United Nurses say over 700 positions will be lost

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The United Nurses of Alberta say hundreds of jobs will be lost as part of a restructuring by Alberta Health Services.

In a statement released Friday, the union says 750 RN and RPNs will be laid off over the next three years, but as President of the UNA Heather Smith says, it will likely be quicker than that.

“What we have is a notice today of Alberta Health Services proceeding with significant job loss for Registered Nurses (and) Registered Psychiatric Nurses. More than a million hours of less care that they intend to provide.”

Smith said the job losses will also affect home care and rural health services.

The union met with Alberta Health Services Friday, where they were informed 500 full-time equivalent positions wouldn’t be filled due to a downsizing plan.

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“From the tone of what we were told, we believe this is only the first wave of layoffs affecting RNs represented by UNA,” said Smith.

AHS said while its budget remains stable, Alberta’s growing and ageing population means it needs to find efficiencies in health-care spending.

Smith worries this will mean a more significant financial burden for Albertans.

“Some of it will include shifting some of those costs to Albertans. They’re looking at privatizing, contracting out of services, programs. This is talking about shifting the cost from Alberta Health Services wither to Albertans or other programs.”

The statement from the UNA goes on to say this move goes against promises made by the UCP that cuts would not affect frontline workers.

They are calling for an emergency meeting with Health Minister Tyler Shandro.

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