Hundreds of nursing jobs will be in jeopardy in the next three years, according to the United Nurses of Alberta.

In a press release from Friday, UNA claims lead negotiator with Alberta Health Services Raelene Fitz informed them that AHS plans to eliminate 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) RN jobs over the next three years.

UNA President Heather Smith was quoted in the release, saying the decision would lead to a large loss of service in the province.

"The elimination of that many RN and RPN FTEs, equivalent to over a million fewer hours of care, will mean more than 750 front-line Registered Nurses will be laid off."

The union sent the release out following an "unexpected" meeting between Fitz and the UNA's leadership, ahead of bargaining for the union's 2020 Provincial Collective Agreement

Smith claims Fitz also indicated AHS is considering significant privatization of public health care services.

In the release, the union says they will be requesting an emergency meeting with Health Minister Tyler Shandro.

 

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