HSAA meets with government regarding EMS transition

Monday, January 12, 2009

EDMONTON - The Health Sciences Association of Alberta continues to meet with Alberta Health Services officials, in preparation for the provincial government's forthcoming transition of EMS services.

"We've already held several joint meetings with government officials about the pending changes coming for EMS services, and we're pleased with the open and positive dialogue to date," said Lynette McAvoy, HSAA's Director of Labour Relations.

Health Sciences are scheduled to meet again with AHS representatives later this month, to discuss the transition of services and personnel.

"We have also called for a meeting with Alberta Minister of Employment and Immigration, Hector Goudreau, to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible for EMS personnel across the province," McAvoy said.

"Our union is committed to ensuring the provincial government, as well as current and future EMS members, are well informed throughout this ambiguous process.

McAvoy added: "We're intent on having the government recognize and respect the important role that our EMS professionals provide to Albertans, as it continues to re-examine and expand this role. It is a time for unification - not division - which is why we will hold our discussions at the Legislature - and not on social websites."

An EMS Committee was struck last year to provide guidance to Health Sciences regarding the forthcoming transition. The committee is comprised of Health Sciences EMS members and senior labour relations staff.

HSAA is the union of choice for ambulance personnel throughout the province. HSAA Represents more ambulance services in Alberta than any other union - 17 to be exact. Click here to see Map.

HSAA continues to sign up new members from EMS groups throughout Alberta, including Crowsnest Pass, Vulcan and Mountain View. EMS workers are seeking job security and inclusion, as the provincial government continues to impose changes to your ambulance service.

Health Sciences will host its Third Annual EMS Conference on June 24th at Leduc's Royal Executive Inn. This conference is for EMS members only, and offers them industry-leading professional development. HSAA covers full salary replacement and expenses for all approved participants.

HSAA was the first union for ambulance employees to negotiate the following:

• Mandatory Rest Periods
• $2,500 Annual Retention Bonus
• $2,500 Annual Flex Fund to Use for Education, Health and Wellness, Child or Elder Care or RRSP
• Benefits for Casual Employees
• Seasonal Employment
• Voluntary Increase or Decrease in Work Hours

Join Alberta's most progressive health-care union - the Health Sciences Association of Alberta.

For additional information, contact HSAA Labour Relations Officer Tony Jones at: 780-975-6151 or by email at tonyj@hsaa.ca