AHS GSS Classification Processes
The AHS GSS classification processes are continuing. This relates to updating classifications as a result of the consolidation of collective agreements from the health regions into one agreement for all Alberta Health Services General Support Services staff. This update covers:
- Addendum B Temporary Holding Positions
- Appendix A Appeals Phase I (Calgary, ACB, MER)
- Appendix A Phase II (AADAC, Northern Lights, Chinook, Palliser)
- Supply Series Review
- Therapy Assistant Review
Addendum B Temporary Holding Positions
In mid-June, a memo was sent to all employees in Addendum B advising Job Evaluation was reviewing the positions and decisions for clerical positions should be out by July 24. The remaining classification decisions should be out by Sept. 30. Any resulting salary changes would follow shortly after receiving those decisions.
Click the link at the bottom of this article for the updated Frequently Asked Questions for Addendum B Temporary Holding Positions.
Appendix A Appeals Phase I
The job audits for these appeals are underway and will continue throughout the summer.
If the audits determine the positions were mapped incorrectly, the classification of the position will be changed and communicated to all involved, rather than awaiting the completion of all Appendix A appeals. There are 674 appeals for Appendix A Phase I Calgary and ACB listings and 130 appeals for the Multi Employer listing.
Job Evaluation advised that the ‘one of’ positions on Appendix A Phase I appeal listings have been audited. Presently, they are working on the communication documents, and working with Payroll on implementation dates for any with resulting salary changes. The larger groups’ audits — Food Services, FM&E, Service Workers, etc. — are being completed presently. For any classifications remaining in dispute after the audits, the Appendix A appeal hearings will be heard in September for Phase I and October for Phase II (target time line).
Appendix A Phase II
Employees who currently hold positions in those classifications listed in Appendix A will be receiving letters in the mail indicating their new classification and basic rate of pay according to the mailing schedule below. A Frequently Asked Question document will be sent to help answer employee questions, as well as an appeal form to be completed and faxed to the Union, if individual is appealing.
| FORMER ENTITY | MAIL DATE | PAY DATE | RETRO PAY DATE | CUT OFF FOR APPEALS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook | July 18, 2012 | July 25, 2012 | August 24, 2012 | August 9, 2012 |
| Northern Lights | July 26, 2012 | August 2, 2012 | August 2, 2012 | August 17, 2012 |
| Palliser | August 2, 2012 | August 10, 2012 | August 10, 2012 | August 24, 2012 |
| AADAC | September 16, 2012 | October 17, 2012 | October 17, 2012 | October 31, 2012 |
The evaluation process required job evaluators to conduct reviews from a representative sampling of positions within each of the classifications on Appendix A. The representative job descriptions were assessed in comparison to classification profiles and provincial representative jobs to determine placement in Provincial Collective Agreement.
Check AHS’s INSITE for updates, as well
Supply Series Review
In-Scope Job Evaluation has completed a review of the Supply Series classifications in August 2012, as a result of a Letter of Understanding #12 (first page) between Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees General Support Services. The Final Profiles for Stores I, Stores II and Supply Coordinator are posted on the AHS INSITE. Individuals are receiving the classification review decisions presently. The LOU did not incorporate an appeal process. Rather, individuals would file grievances pursuant to Articles 19 and 37 of the Collective Agreement.
Note: Information on Purchasing Assistant, Buyer and Pharmacy Assistant will be released in the fall, when those reviews are complete.
Therapy Assistant Review
In-Scope Job Evaluation is undertaking a review of the Technical Attendant and Therapy Aide classifications as a result of a Letter of Understanding #21 (second page) between Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees General Support Services. The classification review affects approximately 1,500 staff in all zones and will ensure the same kinds and levels of work are classified consistently across the province.
Due to the size of the project, Job Evaluation and HR Client Services have been working with managers using a phased approach across the zones for evaluation and implementation.
Positions under review are being evaluated and placed in the Therapy Aide, Therapy Assistant or Technical Attendant classifications based on the type work being performed. The retro pay was not given out automatically, after ratification of collective agreement, as the Employer wanted to identify those performing Therapy Assistant work and those performing Therapy Aide work. Once they have established who is in which classification in each zone, then the retro implementation will occur effective April 1, 2011 per the LOU in the Collective Agreement. An employee’s classification may or may not change as a result of this review and, as with any job evaluation review, the outcome may be for a position’s classification to change (up or down) or remain the same.
The initial Therapy Assistant Review schedule posted in June on Insite has been revised, due to implementation of E-People in Central, and further information required in North and Edmonton Zones. The latest report from Job Evaluation indicated:
- Calgary Zone review – implemented in July
- South Zone review – implementation in September
- Central Zone – date to be determined due to implementation of E-People in that Zone
- Edmonton and North Zones – date to be determined in the near future