AHS Board announces two-year management wage freeze
October 29, 2009
Alberta Health Services' Board of Directors today approved a two-year salary and wage freeze for management and non-union staff.
The Board, at its meeting in Red Deer, also authorized AHS administration to begin discussions with the unions representing their employees.
Alberta Health Services is the province's largest employer, with about 90,000 employees including 8,000 management and non-union staff. The salary and wage freeze for management and non-union staff is effective April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2012, and will save about $12 million in salary costs next year.
Union discussion will be for a voluntary wage freeze with those unions who have agreements that extend beyond March 31, 2010.
Alberta Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stephen Duckett, said the recommendation to freeze management and non-union salary was a difficult decision."At the best of times, providing health services is a difficult and demanding responsibility for all of our staff. The creation of a single health system would be challenge enough without the added necessity of coming to terms with the impact of a recession.
"Whether you are in the private or the public sectors, most people have personally felt the impact of the economic downturn. This is an extraordinary measure for an extraordinary time."
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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