Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) members have ratified a new four-year collective agreement with Alberta Health Services, securing a 12% general wage increase over the life of the contract. The deal, which covers the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028, provides a 3% wage hike each year. Immediate financial relief is prioritized, with retroactive pay for the 2024 and 2025 increases expected by the December 24 payroll run, alongside a new 2% premium for members with over 20 years of service.

For speech-language pathologists and audiologists specifically, the agreement secures critical professional wins beyond the basic wage adjustment. Most notably, it includes a Letter of Understanding mandating a joint review of “SLP (II/III)”and “Audiologist (I/II)” classifications, creating a formal pathway to modernize job structures and recognize the evolving complexity of communication health practice. The contract also supports professional standards by establishing reimbursement of up to $504 annually for professional fees, increasing preceptor pay by $2.00/hour, and guaranteeing three paid professional development days per year.

Finally, this agreement offers stability during a time of significant transition within Alberta’s healthcare system. It guarantees the portability of seniority and benefits, ensuring that sick banks and vacation entitlements remain intact if members transfer from AHS to any of the new provincial health agencies (such as Acute Care Alberta or Primary Care Alberta) currently being established.

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