The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has announced that a new collective agreement has been ratified, benefiting over 27,000 hospital support staff across Alberta. The agreement with Alberta Health Services and Lamont Health Care Centre guarantees that these frontline workers will receive a retroactive pay increase of 12 percent starting from April 2024, along with an additional two percent wage increase for those who have been in service for more than 20 years. This development marks a significant milestone in supporting the financial wellbeing of essential workers in the healthcare sector.

Union president Sandra Azocar emphasized the importance of this contract, stating it acknowledges the vital contributions made by General Support Services workers in hospitals. The agreement covers a variety of roles including administrative support, social work, food services, and housekeeping, highlighting the diverse functions these staff members perform to ensure operational efficiency in healthcare settings. The ratification of this contract is viewed as a direct result of the collective strength and solidarity of the union members.

The significance of this deal extends beyond immediate financial benefits, as it represents a commitment to improving the working conditions for these essential employees. By ensuring that more hospital support staff earn living wages by April 2027, the agreement seeks to enhance job satisfaction and retention rates, ultimately contributing to better patient care. The positive impact of recognizing the work of support staff in hospitals cannot be overstated, especially in the context of ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system.