Alberta nursing care staff ratify collective agreement with Covenant Health

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says 89.2% of its nursing care members voted to ratify a deal with Covenant Health that includes a 12% wage increase over four years and market adjustments, covering more than 2,900 staff and retroactive to April 1, 2024.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees announced that nursing care staff employed by Covenant Health have ratified a new collective agreement. The vote passed with 89.2 per cent approval from members, which include licensed practical nurses and certified and uncertified health‑care aides. The agreement promises a 12 per cent wage increase spread over four years and includes market adjustments that the union described as significant. AUPE president Sandra Azocar said the changes move the needle for members, while noting the increases do not fully close earlier gaps. Key facts: - AUPE reported that 89.2 per cent of eligible members voted in favour of the agreement. - The group covered by the deal includes licensed practical nurses and certified and uncertified health‑care aides. - The agreement provides a 12 per cent wage increase over a four‑year period and includes market adjustments for nursing care staff. - Covenant Health said the deal will benefit more than 2,900 nursing care staff employed by the organization. - The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2024 and expires on March 31, 2028. Summary: The ratified agreement is intended to raise wages and adjust market rates for thousands of nursing care workers at Covenant Health and was approved by a large majority of union members. The contract takes effect retroactively from April 1, 2024 and remains in force through March 31, 2028; further developments will follow normal labour and employer procedures during that period.