The Government of Alberta has announced its plan to transfer hundreds of Alberta Health Services (AHS) workers into a new health agency called Primary Care Alberta (PCA). Most of the 564 AUPE members moving into PCA are administrative support workers and Licensed Practical Nurses, who should not see any changes to their day-to-day work.
AUPE and AHS agreed to a Letter of Understanding (LOU) on August 31, 2024, which protects you if you are transferred outside of AHS. This LOU applies to Primary Care Alberta, Recovery Alberta, and all future pillars of the government’s health care reformation, including Continuing Care. The LOU remains in effect until the day before your next collective agreement expires (which we are currently negotiating, so the date is not yet set).
Key dates
Between December 9 and 11, AHS staff who are being transferred will receive a formal transfer notice, including details on next steps. Workers on leave will not be notified until they announce their return to work.
The first day at PCA for transferred workers will be February 1, 2025.
Your benefits, pension, and entitlements
The government says there will be a smooth transition of continuity pay, benefits, pension, standard hours, vacation entitlement, seniority, union affiliation, and work location. This is also outlined in the Letter of Understanding.
However, if you work in multiple roles that are split between AHS and PCA, you may run into some issues. For example, your benefits will likely be split between AHS and PCA as well. Please contact AUPE with any problems you experience.
Next steps
AUPE leadership and your negotiating teams are watching these transitions closely. Watch for that email from AHS about your transfer to PCA and follow those steps.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Member Resource Centre Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm at 1-800-232-7284 or online at www.aupe.org/contact-member-resource-centre.