Alberta nurses reject mediator's proposed collective agreement

Alberta's nurses have rejected a mediator's proposed collective agreement. In a recent vote, 60.48% of locals and 38.88% of United Nurses of Alberta members supported the agreement, but a majority was needed for ratification. The proposal included pay increases of 12% to 22% and improved staffing processes. The union had initially sought larger increases of 20% and 10% over two years, citing stagnant wages for over a decade. UNA president Heather Smith will discuss the next steps in negotiations following the vote. The union represents health employees across various Alberta health services.