Alberta Labour Board will attempt to move quickly to finalize bargaining units, HSAA told

Thursday, April 2, 2009

EDMONTON - The Alberta Labour Relations Board is looking to expedite plans to transition thousands of health-care workers into four province-wide bargaining units, HSAA and other union representatives learned today.

A meeting was held at the Alberta Labour Relations Board offices in Edmonton earlier today, to discuss the processes and timelines for the determination of union representation for thousands of health-care workers - including EMS personnel - under the province's new singular structure.

"Health Sciences was pleased to hear a strong message from labour board officials that efforts are going to be made to expedite the process on behalf of the members that will be impacted by this transition," said Scott Palmer, HSAA Representative.

HSAA has been advocating for a "expeditious decision" from the Alberta Labour Relations Board, regarding the transfer of union representation for approximately 1,000 EMS personnel, as well as hundreds of other members it expects to inherit, as a result of the government's recent announcement regarding its overall transition process.

On May 19, the board will deal with issues flowing from the regulations and any objections to its recommendations, after which time a decision will be rendered on who will be the bargaining agents.

"While we're aware of the need for some finality regarding this issue, these delays are out of our hands," said HSAA President Elisabeth Ballermann. "As we understand, CUPE intends to challenge the ministerial order, and I assume the decision of the LRB. Therefore, we will continue to respect their legal right to do so."

In the meantime, employees across the province will continue to be covered by both their current collective agreement and union.

Health Sciences will continue to post updates on the health-care transition to the union's website, as they become available.