Alberta nurses approve new four year agreement with Covenant Health

Nursing care staff represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees have voted to ratify a new collective agreement with Covenant Health, the union announced Monday.

According to the union, 89.2 per cent of participating members supported the deal. The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until the end of March 2028.

The four year contract includes a 12 per cent wage increase spread over the term of the agreement, along with what the union describes as significant market adjustments aimed at addressing recruitment and retention challenges. The agreement also provides for improvements to employee benefits and working conditions.

Covenant Health operates hospitals and continuing care facilities across Alberta, including sites in Edmonton and other communities. Health care staffing levels and compensation have been central issues in the province as Alberta’s health system continues to face pressure from population growth and workforce shortages.

The union said the ratified agreement reflects member priorities around fair compensation and improved workplace conditions in the continuing care and hospital sectors.