Peace Country EMS negotiations headed to mediation

Monday, December 8, 2008

Negotiations between Alberta Health Services and HSAA's Peace Country EMS members are headed to mediation.

Health Sciences initially applied to the provincial government for arbitration, but as part of the arbitration process, mediation has to occur. Provincial Mediator Bertha Greenstein has been appointed to oversee the mediation process, and must meet with the two parties within 14 days.

Outstanding items include:

• Wages
• Benefits
• Retention Payments
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Other monetary items

HSAA is working with the employer to schedule upcoming mediation dates.

Bargaining between the two parties commenced in June, 2008 with several sessions held throughout the summer months. Health Sciences represents more than 200 Emergency Medical Services personnel employed throughout Alberta's Peace Country region.

We understand it has been a frustrating process but be assured that HSAA is doing everything we can to expedite bargaining. HSAA will not agree to an inferior collective agreement.

HSAA thanks you for your on-going support.

For additional information, contact HSAA Negotiator Tony Jones by telephone at: 780-969-2937 or by email at: tonyj@hsaa.ca