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By Canadian Press
Labour Negotiations

Nurses union blasts Toews for wanting contract negotiations further delayed

Mar 19, 2021 | 4:56 PM

EDMONTON – The union representing registered nurses in Alberta says it’s insulting and hypocritical for finance minister Travis Toews to suggest nurses are putting their needs first in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Nurses of Alberta was responding to Toews criticizing the union for giving notice this week that it wants to return to bargaining after a year’s hiatus.

Toews has said the needs of Albertans have to come first during the pandemic, and was hopeful contract negotiations could have been pushed until more COVID-19 vaccine progress has been made in Alberta.

“I have a great appreciation for the work of Alberta’s frontline health care workers, and I thank them for their dedicated service throughout the ongoing pandemic,” said Toews, in a statement issued Thursday. “”Right now, Alberta’s government is focused on what matters most – the rollout of our vaccination program and continued response to the pandemic.”

But David Harrigan, who’s the director of labour relations with United Nurses of Alberta, says negotiations won’t affect the COVID relief effort.

He adds that Toews has been OK with the government negotiating with other public sector unions.

“I’m hopeful that other unions at AHS do not follow the lead of UNA and will agree to delay negotiations that puts the health of Albertans first,” added Toews, in his statement.

The province has been pursuing talks with doctors during the pandemic on a new master agreement, with a tentative deal announced three weeks ago.

(The Canadian Press, with files from Shaun Penner / EverythingGP)

by Canadian Press