Bethany Care ANC chapters in Airdrie and Cochrane ratify new agreements
EDMONTON – Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Local 048/002 and 048/001 representing nursing employees at Bethany Care worksites Cochrane and Airdrie ratified new agreements with their employer on Jan. 7, Jan. 27 and Feb. 1, respectively.
“Negotiations with the Bethany Care went very smoothly, and we were happy to reach an agreement them that shows respect for the important role our members play in delivering health services to seniors,” said AUPE Staff Negotiator Ken Cutrell.
The auxiliary nursing care groups include approximately 90 licensed practical nurses, nursing attendants, and recreation therapists in Airdrie and 70 in Cochrane. Their new, two-year agreement will last until June 30, 2011.
The improvements match those in agreements reached in 2009 at other Bethany worksites. The employer did not propose any cuts to current language or benefits during bargaining with the union.
The new agreement will bring a 5 per cent increase to all classifications retroactive to July 1, 2009 and a 4.5 per cent increase to all classifications effective July 1, 2010.
“With the employers’ cooperation, we’ve been able to deliver fair salary and benefit improvements to our members. People on both sides of the bargaining table were happy with this agreement,” said Cutrell.
Other benefit improvements include double-time for working Christmas Day and the August Civic Holiday, shift and weekend premiums matched to the multi-employer Auxiliary Nursing agreements, an increase in reimbursement of LPN registration fees to $100 per year, and a $500 per year health spending account.
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