United Nurses of NewsBulletin

NEGS2013 Enclosed: At left, Community Health Nurse Jean Blackstock, a member of UNA Local 211, in a photo used in one of UNA’s online 2013 Negotiations Survey Nursing Week advertisements. She is shown with Jaclyn Coates, an RN on maternity leave from Local 95, and Declan

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 Message From the President Published by the United Nurses of Alberta five times a year for our members Editor Production Bargaining in 2013 David Climenhaga Kelly de Jong What do you say? Executive Board President Heather Smith his is an important NewsBulletin "is year we added additional ques- (    s 7    for all members and Locals who tions about workplace abuse, specifically 1st Vice-President Bev Dick participate in UNA’s Provincial bullying and intimidation. Fifteen years (    s 7    Negotiations because it contains your ago we negotiated “zero tolerance” of 2nd Vice-President Jane Sustrik T 2013 Negotiations Survey. abuse. Ten years ago we launched the #    s 7    Staff Abuse Prevention and Management Secretary/Treasurer "is is your opportunity to provide Karen Craik program. Even without the survey results, (    s 7    input as we start the process of preparing or 403-237-2377 I know our expectations for meaningful proposals for negotiations that will begin cultural change have not been realized. North District early next year. Roxann Dreger Susan Gallivan But because Alberta Health Services North Central I urge you to encourage your colleagues has indicated a willingness to work with Chris Axtell Christina Doktor Terri Barr Karen Kuprys to complete the questionnaire and return UNA on new initiatives, hopefully we see Teresa Caldwell Keith Lang it to your Local President. Your sugges- the accountability, follow-through and Jennifer Castro tions will assist your Local Executive in follow-up necessary to achieve the vision Central Dianne McInroy Wanda Zimmerman preparing Local proposals. of 15 years ago. Sandra Zak At a Local meeting you will have the South Central Now that the April 23 provincial elec- Alicia Braden Lois Taylor opportunity to determine which propos- tion is over, we are grateful for the gov- Denise Palmer Daphne Wallace JoAnne Rhodes Cameron Westhead als are forwarded for consideration by ernment’s commitment through the cam- delegates during our Provincial Demand South paign to maintaining a publicly funded Maxine Braun John Terry Setting Meeting in November. and publicly delivered health care system. Directors "e strength of UNA’s bargaining We hope the premier will remember the support for a true public health care sys- Labour Relations process is rooted in membership partici- David Harrigan pation. What issues do you want ad- tem among the many nurses, other health Finance and dressed? What are your expectations for care workers and progressive Albertans Administrative Services who contributed to the election results. Darlene Rathgeber changes and improvements in the Collec- Information Systems tive Agreement? Nursing Week 2012 will be over by the Florence Ross Each round of negotiations is unique. time you read this article, but the advertis- Provincial Office Economic factors, the political environ- ing campaign that commenced around 700-11150 Jasper Avenue NW ment and membership expectations all Nursing Week will continue into June. In Edmonton AB T5K 0C7 PH: 780-425-1025 factor into the decisions the Negotiat- addition to radio messages, billboard and Toll Free: 1-800-252-9394 newspaper ads will appear across the prov- FX: 780-426-2093 ing Committee makes. Some factors are obviously beyond our control, but having a ince. Our message reminds Albertans that Southern Alberta clear understanding of what our members as efforts continue to improve access and Regional Office want to achieve provides the guidance that delivery of health services, United Nurses 300-1422 Kensington Road NW of Alberta is at their side and on their side. AB T2N 3P9 has built our past successes in bargaining. PH: 403-237-2377 Toll Free: 1-800-661-1802 "e annual survey of our members has In solidarity, FX: 403-263-2908 just been completed. We do not have the Web Site: www.una.ab.ca E-mail: [email protected] results as this NewsBulletin goes to press, but I thank the 1,500 members who PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40064422 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: responded and provided feedback about Heather Smith UNITED NURSES OF ALBERTA 700-11150 JASPER AVENUE NW their workplaces. President, UNA EDMONTON AB T5K OC7

United Nurses of Alberta 2 NewsBulletin Election 2012 UNA helps engage members uring the recent provincial elec- tion, UNA engaged the public and political candidates on in election issues health care issues important to nurses. By Dave Cournoyer D UNA Communications Staff A telephone town hall, held jointly with the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, was considered a great success as more than 50,000 members of both unions from across the province were invited to join the call. Similar to a radio broadcast, the tele- phone town hall gave participants an opportunity to listen and pose questions Participants in two of UNA’s pre-election candidates’ forums. Above in Edmonton: Second VP Jane Sustrik; Jeff Funnell, ; , Liberal; Lori Sigurdson, NDP; to the parties represented that evening. Peter Rodd, Wildrose; First VP Bev Dick; Moderator Mack Male; Fred Horne, PC. Human Services Minister , Below in Calgary: Collin Anderson, NDP; Manmeet Bhullar, PC; , Liberal; Liberal Leader Dr. Raj Sherman, NDP Cory Mack, Alberta Party; , Wildrose; Moderator Duane Bratt. Leader Brian Mason, Wildrose MLA Heather Forsyth, and Alberta Party can- didate Neil Mather answered health care related questions on behalf of their parties. All-candidates forums in Calgary and Edmonton drew members of UNA and the general public to hear what their political candidates had to say about the future of health care. Telephone town hall A town hall forum on health care in Calgary was organized by members of worked like a radio call in show UNA Local 115 executive and moderated t one point, close to 13,000 members of by professor UNA and the Health Sciences Association of Duane Bratt. With five political party Alberta were on the line for the two unions’ candidates in attendance, the Local 115 pre-election “telephone town hall” April 10. forum drew a large crowd and was widely A reported in the media. “It was a unique opportunity for UNA members to learn about where the parties stood on health care In the final week of the campaign, issues,” said UNA President Heather Smith, who with UNA hosted an all-candidates forum on HSAA President Elisabeth Ballermann acted as the health care issues at the University of Al- event’s host. berta, which attracted a crowd interested in hearing from representatives of the five "e event was structured like a radio call-in show, main political parties, including Health with broadcast personality Shauna Young moderat- & Wellness Minister Fred Horne and ing. Representatives of all parties made pitches and Liberal Party leader Dr. Raj Sherman. answered questions.

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 3 Safety Consciousness UNA marks Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job

NA members marked the Day Albertans need to remember that because of Mourning for Workers Killed of the unpredictable nature of the work, and Injured on the job by taking nursing is in fact a more dangerous profes- First VP Bev Dick, President Heather Smith and Second VP part in the Edmonton and District La- sion than many –with a higher rate of in- Jane Sustrik at the dedication of U bour Council’s unveiling and dedication jury, for example, than the mining industry. the Broken Families Obelisk in of the Broken Families Obelisk in Grant Park on April 28. Smith also noted that UNA is de- Notley Park on April 28. termined to work with Alberta Health Some of the participants in the ceremony, including EDLC President UNA President Heather Smith said Services and other employers to reduce Brian Henderson, right, and NDP at the time that the Day of Mourning and eventually eliminate workplace bully- MLA , next to him. should remind us all of the fundamental ing and abuse. “It’s been 15 years since we role unions play safeguarding the health first negotiated zero tolerance of work- and wellbeing of all workers. place abuse in our collective agreements and it’s time we take this policy forward “Last year 128 Alberta workers are to create workplaces that a truly free of known to have died because of workplace abuse and bullying.” injuries or disease,” Smith said. “"ank- fully, we know of no UNA member that "e United Nations recognized the died last year because of work-related International Day of Mourning in 1996, causes, but we know that injuries in the partly as a result of efforts by Canadian nursing profession remain unacceptably and Alberta labour organizations to high and UNA remains committed to have Canada’s Day of Mourning marked seeing them reduced. worldwide. “But year after year, statistics show that "e obelisk is injuries and deaths occur at a lower rate located in Edmonton’s at worksites where employees are rep- Grant Notley Park, resented by a union. "at is why unions 11603 – 100th Avenue. fight for the rights of working people and why UNA makes workplace health and safety a major area of emphasis.”

United Nurses of Alberta 4 NewsBulletin Bargaining

NEGS2013 2012-2013 bargaining schedule takes shape

ven as we consider the implica- table, are made up of working members No UNA agreement tions of the results of April 23 of the union, elected by their co-workers provincial election, members of to represent them. takes effect before the the United Nurses of Alberta must begin E No UNA agreement takes effect before members whose working to prepare for the 2012 round of bargain- the members whose working lives it ing with Alberta Health Services. governs have the opportunity to discuss lives it governs have the "e process will start in June, with the and ratify it in a democratic vote. Prov- opportunity to discuss and election of Local bargaining committees, ince-wide agreements like the contract followed by the submission of Locals’ with Alberta Health Services must be ratify it in a democratic vote. bargaining proposals by Sept. 14 and the subject to a vote of all affected members, review of Local proposals between Sept. and must be passed by a majority of both 24 and 28. members and locals. After the Oct. 23-25 Annual General Meeting, a Provincial Demand-Setting Meeting is scheduled for Nov. 27-29, at Remembering which Local delegates will vote on the ingoing proposals for negotiations. Lois Taylor A membership vote to ratify the propos- 1952 — 2012 al package is scheduled for January 2013, with formal negotiations with the employ- ois Taylor is remembered for her smile and cheerful person- er expected to begin in February 2013. ality. During our provincial delegate meetings hundreds of UNA views collective bargaining as one members were greeted by Lois each morn- of its key jobs and is proud of the fact it ing as they stood in line for registration. Lois has been able over the years to greatly L was a long time activist and advocate. As improve salaries, benefits and work- a South Central District Representative place conditions for all members. UNA since 2004, Lois was a valued voice at has more than quintupled the wages of the Executive Board and a passionate Alberta nurses since it was founded. In 1977, a new nurse earned only $6.28 representative of her Locals. an hour! From President of Local 34 UNA’s policy is that its members set Didsbury to South Central District the union’s bargaining priorities and its Representative, Lois was a fierce de- members always get to ratify the results. fender of members and a dedicated UNA’s negotiating committees, the patient advocate. Lois was always at people who actually meet with the em- their side and on their side. ployer’s representatives at the bargaining by Heather Smith, President, UNA Lois Taylor May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 5 Scholarships

Sisters Britney Saik and Jaclyn Saik, first-year nursing students at Grant MacEwan University receive their UNA scholarships from President Heather Smith. They were joined by their mother Dawn Saik, a member of UNA Local 301 (University of Alberta Hospital).

UNA Second Vice-President Jane Sustrik presents a first year nursing scholarship to UNA Secretary-Treasurer Karen Grant MacEwan University Craik presents a scholarship to student Heather Nelson. Mount Royal University nursing student Kim Karambowich. Heather was joined by her mother, Donna Nelson, Kim was joined by her mother President of Local 136, Maryann Rabusic-Wiedener, a member of UNA Local 115 Barrhead Healthcare Centre (Foothills Medical Centre). Calgary UNA members’ spouses, dependents eligible for CDLC scholarships

ependents and spouses of UNA members CDLC. Applicants are required to submit a 2,500- who work in the Calgary area may be eli- word essay on “what unions mean to me,” “ the gible to apply for two $1,500 scholarships history of the labour movement in Alberta,” or “the oDffered by the Calgary and District Labour Council. future of the labour movement in Alberta.” "e Sean Gillen Memorial Scholarships are "e scholarships are available for education or train- available to dependents under 26 years of age and ing from a recognized educational institution in Alberta. spouses of members of unions affiliated with the For more information on the scholarships, includ- ing more information on eligible institutions, email [email protected] or visit www.thecdlc.ca/.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2012.

United Nurses of Alberta 6 NewsBulletin Scholarships

The recipients of the UNA Scholarships are:

Kaitlin Meyer BScN program University of Alberta

Kaitlin Meyer, a first-year Kimberly Karambowich nursing student at the BScN program University of Alberta, receives her UNA Mount Royal University UNA Secretary-Treasurer scholarship from President Heather Smith. Kaitlin Karen Craik presented Jaclyn Saik Mount Royal University was joined by her mother, BScN program student Adam Szol with Donna Meyer, President Grant MacEwan University of UNA Local 304 (Stony a UNA First-Year Nursing Scholarship. Adam was Plain Community Health). joined by his mother Adam Szol Irene Szol, a member BScN program of UNA Local 1 ( Centre). Mount Royal University Heather Nelson Psychiatric Nursing Program Grant MacEwan University

Britney Saik BScN program Grant MacEwan University Haley Bjarnason, a first-year nursing student at the University of Alberta, receives her UNA scholarship from President Heather The recipients of the Smith. Haley was joined by her mother, Debbie Bjarnason, President of UNA CFNU Scholarships Local 79 (Grey Nuns Community Hospital/ (Alberta) are: Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre). Haley Bjarnason BScN program University of Alberta

Jocelyn Leenstrau BScN program Eight first-year nursing students Red Deer College receive UNA scholarships

ight first-year nursing students Recipients of the scholarship had to Recipients of the scholarship have been awarded scholarships be enrolled in their first year of full-time had to be enrolled in their from United Nurses of Alberta studies in an accredited nursing program Eand the Canadian Federation of Nurs- in Alberta, planning to remain registered first year of full-time studies es Unions. in the program and related to a UNA member in good standing. "ey also had in an accredited nursing Students accepted into nursing pro- to write a short essay answering the ques- grams at Grant MacEwan University, tion, “How does the UNA impact nursing program in Alberta. Mount Royal University, Red Deer Col- work life?” lege, University of Alberta, and Univer- sity of Calgary were recipients of the UNA congratulates the scholarship 2011 scholarship. recipients and wishes them good luck in their first year of nursing studies.

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 7 Keeping Healthy at Work Mini workshops provide OH&S training opportunities for members

By Janice Peterson, Education Officer

s part of UNA’s commitment to ensuring healthy and safe workplaces for members, your union’s Education Department is now offering a series of If you are interested in short “mini-workshops” on occupational health and safety topics. booking a mini-workshop A"e mini-workshops are offered in addition to UNA’s full-day education workshops. "ey range in time commitment from half a day to one- and two-hour sessions of- please contact Jeremy Rittwage fered at Local meetings to lunch hour meetings. Mini-workshops can also be arranged at 780-425-1025 or on the worksite with employer approval.

1-800-252-9394. UNA covers the cost of materials and as and travel costs for participants. Your instructor time for the workshops, as well Local is responsible for any room rental, catering or wage replacement costs. NA welcomes veteran union UNA’s Education Officers can design officer and staff member a mini-workshop about any workplace- Dewey Funk, who has joined related area of concern that will meet Dewey Funk Provincial Office staff as Educational your specific needs. We will customize a joins UNA as OUfficer specializing in Occupational workshop for your local on any subject of Health and Safety issues. interest to fit your needs. "e following are some of the mini-workshops UNA OH&S Officer Funk replaces former Occupational has offered in the past: Health and Safety Officer Janice Peter- ƒ son, who has transferred to a position Dealing with Abuse as a Education Officer, also at the UNA ƒ Bullying Provincial Office in Edmonton. ƒ Working Alone ƒ Before joining UNA, Funk served for Psychological Hazards more than eight years as a Member- ƒ OH&S Incident Reporting and the ship Services Officer with the Alberta OH&S Process Union of Provincial Employees, and for ƒ Basic Rights under Occupation five years as a union organizer for the Health and Safety Legislation United Steelworkers of America work- ƒ Hazard Assessment and Control ing throughout Western Canada and ƒ Duty to Accommodate the Northwest Territories. ƒ Addictions Before taking employment as a union ƒ Generational Diversity staff member, Funk served as President, ƒ Shift Schedules Treasurer, Recording Secretary and ƒ Vice-President of USWA Local 5575, Professional Responsibility Process representing employees of a steel fabri- and Reporting ƒ cation plant in southwest Edmonton. Contract Interpretation ƒ Interviews Funk attended the Labour College of ƒ Canada in 2000. WCB Basic Rights Dewey Funk ƒ Computer Skills

United Nurses of Alberta 8 NewsBulletin Charity Why United Way? Did you Plenty of reasons when it comes to kids and youth know? … By Holly Heffernan

nited Ways across Canada are United Way Calgary focusing their community invest- investments include: ment strategies on three pillars, ƒ one being All "at Kids Can Be. UpStart: Champions for Children U and Youth: Creates and implements We all know that to become success- supports for children and youth to ful, independent adults, children and successfully transition to independent youth need a good start in life. "ey also adults. UpStart also leads the Aborig- benefit from recreational activities, men- inal Youth and Education Strategy tor relationships with adult role models to help Aboriginal students stay and and opportunities to discover and develop succeed in school. their talents and interests. ƒ Vulnerable Youth Strategy: A collab- So this pillar has a strong focus on sup- orative effort with community service porting early childhood literacy and devel- providers to improve peer, family and opment, plus helping kids stay in school adult social supports for youth, 15 - 24. until graduation – and out of trouble. ƒ CARE Strategy: Works with immi- Remember, almost 25 per cent of youth grant serving agencies and communi- We all know that to become crime occurs between 3 and 6 p.m., a ties to help immigrant children and time when many youth are without ac- youth reach their potential. successful, independent tivities or supervision? United Way also supports numerous adults, children and youth United Way has partnered with all programs at local agencies under All levels of government, business, human "at Kids Can Be, including the Boys need a good start in life. service organizations and community and Girls Clubs of Airdrie and Calgary, members to identify, address and alleviate Between Friends Club, YMCA and Chil- the barriers children and youth face from dren’s Cottage. cradle to career. United Way lobbied the province for United Way Facts: changes to the Education Act, calling an ƒ increase on the age cap for public funding A $25 donation can supply bus tickets for one youth to get of high school to 21, and of a manda- to and from school for one week, supply a nutritious after- tory attendance age of 17 – changes that school snack for 30 immigrant youth or let one youth with a had been included in the Education Act disability attend a week of ICAN camp. before the provincial election. ƒ $120 can buy one elementary school startup package, includ- At present, an estimated 9,000 young ing shoes, pack, calculator and more for one child, education people drop out of high school each year for one youth for one year or two months of school supplies. in Alberta. "e high school graduation ƒ Just a dollar a day, $365 per year, buys one week of summer rate is 72.6 per cent, much lower than day camp for three children or youths, weekly counselling for the Canadian average of 75 per cent. For one youth for a year, or two weeks of one-on-one support, Aboriginal youth, the rate is a shocking mentorship and advocacy for a youth in crisis. 34 per cent. www.calgaryunitedway.org.

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 9 100 years of Labour ‘March of Unions’ and old-fashioned picnic mark AFL Centenary in Lethbridge

By Winston Gereluk, Alberta Labour History Institute

n active group in Lethbridge the weight of contradictory objectives created an AFL Centennial of the two parties, and the farmers did Celebration in the city where not continue as members. However, the the Alberta Federation of Labour was bonds forged at that convention helped Afounded in 1912. the UFA win the 1921 provincial elec- tion, after which it passed some of the It all began at the 1911 convention most progressive labour legislation in of the United Mineworkers of America Canada’s history. (UMWA) District 18 which resolved to launch a provincial labour organization. Lethbridge celebrations began on "ey invited all trade unions that existed in Friday, May 4, with a ‘Troublemakers’ Alberta at the time, as well as the recently concert by Maria Dunn and her troupe. formed United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), May 5 started with a Parade of Unions to send delegates to the founding conven- from City Hall to Galt Gardens. Your tion of the Alberta Federation of Labour in union or community organization is in- Lethbridge on July 14 and 15, 1912. vited to join in. "e parade was followed According to the story in the Leth- by an introduction of the Presidents bridge Herald, the 34 delegates at that Opening Games, in which union presi- convention resolved to support each dents kick ed off the day by participating other, because they knew that they “could in old-fashioned children’s games such as rely on nobody else.” Sadly, efforts at three-legged races. farm-labour unity soon collapsed under

United Nurses of Alberta 10 NewsBulletin 100 years of Labour UNA members invited to attend AFL’s centennial celebration

NA members, members of other unions and friends of the labour movement from throughout Alber- Uta are invited to join the centennial celebra- tion of the Alberta Federation of Labour on June 16 at Fort Edmonton Park. "rough May and June the AFL has organized concerts and events in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Calgary, Drumheller, Olds, Red Deer, Hinton, Grande Prairie, Athabasca and Fort McMurray. "ere will also be a Calgary labour history walking tour in May and a concert in Crowsnest Pass in September. "e 2012 centennial celebrations are scheduled to wrap up with a Labour His- tory Conference organized by the Alberta Labour History Institute, June 13 to 15 in Joint communication clarifies Edmonton, a Homecoming Reunion Din- ner on the evening of June 15 for all past issues related to time used in and present members of the AFL execu- Multi-Employer Agreement tive and staff, and the Celebration in the Park at Fort Edmonton on June 16. new joint communication from United Nurses of Al- More than 3,000 people are expected at berta and Alberta Health Services and clarifies several the Fort Edmonton celebration of struggle issues related to treatment of time used under the and solidarity – and UNA members are encouraged to take part in the event, AMulti-Employer/UNA Collective Agreement. which will include food and drink, pre- "e communication, with specific versions directed to AHS sentations and musical concerts by Maria employees and Covenant health employees, deals in detail with Dunn, Lionel Rault and others. UNA the treatment of time used under Articles 22.06 [b] (Education members who present their member- ship card will be given free admission for Leave), 22.08 (Special Leave) and 35.03 Professional Develop- themselves and their families. ment Days. For more information "e aim of the communication is to resolve differences in on this celebration, practices and interpretations in different locations including visit the AFL’s website the treatment of time used based on a “day,” an “incident” and at www.afl.org “hours taken.” To read the joint communication visit UNA’s website – www.una.ab.ca

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 11 Protecting Medicare

UNA members symbolically expand the medicare umbrella at Beyond the Beyond Acute Care conference Acute Care oncerned Albertans had the administered, publicly funded and pub- opportunity to hear renowned licly operated system of Medicare. consumer advocate and former Speaking via video conference, after American presidential candidate Ralph C severe weather cancelled his fight from Nader, Council of Canadians National the eastern United States, Nader praised chairperson Maude Barlow, and many Canada’s public health care system other experts on the politics and policy of warned conference participants against health care for seniors and the disabled at introducing more for-profit seniors care. the Beyond Acute Care conference. “Corporatization treats health care as a More than 500 people participated in commodity and full Medicare treats health the two-day conference, which took place care as a public good, or a right,” Nader on February 24 and 25 at Edmonton’s said. “"ere’s a real problem here when Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe. Beyond the face value of the corporate entity is an Acute Care: Covering Seniors and the obligation to maximize value for share- Disabled with the Medicare Umbrella, holders and increase sales and profits.” was sponsored by several organizations, including UNA, determined to protect, “It’s a perverse incentive that has no enhance and extend Canada’s and Al- place in health care,” concluded Nader. Keynote speaker Ralph Nader berta’s fair and efficient system of public Notable speakers at the conference included Eleanor Smith, president of the United Kingdom’s largest public sec- 1st Vice President Bev Dick, tor union UNISION, Michael McBane, UNISON President director of the Canadian Health Coali- Eleanor Smith, and UNA President tion, and Toby Edelman, Senior Policy Heather Smith Attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy in Washington D.C..

United Nurses of Alberta 12 NewsBulletin Honouring Nurses UNA marks Nursing Week May 6 to 13

NA marked Nursing Week this year by doing what we do all year ‘round – serving our patients and advocating to protect and enhance Alberta’s public health system. U“Nursing Week is an excellent time for Albertans to think about nurses, a group of medical professionals who care deeply about the wellbeing of people in care and their families,” said UNA President Heather Smith.

She noted that this year – before, during and after Nursing Week – UNA members will notice outdoor and radio advertising celebrating the contributions made by the 25,000 Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who are represented by UNA.

UNA will continue to press for seniors’ care to be recognized as part of a well-run public health care system, she said. “Seniors deserve a fair, comfort- able and healthy retirement regardless of their income level, and UNA will work to ensure long-term care is considered part of the health care system.”

Nursing Week is held each year during the week that contains May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910, the celebrated English nurse and statistician known as “the Lady with the Lamp.” She is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Caution advised in social media postings

mployers of UNA members are do not have the right to make general increasingly acting as if health comments about their work, or to express care employees should not be talk- agreement with others who have made Eing about work at all on social media sites. such comments, and we will be press- ing employers and regulatory bodies to UNA is aware of and is preparing to develop clear and reasonable standards respond to several examples of employers for employees who post comments and taking disciplinary action against members other material on social media sites on who have posted general remarks about their own time. their work or left comments on others’ work-related postings, including postings In the mean time, however, UNA on groups with restricted memberships. members are advised to be cautious with social media postings and to assume that UNA does not share the view of some they can and will be read by managers, employers that health care employees even when posted in closed groups.

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 13 Alberta Health Services amends some LAPP policies

By Richard West, Labour Relations Officer

Alberta Health Services has introduced 30 hours per week average or more. "ose AHS has directed that consistent province-wide pension poli- in part-time positions ranging from no cies regarding pension eligibility during less than 14 to less than 30 hours per there will be no delays probationary periods, access to pensions week will be give the option of commenc- while working in temporary and pension- ing participation in LAPP. "is change in access to LAPP for optional positions, transitional provisions will be effective for employees of the newly hired employees in and pensionable service. former Calgary Health Region effective September 2012. "e changes took effect on April 1, pension-eligible positions. 2012, and consolidate varying policies Article 29.03 of the United Nurses of related to the Local Authorities Pension Alberta Collective Agreement facilitates Plan (LAPP) that existed in the old Re- the purchase of that first year of LAPP gional Heath Authorities before that date. pension for those employees who were held out of the LAPP in a probationary Probationary Periods period. During their first five years of employment, the employer must her pay AHS has directed that there will be no portion of the first year of service if the delays in access to LAPP for newly hired employee agrees to pay hers. employees in pension-eligible positions. LAPP rules permit employers to ex- Temporary employees clude employees from joining the LAPP AHS also directed that all tempo- in their first year of employment in a rary employees in their positions for six pension-eligible position, and some Al- months or more who work 30 or more berta health region employers had chosen hours per week after April 1, 2012, will be to do so in the past. eligible to participate in LAPP. For employees in regions that have invoked this pension probationary period in the past, the new standard will allow Ending active participation employees to participate if they were AHS has determined that once an regularly working no less than 14 and less employee is participating in LAPP while than 30 hours per week on average, or if working in a pension-mandatory posi- they were working in an LAPP manda- tion (an average of 30 hours or more per tory participation position of 30 hours week) or in a pension-optional position per week average or more. (an average of 14 to 30 hours per week), Employees who were being held out of the employee must continue in the LAPP the plan in a probationary period before until she or he retires, is terminated or April 1, 2012, in the former Chinook and transfers to a position that is not eligible Palliser health regions will be required to for a pension (less than an average of 14 commence LAPP participation in July hours per week or casual). 2012 if they are employed in positions of

United Nurses of Alberta 14 NewsBulletin Know your UNA Contract yourRights Transitional provisions Pensionable service

In the past, the former Calgary and AHS has also clarified what it consid- Capital health regions, as well as some ers to be pensionable service and what other regions on an ad hoc basis, allowed it does not. Pensionable service is now employees to access their LAPP pension considered to include: if they are 55 years of age or older and ƒ Time worked and paid at base salary "e transition must have been have transferred from an LAPP-manda- ƒ tory position (an average of 30 hours per Education allowances paid at base completed prior to Dec. 16, week or more) to an LAPP-optional posi- salary ƒ tion (an average of 14-30 hours per week). Paid leaves (vacation, named holidays, 2012, for employees to qualify overtime taken as time off in lieu, be- "e new AHS standard policy, however, reavement, personal leave, education for the transitional provisions. will no longer allow employees to access leave, professional development days, LAPP in that manner. jury duty, etc.) Under the new policy, employees who ƒ Paid sick time are 55 and over would have to move to a ƒ position that is not LAPP eligible (less Payment during the “valid health- than 14 hours per week or casual) in order related absence” of a maternity leave to cease their active membership in the when receiving the equivalent of 100 LAPP and access their LAPP pension. per cent of employee income ƒ WCB payments AHS will provide a transition period for former employees of the former Pensionable service is not considered Calgary and Capital health regions who to include: are in this situation. During the transition ƒ Pay in lieu of statutory holidays period, employees in these former regions ƒ Additional premium for shifts or may continue to access the option. To overtime achieve the reduction in hours, employees ƒ can request a reduction of hours to move Short-term or long-term disability from an average of 30 or more hours per ƒ Leaves of absence without pay week to a position of less than 30 hours However, there is an option for employ- per week on average. Employees can also ees to buy pensionable service for time qualify by applying to fill vacancies that spent on short-term or long-term disabil- would allow them to trigger a pension ity OR on a leave of absence without pay. decision under the old rules. "e opportunity to purchase this service Note that the transition must have been is provided to the employee in April after completed prior to Dec. 16, 2012, for the year in which the absence occurred employees to qualify for the transitional with the decision deadline generally at provisions. Employees in the former Cal- the end of April. gary and Capital health regions where the old rule applied, and on an ad hoc basis in the remaining regions, who wish to access this provision need to contact their UNA Labour Relations Officer or an AHS Benefits Representative for more details.

May 2012 Volume 36, Number 2 15 Alberta’s nurses are dedicated to your health and the health of your family. We advocate for a properly staffed and supported public health care system, so that we can always provide the care you need, when you need it.

WWW.UNA.AB.CA

From UNA’s advertising campaign for Nursing week and Beyond. Look for the billboards and ads in 130 Newspapers province wide. Publications Mail Agreement #40064422 Publications Mail