IT MATTERS! AGM Coverage PAGES 4-12 News REPORT WORKPLACE BulletinWINTER 2018 VOLUME 42, NUMBER 4 United Nurses of VIOLENCE! OH&S Report PAGES 16-17

BILLWILL PROTECT 27 LAPP MEMBERS PAGE 3

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Published by the United It Matters! Advocacy matters in Nurses of Alberta four times a year for our members 2019, particularly as nurses face Editor: David Climenhaga Production: Kelly de Jong federal and provincial elections

Provincial Office 700-11150 Jasper Avenue NW AS I write this, the threat of snow is efficient public pharmacare program, so Edmonton AB T5K 0C7 in the air. This reminds us that it will that Canadians can truly be said to have p 780-425-1025/1-800-252-9394 not be long before the holiday season is a public health care system. f 780-426-2093 upon us, and then a New Year with the Southern Alberta Regional Office Ultimately, these are political questions. potential for big challenges for United 300-1422 Kensington Road NW That means while UNA must continue AB T2N 3P9 Nurses of Alberta and its more than to be non-partisan, we cannot fail to p 403-237-2377/1-800-661-1802 32,000 members. f 403-263-2908 recognize there are differences in the st www.una.ab.ca In late October, UNA held its 41 Annual platforms of political parties, those dif- [email protected] General Meeting. The theme for this ferences matter to nurses – and therefore facebook.com/unitednurses important meeting as we enter our nurses deserve a balanced analysis of twitter.com/unitednurses union’s 42nd year was “It Matters!” those policies. Executive Board In my remarks to the AGM’s delegates So we recognize there are political President: Heather Smith h 780-437-2477 w 780-425-1025 and other participants in the meeting – aspects of the work to preserve health 1st Vice-President: Jane Sustrik more than 1,000 of them in the huge hall care, to extend it through phramacare, c 780-915-8367 w 780-425-1025 at the EXPO Centre in Edmonton – I and to protect our own members’ pen- 2nd Vice-President: Daphne Wallace asked them what they plan to do about sions. Our nearly 30 year pension fight c 780-991-4036 w 780-425-1025 or 403-237-2377 the issues we are sure to face in 2019. is a good example. It has finally come Secretary/Treasurer: to fruition as the Alberta government Karen Craik Because the threat of snow is not the c 403-510-5163 w 780-425-1025 or moves to keep the promise made more 403-237-2377 only thing in the air. There’s a hint of than a quarter century ago to restructure North District: elections to come as well. There will Roxann Dreger Emily Lozeron our Local Authorities Pension Plan into likely be a provincial election next North Central District: an independent entity jointly governed spring and a federal election next fall. Terri Barr Christina Doktor by employees and employers, the people Eva Brown Jenna Knight So I asked delegates to the AGM what Teresa Caldwell Karen Kuprys who contribute to it. Bill 27 is a key step I believe may be the most important Jennifer Castro Nicole Van Dijk toward protecting and preserving the question of 2019: Will we be bystanders Central District: quality pensions for which UNA mem- Donica Geddes Wanda Zimmerman or advocates? Sandra Zak bers have fought to hard. This could not South Central District: This is a serious question. UNA takes have happened without a tough political Eyituoyo Abati Susan Fisk very seriously its tradition of being a Barbara Campbell YooRee Keller fight by all public sector unions and the Marie Corns Amanda Moe non-partisan organization when it comes Alberta Federation of Labour. Ken Ewanchuck JoAnne Rhodes to politics. At the same time, from the South District: In my AGM remarks, I thanked UNA’s platforms already emerging in both the Sharon Gurr John Terry many activists and advocates for their provincial and federal jurisdictions, we tireless efforts over the years. Your will- Directors know that some politicians are more like- Labour Relations: ingness to be advocates in our workplac- ly to protect and enhance the things we David Harrigan es truly matters. Finance and Administrative Services: believe in as an organization than others. Darlene Rathgeber he best of the season This includes Canada’s great system of T Information Systems: to every one of you. Andrew Johnson fair and efficient public health care – or perhaps I should say public hospital care.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL So it also includes the need for Canada AGREEMENT #40064422 Heather Smith RETURN UNDELIVERABLE to finally develop a similarly fair and CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: President, United Nurses of Alberta UNITED NURSES OF ALBERTA 700-11150 JASPER AVENUE NW EDMONTON AB T5K OC7 FRONT COVER PHOTO: Samantha Prokopetz (left) and Kaylee Lanuke (right), members of UNA Local 65 at OilfieldGeneral Hospital in Black Diamond

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 3 ALBERTA INTRODUCES LAW TO GIVE EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS CONTROL OF THEIR PENSIONS

Important representatives of Alberta’s public sector unions pressed the government to implement joint governance of public sector pensions. From left to right, at a reception after the introduction of Bill 27: Elisabeth Ballerman, former president, Health Sciences Association of Alberta; Mike Parker, HSAA President; Tom Fuller, retired AUPE pension advisor; Marle Roberts, CUPE Alberta President; Trudy Thomson, HSAA Vice-President; Siobhan Vipond, Alberta Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer; , Labour Minister; , Finance Minister; Gil McGowan, AFL President; Heather Smith, UNA President; Richard West, UNA pension advisor; Craig MacDonald, Alberta Firefighters Association President; and Elizabeth Johannson, Non-Academic Staff Association President.

Historic legislation will take the politics out of pensions, finance minister says

IN an historic development preced- members are enrolled, the Public Service ed by decades of work by United Pension Plan (PSPP), and the Special Nurses of Alberta and other unions, Forces Pension Plan (SFPP). the Government of Alberta has intro- Karen Kuprys duced legislation that will give control The action by the NDP Government to put the pensions under joint governance of Alberta’s public sector pensions to The action by the employees and their employers. fulfills a promise made nearly 30 years ago by a previous government and brings NDP Government “This takes the politics out of pen- Alberta into line with a best-practices to put public sions,” Finance Minister Joe Ceci told approach to pension governance that is sector pensions a news conference immediately after in the mainstream of Canadian pension the Joint Governance of Public Sector governance. under joint Pension Plans Act was introduced in the governance fulfills Legislature on November 20. By removing the government as the “sole trustee” of the plans, the change a promise made The act proposes a joint governance eliminates the temptation by govern- nearly 30 years structure like that in other provinces for ments to meddle with the money working ago by a previous three of Alberta’s largest pension plans Albertans in enrolled in the plans have – the Local Authorities Pension Plan saved for their retirements. government. (LAPP), in which the majority of UNA CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 4

Election of president and secretary treasurer, speeches, and important union business marked 2018 AGM MORE than 1,000 Registered Nurse that has seen dramatic improve- and Registered Psychiatric Nurse lead- ments in the contracts negotiated for ers, member observers, staff, and others UNA members. attended United Nurses of Alberta’s 41st Annual General Meeting in Edmonton Secretary Treasurer Karen Craik was on October 23, 24 and 25. The theme for re-elected to a fourth term in a contested 2018 was, “It Matters!” election. Susan Fisk from Local 1 was acclaimed as the new South Central Among the most important business District representative. of the annual gathering of UNA mem- bers was the election by acclamation of In addition to reports from Smith, Craik Heather Smith as president of the union – and other UNA officials, the delegates her 16th consecutive two-year term. heard speeches by Alberta Premier , Health Minister Sarah President Smith’s 30th anniversary as Hoffman, Alberta Federation of Labour UNA’s leader was marked in a short President Gil McGowan and Children’s video in which Labour Relations Director Services Minister – a David Harrigan recalled the day 30 years Registered Nurse and former UNA Local ago, when still a member, he suggest- president before her election in the 2015 ed to Smith she consider running for Alberta general election. vice-president because he planned to run for president. After extended debate, elected delegates to the 2018 United Nurses of Alberta Things didn’t work out quite as he October 23-25 Annual General Meeting expected, he remembered wryly, but overwhelmingly passed a motion to it was the beginning of a successful implement an incremental increase of three-decade professional collaboration UNA union dues, from 1.3 per cent of gross earnings to 1.5 per cent. UNA’s last previous dues increase was 17 years ago in 2001. The increase will allow UNA to increase the size of its Collective Bargaining Fund and maintain services to members in response to such factors as growth in union membership, increasingly complex collective agreements, rising demand for member services, and significant legal changes such as the requirement to negotiate Essential Services Agreements in addition to Collective Bargaining United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 Agreements. 5

President Heather Smith’s remarks: DECISIONS MADE AT UNA AGM HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

“WILL we be bystanders or active advo- the face of overcapacity and inadequate cates?” That was the key question posed resources” at their health care worksites. by UNA President Heather Smith as she opened the United Nurses of Alberta’s She gave a shout-out to members of UNA 41st annual general meeting in Edmonton Local 2 at Red Deer Regional Hospital on the morning of Tuesday, October 23. and their Professional Responsibility Concern Committee “who have forced “There will be a provincial election next Alberta Health Services to be held spring and a federal election next fall,” accountable for the jeopardy they have she told the more than 1,000 delegates created to patient safety.” and others who gathered in Edmonton’s EXPO Centre convention hall. UNA’s Across Alberta, she said, UNA has members will need to be more than just worked to ensure employers and man- bystanders. agers respect and use the PRC process that is part of the Provincial Collective Members need to recognize there are Agreement, and that they recognize it “as differences in the platforms of political a valuable element of patient safety.” parties, and those differences matter to nurses, she said. They will need to think Smith acknowledged the commitment about those differences when they vote. of Covenant Health to the PRC process, and the real movement toward a similar Summarizing highlights of UNA’s pre- commitment by AHS. Alberta Health Minister vious year, Smith pointed to the push- speaks back in 2018 by the union’s members “in with a UNA member at the 2018 AGM. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 6

2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Labour Relations Director David Harrigan IT MATTERS! outlines case file details for delegates

case-management process that has result- ed in a streamlined dispute resolution with many settled in their early stages. “While UNA will continue to work on improving the timeliness of resolutions Director of Labour and hearings, this progress is a solid Relations David foundation,” Harrigan said. Harrigan delivers his annual report at Recent grievances dealt with have the UNA AGM. involved the employer’s obligation to provide CPR training to employees returning from disability and maternity leaves; blanket vacation denials in High Level, Fort Vermilion and La Crete; and disputes involving notice for employees returning from long-term disability. UNITED Nurses of Alberta dealt with significant numbers of grievances, Arbitrations arbitrations, regulatory college disci- plinary actions, Occupational Health Harrigan noted there were seven griev- and Safety complaints, and Professional ance arbitration hearings in the period, Responsibility Concerns from August compared with 10 the previous year. 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018, UNA Labour A total of 29 hearings were scheduled Relations Director David Harrigan but were resolved before the hearing told delegates during the union’s took place. That compared with 48 the October 23 AGM. previous year. Three arbitration awards were issued. Grievances Arbitrated issues included termination, UNA filed 890 grievances in the peri- entitlement to retro pay for education od, Harrigan said. That compares with allowances, pension entitlements at Shepherd’s Care and Good Samaritan 967 grievances in the same period a Society, and appropriate classification. year earlier.

He noted that UNA continued to work Regulatory College Discipline with Alberta Health Services to imple- ment improvements to grievance pro- Harrigan said the College and cessing, including drafting documents to Association of Registered Nurses of assist union Labour Relations Officers Alberta (CARNA) made strides in 2017 and employer Human Resources staff to toward an expedited complains process under the leadership of a new com- resolve conflicts. plaints director. UNA and AHS have been work- UNA had noted an apparent move ing together on this since 2017, away from the Complaint Resolution when they implemented a successful Agreements (CRAs) early in 2018.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 7

However, he said, CARNA now appears tracking system’s launch in May until to have recommitted itself to the use end of July the prior year. of CRAs. “UNA will continue to mon- itor the timeliness and fairness of the OH&S Officer Dewey Funk facilitat- CARNA process under new leader- ed 12 days of workshops on Dealing ship,” he said. with Abuse, OH&S Basic and OH&S Advanced, Harrigan noted, and made UNA opened 142 complaints with nurs- presentations at June’s UNA District es’ professional regulatory associations Meetings on the new Alberta OH&S Act. in the reporting period, compared to 193 UNA made 15 OH&S presentations to in 2016-2017. the AHS CEO or designate, Harrigan noted, and Funk attended 37 local OH&S Professional Responsibility Concerns committee meetings. The new Provincial Collective “Dewey is also a presence at Provincial Agreement ratified in early 2018 includ- AHS Labour-Management OH&S ed the most significant changes to the Meetings, AHS co-chair teleconferences, Professional Responsibility Article since security meetings, AHS Senior WHS the language was first introduced in the Director meetings, Covenant Health 1980s, Harrigan told delegates. OH&S Director meeting, CFNU National OH&S Committee, CFNU Violence New steps include options to request vol- in Health Care discussions, Alberta untary mediation, refer unresolved issues Federation of Labour OH&S Committee to an external Independent Assessment meetings, and Government of Alberta Committee, and use the agreement’s OH&S Policy and Compliance Directors grievance process to resolve breaches of meetings,” Harrigan said. written agreements. In one of the year’s OH&S highlights, The first two voluntary mediation UNA met with Deputy Premier and PRC meetings were held in early Health Minister Sarah Hoffman on April October 2018. 4 to discuss the challenges of Form 10 UNA and Covenant Health continued to patients being admitted to sites that are work together to develop new resources not Designated Sites under the Mental to help UNA members, staff and PRC Health Act. Committees identify best practices for each step of the PRC process. Other Files The new resources, launched at a series UNA opened 73 disability benefits files of joint information sessions at Covenant in the reporting period, compared with Health worksites in May, are available on 80 a year earlier. UNA has closed 70 of UNA’s website and app. UNA and AHS these 153 files. hope to roll out joint PRC best practice UNA opened 43 Workers Compensation guidelines this year. Board files in the period, compared with 36. The union has now closed 38 of 79. Occupational Health and Safety UNA opened 188 accommodation files in the period, compared with 111 a UNA received 222 Occupational Health year earlier, and has now closed 159 of and Safety complaints in 2018. That the 299. compared with 178 between the DMS

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 8

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Scenes from the 2018 UNA AGM. “I am not naive, and I know that saying independent employee-employer joint management will respect and encour- trusteeship, a key step toward protect- age nurses to identify Professional ing and preserving quality pensions for Responsibility Concerns is not an end, UNA members. it is a beginning,” she added. “Actually having ‘just culture’ in our workplaces, Smith also acknowledged the personal where speaking-up and Professional contribution of UNA’s hundreds of mem- Responsibility is valued, will not hap- ber-advocates. “I know very well that pen overnight. But it will never happen for some of those advocates the personal unless we hold management accountable toll on their health and well-being is for the commitments they have made.” much more than any resolution will ever compensate for,” she said. “It is an unac- Smith also spoke of UNA’s commit- ceptable price for doing what we must do ment to the momentum for a national – advocating for healthy workplaces and phramacare program – supported by safe patient care.” a coalition of more than 70 national organizations that includes UNA and the “Our willingness to be advocates in our Canadian Federation of Nurses Union. workplaces does matter,” she conclud- ed. “From the care provided today to And she praised Alberta Federation of our patients, residents and clients, to the Labour President Gil McGowan for his environment, and the challenges of cli- work to ensure the promise made nearly mate change. … Advocacy matters!” 30 years ago by a previous government to members of the Local Authorities Pension Plan, a group that includes most UNA members, to move the LAPP to

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 9

Nursing experience makes effective politicians, Children’s Services Minister Danielle Larivee tells AGM

INSTEAD of a traditional speech, Children’s Services Minister Danielle Children’s Services Larivee told delegates attending UNA’s Minister Danielle Larivee. AGM the story of how she “made the leap from front-line nursing to being a minister in cabinet.” The transition to political life is in fact a natural one for Registered Nurses, Larivee argued, because not only do “politics matter very, very much to nurs- es,” but “nursing prepares you pretty well for this job.” “You are an advocate for your patients and your residents,” Larivee said. “Nurses also can do that at the politi- cal level.” of Nurses Unions President Linda Silas, Nursing taught her many skills, more- who also brought greetings to the AGM. over, that have proved worthwhile in public life. “Listening skills learned way But she also emphasized her strong belief back in nursing school have been tremen- in her own party’s policies – and why dously valuable to me in politics.” she chose to run for the NDP rather than another party as her involvement in UNA Nursing also teaches problem solving and as an activist and local president grew. critical thinking. “Whether you’re mak- “I came into it with a framework and an ing a decision at the bedside, or making understanding I was a nurse – always to a policy decision about a ministry, those stay focused on the fact that I was there problem-solving skills that you learned in to serve. I’ve been able to do things that nursing come back,” she said, recalling at matter to thousands of people.” how political co-workers marvel at how calm she remains when problems appear “So, yes, politics matters,” she said. But “I came into it with “it matters who is in political office,” too. larger than life. a framework and Larivee noted that attention to detail, The NDP’s continued commitment, she an understanding said, “is to protect, sustain and advance a adaptability, confidence, stamina, time I was a nurse – management, the desire to learn and public health care system.” always to stay patience are all skills taught by nursing Regardless, though, she concluded, “the – and all valuable in political life. And value of having a nurse at the cabinet focused on the fact she described the inspiration she got table is that we bring the perspective of that I was there from nursing leaders like UNA President nursing to government.” Heather Smith and Canadian Federation to serve.” – Danielle Larivee

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 10

AFL PRESIDENT OFFERS ADVICE TO POLITICIANS: SUPPORT WORKING PEOPLE GIL McGowan, president of the Alberta support and vote for the values and prior- Federation of Labour, had some advice ities we’ve embraced for years.” for politicians in his remarks to the United Nurses of Alberta AGM: “If you “If you want our support, start support- want support from working people, you ing public health care and stop sup- should offer support to working people!” porting cuts and privatization,” he said, rhetorically addressing Kenney. “Support McGowan summed up his con- pharmacare and stop opposing the exten- cerns about the hints Albertans have sion of the medicare umbrella.” heard about the policies the United Conservative Party would be likely to After listing policies that tend to be implement if it forms government next favoured by conservative parties he year – since not much actual policy has argued would hurt working people, been outlined by the UCP and its leader, McGowan vowed that “we in the labour . movement will continue advocating for laws and policies that are good for work- Unions and their members don’t sup- ing people. port the NDP government of Premier “And we’ll keep voting for candidates Scenes from the Rachel Notley “because we bleed orange and parties who embrace and deliver 2018 UNA AGM. or because someone is coercing us,” Top right: UNA pension McGowan told the AGM delegates. “We those things,” he concluded. expert Richard West. support and vote for them because they

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 11

30 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP by Heather Smith acknowledged

ON the final day of the 1988 United “We have been so fortunate. We have Nurses of Alberta Annual General a strong, fierce leader who has guided Meeting, October 20 that year, delegates us through some good times and some from throughout the province elected difficult times – the Klein years, massive Heather Smith as president of the union. cutbacks and layoffs, the ‘Third Way,’ the attack on pensions, downsizing, upsizing, At the 2018 AGM, First Vice-President decentralizing, workforce transforma- Jane Sustrik briefly interrupted the tion, scheduling optimization, collabo- proceedings for an impromptu tribute to rative care, benchmarking, operational the leadership of Smith, who has been best practices, bending the cost curve president ever since. …” Really, Sustrik observed, the list of “That length of service is uncommon, euphemisms to sugarcoat cutting corners maybe even unheard of for the president to save money is pretty long. “That length of a union,” observed Sustrik. “Heck, it’s The point is, despite those challenges, almost unheard of for the president of UNA has become a formidable force of service is any company or organization.” under Smith’s leadership, Sustrik said. uncommon, maybe “Heather, I know you don’t like this kind “You have been fearless, courageous, even unheard of of recognition, but too bad,” she said. diplomatic, tough, quick-witted, and loyal for the president “I have the chair and you deserve the to this membership and nurses across acknowledgement.” Alberta,” she concluded before business of a union.” resumed. Jane Sustrik

UNA President Heather Smith.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 12

Nurse’s struggle to change pension regulations will help others with shortened life expectancy

NOT long before her untimely death As Kovaluk’s condition worsened, her on November 7, more than 1,000 nurses husband Peter Chan retired early to assist paused during United Nurses of Alberta’s with her care. But the situation, Kovaluk October annual general meeting to thank wrote shortly before her death, began to Colleen Kovaluk for her successful effort take a heavy financial toll. to allow Local Authorities Pension Plan “Due to the fact I was diagnosed with members with shortened life expectancy a terminal illness and receiving long- to access their benefits while remaining term disability benefits, I was ineligible members of the plan. to collect my LAPP pension funds that The necessary changes to the regula- I had put away throughout my nursing tions governing the LAPP would never career,” she wrote. “I thought, ‘I cannot have happened without Kovaluk’s effort, be the only terminally ill person that this First Vice-President Jane Sustrik told has happened to.’ That’s when I began to the AGM. “She worked tirelessly to get contact people to help me figure out what that through.” could be done.” Kovaluk, a Registered Nurse in Alberta At first, explained Chan, the couple were for more than 30 years, was diagnosed in told the answer was not much. “They 2015 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, just looked at us and said, ‘Good luck.’” an incurable disease that over time The LAPP Regulations would have to be destroys the ability of its victims to walk, amended, they were told, which would talk, eat, swallow and eventually breath. require the approval of the LAPP Board It was a week before her 60th birthday. and the Finance Ministry. Colleen Kovaluk remembered. But over time, a determined Kovaluk pressed on, arguing an exception needed to be made to accommodate plan mem- bers coping with a terminal illness who needed financial relief. She met with LAPP officials, Alberta Government offi- cials, UNA, the ALS Society of Alberta, and Finance Minister Ceci. In March 2017, Kovaluk received a letter from the executive director of the Alberta Pensions Services Corp. saying the LAPP Board had agreed in late 2016 to recommend to Ceci the LAPP Regulation be amended to permit pension plans to be unlocked for persons with consider- ably shortened life expectancy. The letter ended, however, by noting that the min- ister had not indicated if further action would be taken.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 13 TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF PENSIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Speaking to the news conference, UNA 2014 by legislation brought forward by “The integrity of our member Karen Kuprys, a Registered Conservative Premier Alison Redford’s pension plans is Nurse at the Youville Home in St. Albert government that would have undercut now something that and a member of Local 154, told the news the retirement plans of many public conference that “it’s great the promise employees. we won’t have to of joint trusteeship of our pension plan Those changes were eventually stopped worry about.” made by the government almost 30 years after weeks of protest by members of -Karen Kuprys RN ago has finally been honoured.” UNA and other public employees, the “As a nurse and a front-line health care premier said, adding that the NDP wants worker, at times I have been concerned “to ensure that you have joint gover- about my retirement security … with nance of your pension plan because it is attacks on our pension,” said Kuprys, only right. who has been an RN in Alberta for 25 “You deserve your seat at the table, years and is enrolled in the LAPP. and you deserve an equal say on your “Four years ago, I was one of the thou- pensions and your future,” Premier sands of Albertans who stood up for Notley said retirement security,” she said. “We wrote Under joint governance, a Sponsor Board letters to the finance minister, called our made up of nominees from employee MLAs, and rallied in minus-30-degree and employer sponsor organizations will weather against changes the former gov- govern each plan and be responsible for ernment tried to impose that would have plan design. put our retirement security at risk.” The legislation will also establish new “This change now removes politics from LAPP, PSPP and SFPP corporations the decision-making process,” Kuprys responsible for the overall operation of said. “The integrity of our pension plans the plans, with a fiduciary responsibility is now something that we won’t have to to act in the interests of plan members. worry about.” The government anticipates transition “I want to be able to always focus on the to the new model of joint governance to wellbeing of my patients,” she said. take place on March 1, 2019. During UNA’s annual general meeting in Go to www.alberta.ca/joint-gover- October, Premier Rachel Notley tipped nance-pension-plans.aspx for delegates and others that the legisla- background information on the Joint tion would be introduced during the Governance of Public Sector fall session. Pension Plans Act from the Government She reminded the AGM of the threat of Alberta. posed to UNA members’ pensions in

UNA President Heather Smith, at left, and First Vice-President Jane Sustrik, at right, with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 14

Violence in health care is a global phenomenon; it needs to stop!

THE story of Lori Dupont sends chills be done to address the everyday violence down the spines of even the most sea- that makes workplaces dangerous for soned nurses and front-line health care both caregivers and patients. workers. Lori was a nurse at a hospital in Windsor, Ont., in 2005 when she was The conference, held every two years in stabbed to death by a physician in her locations around the world, was co-host- workplace. ed this year by the Ontario Nurses’ Association, the union that repre- While this is an extreme outcome of sented Dupont. violence in health care workplaces, the circumstances that led to Dupont murder ONA President Vicki McKenna spoke are by no means unique. about how Dupont’s murder spurred ONA to pursue change relentlessly. That Health care workers across Canada and work eventually led to the Ontario gov- around the world are grappling with ernment creating the Workplace Violence everyday violence in multiple forms, Prevention in Healthcare Leadership By Linda Silas President, Canadian violence made worse by belt-tightening Table, which tabled its report last year. Federation of Nurses Unions measures that turn up the pressure on front-line workers to manage more and Nurses’ unions across Canada have been more patients. making similar gains through collabo- rative approaches to tackling violence This reality was clear during the recent by bringing governments, employers, proceedings of the Sixth International police and their own members on side to Conference on Violence in the Health change the culture of health care work- Sector. Experts from around the world places from top to bottom, recognizing gathered in Toronto to share their suc- the essential role of health care leaders in cesses in proactively preventing violence, organizational transformation. while recognizing much more needs to This groundbreaking work is happen- ing at the local and provincial level, but there is also a vital role to be played in tackling this issue on a national stage. That’s why the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions has created an online Workplace Violence Toolkit, to share a range of resources for policy-makers, employers, unions or anyone seeking to create change.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH The need for more concerted action to spread best practices and inspire change PUTTING A STOP TO VIOLENCE IN THE HEALTH CARE SECTOR extends to the federal government, which has an opportunity to show much-needed ENOUGH IS - A DISCUSSION PAPER - leadership on this issue. ENOUGH JUNE 2017 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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Haze of uncertainty surrounds CANNABIS IN THE WORKPLACE AMONG the public sentiments that recreational cannabis that were released accompanied the recent legalization of to coincide with legalization. recreational cannabis in Canada was In general, the CFNU supports a public uncertainty among workers about work- health approach to cannabis and recom- place implications. mends nurses “be provided with suffi- Workplace policies and procedures on cient resources and training to acquire By Lauren Snowball impairment, accommodation, occupa- the necessary knowledge, skills and Canadian Federation tional health and safety, and training judgment to assist with the administra- of Nurses Unions need to be reconsidered in light of the tion of medical cannabis, and to educate new legal terrain. and respond to the public with respect to the health implications of recreational For better or worse, federal labour laws, cannabis.” which apply to federally regulated work- places, provided no guidance. Workplace Where nurses may be exposed to canna- policies to date have been wildly bis at work, they must have “appropriate inconsistent. training and have access to recommend- ed personal protective equipment (PPE).” The policy released by the Department Furthermore, “the risk of exposure to of National Defence, for example, pro- smoked cannabis must be included in hibits the military from using cannabis safety policies, which need to provide within eight hours of duty, 24 hours for for a non-consumption period prior to those handling weapons or involved in nurses entering a patient’s residence or firefighting or medical response. RCMP resident’s room.” officers in so-called “safety-sensitive” roles must abstain from non-medicinal Nurses’ unions are strongly opposed to cannabis a full 28 days before report- random drug testing, a position that is ing to work. generally supported by existing case law. The CFNU recommends employees who For health care workplaces, the issues use medical cannabis should be accom- get messier as policies try to navigate the modated in a way that mirrors existing potential for patient and employee use practices for employees taking prescribed of medical and recreational cannabis. medications “that have the potential to In such a confusing haze (so to speak), impact or impair their work.” how can workplaces strike a fair balance between the interests of public safety and While more clarity will doubtless emerge the rights of employees? in the months following legalization, the CFNU encourages health care workers The Canadian Federation of Nurses confronting improper training, lack of Unions (CFNU) has developed guiding For more information, access to PPE, unsafe working conditions recommendations about medical and visit NursesUnions.ca or whose right to accommodation is not respected, to contact their union. or contact UNA.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 16 WE’LL NEVER END WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTH CARE IF HEALTH WORKERS WON’T REPORT IT

By Dewey Funk with about 50 per cent reporting physical UNA, OH&S Advisor ENDING violence in health care should be a simple task. After all, society abuse by patients in the same period. doesn’t tolerate physical or sexual On April 28, observed annually as the assaults in any other occupation. And International Day of Mourning for health care is a huge employer in Canada workers killed, injured or sickened on the with many worksites – the Government job, United Nurses of Alberta President of Alberta alone budgeted more than $22 Heather Smith called on employers to billion dollars for health care this year. ensure there is security in every active In 2017, the Canadian Federation of patient care facility across the province. Nurses Unions put together a discussion On June 1, Alberta’s new Occupational paper called “Enough is Enough: Putting Health and Safety Act became law. Part a Stop to Violence in the Health Care 27 of the Act, Violence and Harassment, UNA OH&S Advisor Sector.” When it was released during was strengthened. Employers are now Dewey Funk the 2017 CFNU biennial convention in required to institute harassment and Calgary, President Linda Silas stated: violence prevention policies. Domestic “Violence is not part of our job” violence in the workplace is also finally Nevertheless, the Canadian Institute of recognized as a workplace hazard. Health Information (CIHI) surveyed Despite these improvements, though, 19,000 regulated nurses and found about this legislation does not go far enough. a third of them had suffered physical There is still nothing in the law requiring abuse over the previous 12 months. In employers to institute adequate training long-term care, the findings were worse, or ensure security is readily available for workers who face violence.

UNA ASKS ALRB TO SEND NURSE PRACTITIONER REPRESENTATION CASE TO SINGLE HEARING

IN late October, the Government of Alberta withdrew its intention to intervene on the constitutional issues raised by United Nurses of Alberta’s application to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for a determination it can represent Nurse Practitioners employed by Alberta Health Services.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 17

Recently I went to four rural UNA Obviously, it’s time for the government of worksites in a single week. The com- Alberta to instruct health care employers plaints I heard most often were that the to ensure that a greater portion of the employers could not ensure availability $22.1 billion we spend on health care is of security on site when required. This allocated to security at facilities to ensure left nurses in unsafe working conditions. health care workers are safe to do their jobs, and patients and their families are It is amazing to me that this remains safe as well. the case in health care when so many industries hire security guards routinely Please report all incidents of violence to protect worksites from vandalism and using MySafetyNet (MSN). theft. Oil companies regularly do this. Yet when we consider violence in health When you don’t report these incidents, care, there are rural sites across the prov- there is no record. ince with either limited security on site You have the right to ask for the MSN or none at all. Employees at these sites investigation report from your employ- have to call the RCMP for support – if er. If more employees asked for these the Mounties are available. investigation reports, I believe employers I have been told in response to my would be forced to act to end violence. concerns that AHS must consider its Under pressure, they might come up with budget and get the best value for its better solutions. limited resources, that security on site The employer uses MSN reports to deter- When you don’t isn’t always the best option. I have been mine if security is needed. If employees told that while the presence of securi- fail to report incidents of violence, the report these ty employees may be a deterrent, just employer can claim there is no evidence. incidents, there because there is security on-site doesn’t So, please, start reporting! is no record. mean violence will end. It always seems to boil down to the budgets.

Health care workers have a right to a safe workplace!

In a letter to the ALRB sent on In a separate letter, UNA’s legal counsel November 1, lawyers for UNA accord- asked the Board to add the name of a ingly asked the Board to confirm the second Nurse Practitioner to its appli- union’s understanding this indicates no cation, which was originally brought by one is prepared to defend the constitu- the union and Nurse Practitioner Jessica tionality of the current exclusion of Nurse Wakeford. Rochelle Young, a Nurse Practitioners in the Alberta Labour Practitioner for five years, asserted that Relations Code. the sections of the Code that prohibit Nurse Practitioners from bargaining col- If so, UNA requested that the Board lectively violate her right to freedom of reconsider its previous direction that the association as protected by the Canadian application be bifurcated, with one part Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Find more dealing only with the constitutional mat- ter, and direct the case proceed to a sin- Copies of the letters are available in the information at gle hearing as earlier proposed by UNA. Nurse Practitioners’ application section una.ab.ca/ of the UNA website, una.ab.ca. nursepractitioners

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 18 UNA’S FIRST VOLUNTARY PRC MEDIATION yields partial success and hope for improvement

UNITED Nurses of Alberta has taken As a result, in 2016 UNA requested part in its first voluntary mediation to a meeting with Covenant’s govern- resolve a longstanding Professional ing board, which also failed to bring Responsibility Concern under the process resolution. Last year, UNA President outlined in Article 36 of the union’s new Heather Smith wrote Health Minister Provincial Collective Agreement. Sarah Hoffman outlining the unre- solved concerns. UNA views the process involving Covenant Health’s Community Geriatric Hoffman responded in December 2017, Psychiatry Program as a partial success, explaining the government’s priorities, said PRC Advisor Joshua Bergman. Five and throughout 2018 there have been of seven specific union recommendations communications between UNA and were agreed to during the October 4 Covenant on the status of the employer’s mediation, and agreement was reached ongoing review of the service. on how to deal with two others over a longer time frame, he explained. In May 2018, UNA made the for- mal request for voluntary mediation The mediation stemmed from PRCs filed under Article 36 of the new collective about problems in the program, which agreement. serves seniors throughout the Greater Edmonton area, beginning in 2013 when At the end of the October 4 meeting, the demand for seniors’ community mental parties had agreed to: health services began to grow enough to ƒƒ Post and replace all vacant positions require a wait list for the first time. in the program in a timely manner, Nurses in UNA Local 11 in west making efforts to ensure a two week Edmonton, where the CGP Program is overlap for orientation, and if possi- based, first filed PRCs in June 2013, not- ble, hiring casual staff to help cover ing reduction of services, excessive case- illness or other leaves. loads, clients waiting up to five weeks for ƒƒ The Employer will revisit the pro- assessments, and technology concerns. gram providing post-hospital follow Since then, as the wait list continued to up to all Edmonton area hospitals grow, nurses were required to work at with inpatient mental health units. overcapacity. Currently, the program only provides UNA President An additional PRC was filed in 2014 post-hospital follow up to patients Heather Smith wrote and the process continued into 2015, discharged from Villa Caritas and the Glenrose. Health Minister Sarah when UNA requested a meeting with Covenant’s CEO. That meeting took Hoffman outlining the ƒƒ The parties will work together to place, but many of Local 11’s concerns provide a psychologically safe work unresolved concerns. remained unresolved. environment for all staff.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 Photos from mercyships.ca 19

Floating hospital brought mercy, inspiration to Africa, CALGARY NURSE RECALLS THE AFRICA MERCY

BACK from a recent mission aboard the Africa Mercy, Registered Nurse Donna Maxell of United Nurses of Alberta Local 115 in Calgary describes the heart- break and inspiration she felt as a volun- teer in Cameroon, a part of Africa where people usually cannot access Western standards of treatment and care. Volunteering for most of April in the port of Douala aboard the hospital ship More information as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse, Maxwell described Africa Mercy’s mis- Common procedures include ophthalmic, on Mercy Ships sion as one of “bringing hope and healing orthopedic, obstetric, plastics and max- International, to the forgotten poor.” illary facial surgeries, as well as dental a registered care, often extractions. “To see the extent of damage and dis- charity in Canada, ability caused by diseases in developing “It was wonderful to be a part of such a countries, many of which cannot be devoted, selfless, cheerful, hardworking is available at imagined by the average Canadian, was team,” Maxwell recalled. “At all levels MercyShips.ca. heartbreaking,” Maxwell wrote in her they did their best to bring health and report to UNA after receiving a $1,000 healing to Africa, always taking into humanitarian grant to assist her volunteer consideration patients’ cultural beliefs work. “But to witness the extraordinary with a goal of directing a patient’s jour- work done on the ship was remarkable. I ney to the best physical and emotional saw joy and beauty, rejoicing and radi- health possible.” ance in the patients’ journey to recovery.” Maxwell traveled alone to her volunteer Africa Mercy, a 150-metre former Danish mission but was aware of nurses and ferry, has five Operating Rooms, an other medical professionals from Alberta Donna Maxell Intensive Care Unit, an isolation bed, and and Canada aboard this year. “At one a 78-bed patient ward. It is operated by point, I heard half the workers on the ship Mercy Ships, an international Christian were Canadians.” medical charity founded in 1978. She concluded her letter of thanks to Offering life-saving and life-changing UNA: “Was there sadness? Yes, some. surgeries, Mercy Ships provides free But so much more joy and a belief in a health care, community health educa- better day. It renewed my faith in the tion, plus community development and medical community and a belief that agricultural projects, Maxwell wrote. miracles do happen.”

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 20

NEW Collective Agreement includes commitment for implementation of psychological safety plan ACCORDING to the Canadian Mental promoting employees’ psychological Health Commission, in any given year, health and preventing psychological harm one in five people in Canada will experi- at work, noted Marie Dancsok, a UNA ence a mental health problem or illness. Labour Relations Officer with expertise The cost to the economy is estimated to in psychological health and safety in the be in excess of $50 billion. workplace. Accordingly, UNA’s latest Provincial Psychological safety in the workplace Collective Agreement contains an grew out of research into violence in the important addition: a commitment workplace and the effort to provide work- by employers and the union to imple- places free from violence, Dancsok said. ment a psychological health and The document – which is available online safety plan consistent with the cur- from the Canadian Standards Association rent Canadian Standards Association – discusses in detail such topics as Psychological Health and Safety in the preventative and protective measures; Workforce Standard. UNA Labour Relations education, awareness and communication Officer Marie Dancsok. “Aspects of this plan relevant to a partic- standards, critical event preparedness; ular workplace may be reviewed annually competence and training standards; by the Occupational Health and Safety reporting and inspection processes; mon- Committee,” Article 34.05 of the agree- itoring and measurement; and prevention. ment states. In laypersons’ terms, Dancsok explained, The voluntary set of psychological health a psychologically safe workplace is and safety guidelines, tools and resourc- defined as one that permits no harm to es published by the Canadian Standards employee mental health as a result of Association in 2013 had the goal of negligence, recklessness or intentional actions.

PRC SUCCESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 ƒƒ The Employer will endeavor to make equivalents – as managers had indicat- staff assignments that allow allied ed they would do during discussions in health disciplines the ability to per- 2014 and 2015. form discipline specific consults. However, the parties agreed to con- ƒƒ Implement an Employee- tinue to try to resolve those issues Management Advisory Committee through the EMAC. (EMAC) to provide an ongoing mechanism to deal with outstanding “We are hoping this will be a step toward and new concerns. a more collaborative relationship and that the soon-to-be-established EMAC will ƒƒ On October 1, 2019, the union will provide a fresh start for everyone,” said revisit if it believes an increase of Local 11 President Stephanie Taylor. FTE is still necessary and if so, a new PRC may be filed. “The work is not done yet, but we would not have gotten this far without you,” she Unfortunately, Covenant did not agree said in a message to Local members. to adding more RN/RPN full-time

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 21 CONTRACT QUIZ UNA Labour Relations Officer Katie McGreer continues to create entertaining and educational puzzles for readers of UNA NewsBulletin. Here’s her latest, a quiz about UNA’s Provincial Collective Agreement that asks readers to find the statement that is false. Warning: There’s one trick question, with two false answers.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT! Two statements in each category are true. One is false. See if you can use your NEW collective agreement to figure out which is false before checking the answers. Answers are found on Page 26.

A B C HOURS OF If you request to work If your manager asks you If your manager changes WORK permanent nights you can to be readily available for your schedule but does not revert back to a shift pattern work during your lunch give you at least 14 days’ with days, evenings and/or break, you will be paid at notice, you will be paid 2X nights at any time. straight time. your basic rate of pay.

A B C SENIORITY In-scope employees lose RNs lose their seniority During line selection, seniority if there is a six if they move from AHS a senior RN does not month break in their to Covenant. have priority on the continuous employment. unit for vacant lines of a different FTE.

A B C VACANCIES, If there is a vacancy of 0.4 Seniority is the deciding If an RN accepts a TRANSFERS & FTE or more on a unit, this factor in making management position, the PROMOTIONS FTE cannot be broken up promotions and transfers. RN’s vacancy will be posted and offered to RNs on the as a temporary vacancy for unit in order of seniority. up to 18 months.

A B C LEAVES OF If one of your immediate Your Employer does not pay You are entitled to ABSENCE family members dies, you you wages while you are on one half day of leave may take a leave of absence. parental leave. with pay to attend a If you take the leave right citizenship ceremony. away, you will not lose out on your pay.

A B C PROFESSIONAL You are only entitled to If you are required to attend If you must travel to DEVELOPMENT three PD days annually. an education or in-service attend compulsory staff (PD) on your day off, you will development activities, the be paid for a minimum of Employer will reimburse three hours at 2X your basic you for transportation, rate of pay. subsistence, course material and registration fees.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 22 EVERYONE IN CANADA DESERVES FAIR DRUG COVERAGE: More than 70 groups sign onto national pharmacare consensus

ARGUING that everyone in Canada should have the same pharmaceutical drug coverage without financial barriers and regardless of job, location, age or ability to pay, more than 70 national, provincial and territorial organizations from coast to coast announced consensus principles for national pharmacare in late September.

“For a program of national prescription drug coverage to be successful and effective, it must be a single-payer system that is universal, public, accessible, comprehensive in coverage and portable, according to the consensus,” said a statement by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, which along with United Nurses of Alberta is among the growing list of groups signing the consensus document.

“When it comes to national pharmacare, the question is no longer if, but how the system will be built,” said CFNU President Linda Silas. “Today there is consensus among pharmacare advocates that our patchwork system does not need any more patches. Canada needs a single blanket of drug coverage for the whole country.”

The consensus is based on five principles:

1. Universality – covering all Canadians

2. Public, single-payer administration – integrated with public health care and leveraging single-payer purchasing to keep costs low

3. Accessibility – no financial or other barriers to medically necessary drugs

4. Comprehensiveness – covering all medications judges safe and effective by scientific evidence

5. Portability – providing continuous coverage no matter where residents move in Canada

The coalition also said in its statement it believes this can only be achieved with fed- eral government leadership, including a substantial funding commitment.

Nurses do not support co-payments, deductibles or means testing, Silas added, because Canada’s tax system is already “means tested.”

The coalition argues that as drug spending is shifted from the private to public sector through comprehensive national pharmacare, Ottawa must ensure system-wide sav- ings are distributed fairly to ensure provinces, patients and our health care system all benefit.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 23

Trade unionists mark

LABOUR DAY with community celebrations

Scenes from LOCAL Labour Councils celebrated Labour Day 2018 with picnics and BBQs for Labour Day members and the community residents. Many UNA members traditionally turn out at in Alberta these events.

In Edmonton, the Edmonton and District Labour Council held its 29th annual Labour Day BBQ for the unemployed and underemployed in Giovanni Caboto Park in the inner-city McCauley neighbourhood.

Calgary’s Labour Council celebrated its 10th anniversary Labour day BBQ

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 24

AFL’s Next Alberta campaign leads to next provincial election with focus on economic future

THE price of oil is rising, at times dra- Next Alberta is a project by and for the matically, but many Albertans remain working people of Alberta – nurses, fire- anxious about their future. fighters, construction workers, paramed- ics, bus drivers, retail workers, officer That entirely justified concern is the workers and many more. focus of the Alberta Federation of Labour’s “Next Alberta” campaign, “We believe that, together, we can choose announced last spring and now actively our economic future and build the Next engaging Albertans in a conversation Alberta economy,” McGowan said. about the province’s economic future as next spring’s anticipated provincial elec- tion grows closer. The campaign includes a 12-point plan for Alberta’s future: “All Albertans understand that what we’re facing is more than just another 1. Provide strategic support for boom-bust cycle,” says AFL President Alberta’s oil and gas industry Gil McGowan, arguing that the real 2. Take on the “energy challenge facing the province and its eco- dinosaurs” who deny nomic managers is what he calls “a truly technological and climate fundamental transformation of the global change are real energy economy.” 3. Diversify the economy McGowan observes that while the Opposition United Conservative Party 4. Invest in public infrastructure has been debating policy proposals that will allow for profit growth and tax cuts 5. Invest in public services for the wealthy and their corporations, 6. Expand the Medicate umbrella labour leaders and activists have been talking about how to prepare Alberta’s 7. Launch a universal public child economy for an uncertain future in ways care program that will benefit all Albertans. 8. Make tuition free and expand “In this election, we can choose politi- educational opportunities cians who deny that change is happening 9. Champion revenue reform To learn more about and just want to bring back the ‘good old days’,” said McGowan. “Or, we can 10. Revamp procurement policies these 12 points choose politicians who see the challenge 11. and participate in presented by the energy transformation Enhance the bargaining power of working Albertans the campaign, visit and are willing to support Albertans and Alberta businesses so we come out the 12. Expand the pension umbrella NextAlberta.org. other side stronger.”

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 25

Representatives of U.S. nurses’ union visit Alberta to see public health care in operation

Nurse and staff leaders from National Nurses United paid a visit to the University of Alberta Hospital and met with Registered Nurses from UNA Local 301 to discuss how public health care is delivered at large hospitals in Alberta.

A delegation of nine nurse and staff NNU Co-President Deborah Burger, leaders from National Nurses United an RN for more than 30 years, shortly visited Alberta in late September to learn before the visit. “We talk to our patients about Canadian single-payer health care who are often forced to choose between as Registered Nurses across the United seeking medical care or paying their rent States fight for a Medicare for All system or electricity.” that will guarantee health care as a human right. She thanked United Nurses of Alberta for hosting the visit. National Nurses United, the largest union of RNs in the United States with 150,000 “We are very proud to live in a country members nationwide, has won landmark with a universal health care system and health and safety protections for nurses are delighted to have the opportunity and patients in the areas of staffing, safe to discuss its strengths with our friends patient handling, infectious disease and from the United States,” UNA President workplace violence protection. Heather Smith told the visitors. The Alberta visit – which included a “We are also pleased to have the oppor- meeting at UNA’s Provincial Office in tunity to dispel some of the myths Edmonton with Alberta Health Minister about Canadian health care that have Sarah Hoffman – was part of NNU’s been spread to citizens of the United ongoing fight for a just and fair public States and to outline the improvecare for health care system similar to Canada’s patients and the lower cost to taxpayers a that has been gaining momentum in the Canadian-style single-payer health care United States. system would mean,” she said. “As bedside nurses, we see how our The visitors also toured the University patients are suffering from the U.S.’s of Alberta Hospital and met members of profit-driven health care system,” said UNA Local 301.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 26

Contract negotiations begin at smaller worksites across Alberta

UNITED Nurses of Alberta is focused on UNA representatives of nurses employed negotiating new contracts for members at Benevolence Care Centre in Edmonton employed at smaller worksites through- are negotiating their first collective out Alberta. agreement with their employer, Park Place Seniors Living. The bargain- At the time this News Bulletin went ing unit of 20 Registered Nurses was to print, UNA is preparing for or is formed shortly after their application Benevolence Care Centre involved in various stages of bargaining Bargaining Committee to join UNA was approved by the for members employed by Canadian members Tamyris Salloum Alberta Labour Relations Board on Blood Services, Carewest, CapitalCare, (UNA member), Joe Ahrens June 22, 2018. (UNA Labour Relations Extendicare Canada Inc., the Good Officer), and Ashley Samaritan Society, and Revera Long UNA members employed at Benevolence Teixeira (UNA member). Term Care. Care Centre have been allocated to Local 234. UNA provides a wide range of services to its members. A key role is negotiating the excellent collective agreements that regulate salaries, benefits, schedules and working conditions of members. UNA also administers its agreements to resolve disputes, improve working conditions and protect nurses’ workplace rights.

CONTRACT QUIZ CONTRACT QUIZ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 21 Nurses have launched a national petition, Hours of Work: (A) is false. If you request to work permanent nights, you must sponsored by former emergency room work nights for at least 12 months because you hold the right to revert back to a doctor and Manitoba MP Doug Eyolfson, shift pattern with days. calling on the federal Minister of Health Seniority: (B) is false. RNs will not lose their seniority if they move from AHS to “to develop a pan-Canadian prevention Covenant Health because of reciprocal seniority provisions under the collec- strategy to address growing incidents of tive agreement (which say that continuous service within the bargaining unit violence against health care workers.” includes service with any Employer with a bargaining relationship UNA as long as a reciprocal clause exists.) Nurses are looking to the federal govern- ment to lead the way by creating a cohe- Vacancies, Transfers and Promotions: (B) is false. Skill, knowledge, efficien- cy, experience and other relevant attributes are the deciding factors in making sive framework for moving forward with promotions and transfers. Seniority is the deciding factor—the tie-breaker—when national measures to ensure that every those other factors are relatively equal. province makes eliminating violence in health care a priority. Leaves of Absence: Trick Question! There are two false statements here—(A) and (C). First, under (A) you do not have to take bereavement leave right away. While workplace violence is a pervasive And for (C) you are entitled to one half day of leave without pay to attend a everyday reality, it is not inevitable. We citizenship ceremony. have the tools and knowledge to act, and Professional Development: (A) is false. You are entitled to at least three PD the time to do so is now. days annually.

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 27 How to apply for leaves KNOW of absence for union your business under the new Rights Collective Agreement

IT is not appropriate for United Nurses of Alberta members to do union work on employer time.

Because of this, the UNA Provincial Collective Agreement allows for UNA members Report from to request Union Leaves of Absence (LOA) on days when union activity takes place. Director of Labour Relations David Harrigan Section 5.07(a) of the UNA Provincial Collective Agreement specifically allows for employees to request leaves of absences or time in lieu for union or local business. But it’s important to note that this section has been modified in the new Provincial Collective Agreement, so members need to familiarize themselves with the new language.

Employees must make their request for Union LOA to their employer in writing with at least two weeks’ advance notice, if possible. The Employer is also required to respond in writing.

It is not appropriate for the employer to ask the employee when the union activity is going to take place.

Section 5.07(a) states: “The Employer shall not unreasonably withhold approval If you have any questions for leave(s) of absence for Employees elected or appointed to perform Union or or concerns about Section 5.07(a) or any other matter Local business or for time in lieu of Union or Local business. Requests for leaves of pertaining to your collective absence shall be made in writing and the Employer’s reply shall be given in writing. agreement, please contact your UNA Local Executive or Employees should make such requests with at least two weeks’ advance notice, if Labour Relations Officer at possible, in order to maximize the ability to accommodate the request.” 1-800-252-9394.

COLLEEN KOVALUK REMEMBERED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 In April, however, Kovaluk received a who was seriously ill,” said Sustrik on call from Ceci. The minister told her November 8. Cabinet had voted to accept the change – a benefit to all LAPP plan members who Kovaluk summed up her accomplishment find themselves in Kovaluk’s difficult in her note, written with the assistance circumstances. of her husband: “I am happy to say that through hard work and determination “Colleen deserves the gratitude of all changes can be made,” she said. “I hope members of UNA for this accomplish- that this change … will help other people ment, which would have been no easy throughout Alberta in the same situa- thing for anyone, let alone a person tion as me.”

United Nurses of Alberta NewsBulletin Winter 2018 Volume 42, Number 4 Nurses can be counted on to advocate for our safety …

Can they count on us to advocate for theirs?

Nurses and other professionals who work on the front lines of health care, in Alberta and around the world, continue to face threats to their safety every day.

Let’s never tire of our efforts to ensure they’re safe from verbal, emotional and physical abuse on the job!

At your side. On your side.

UNAUnited Nurses of Alberta Publications Mail Agreement #40064422 Publications Mail