSAA Collective Agreement, healthcare professionals will receive a 3% wage increase in each of the three years of the agreement. This includes a retroactive payment of 1% for the first year of the agreement, as negotiations took longer than expected. In addition, members will receive an increase to their employer-paid benefits, including a doubling of the dental benefit to $2,000 per year.
Working Conditions
The 2019 HSAA Collective Agreement includes a number of provisions related to working conditions, including:
– A commitment to reduced workloads and improved staffing levels, particularly in areas that have seen significant staff shortages in recent years
– An agreement to address the issue of staff burnout and to establish a joint committee to develop strategies to address this issue
– An improved process for scheduling and vacation requests, with a goal of ensuring that members have more flexibility in scheduling their time off
– Enhanced protections for members who are victims of workplace violence, including the provision of training and resources to help members deal with these situations
Other Provisions
The 2019 HSAA Collective Agreement includes a number of other provisions, including:
– A commitment to a joint review of the healthcare system in Alberta, with a goal of identifying areas where improvements can be made to better serve patients and healthcare professionals
– A commitment to improving access to mental health services for healthcare professionals, recognizing the stress and challenges inherent in this field
– An agreement to improve the process for filing grievances, with a goal of resolving issues more quickly and effectively
In conclusion, the 2019 HSAA Collective Agreement represents a significant step forward for healthcare professionals in Alberta. With improved wages, benefits, and working conditions, this agreement recognizes the importance of the vital work that these professionals do every day to keep our communities healthy and safe. As a result, both members of the HSAA and the patients they serve can look forward to a brighter, more secure future.