For immediate release: Feb. 21, 2003

EDMONTON – Alberta Union of Provincial Employees members who work as community health workers have ratified a mediator’s recommendations that will now form the basis of their new collective agreement with eight Alberta health regions.

The members of AUPE Local 058 voted in a mail-in ballot counted today on recommendations for settlement made Jan. 22 by a provincially appointed mediator, said AUPE Staff Negotiator Malcolm McNaughton.

The mediator’s report called for a two-year collective agreement with pay increases for all classifications of four per cent in the first year, retroactive to April 1, 2002, and three per cent in the second year.

In addition, the mediator recommended double-time overtime for all classifications, an increase in shift differential pay to $1.75 per hour, and an increase in weekend premium pay to $1.40 per hour immediately and to $1.75 per hour effective June 1.

"We understand the eight regional health authority employers have now also ratified the mediator’s recommendations," McNaughton said.

AUPE Local 058 represents more than 1,000 community health workers employed in such jobs as licensed practical nurses, home support aides, administrative support, public health inspectors, dental assistants and rehabilitation aides.

All Local 058 members were provided with a full package of information on the mediator’s recommendations and had the opportunity to attend meetings in each of the eight health regions at which they could ask questions and voice their opinions, McNaughton said.

For more information, contact:
Dan MacLennan, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-910-8392 (cellular phone)
Malcolm McNaughton, Union Representative, AUPE, 403-343-2154 or 403-304-8245 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)