Alberta Has Finally Agreed To Pay Nurses Who Need To Self-Isolate For COVID-19
On Monday, January 18, the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) announced that Alberta nurses will now receive pay if they are required to self-isolate for COVID-19-related reasons.
The new measures will be retroactive, covering leaves of this type dating back to July 6.
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Alberta nurses are now eligible for getting paid sick leave for COVID-19, nearly one year after the pandemic started.
United Nurses of Alberta
"The agreement remains in place until at least March 31, unless extended by both parties," said UNA in a Twitter thread.
If an employee has COVID-19 symptoms and no confirmed workplace exposure, they are required to get a test and will be paid for scheduled shifts during their isolation period.
Symptomatic employees who do have a confirmed workplace exposure can apply for Workers' Compensation.
Asymptomatic employees who are under quarantine are also expected to take a COVID-19 test and will be paid for all missed shifts. "This provision does not apply for employees who are required to quarantine because of non-essential international travel," says the statement.
Finally, "Asymptomatic employees impacted by work restrictions and orders by the Medical Officer of Health affecting their site, unit or office will be eligible for a number of measures to make up for missed regularly scheduled shifts or be compensated for them."
These updates impact all employees represented by UNA of AHS, Covenant Health, Lamont Health Care Centre and The Bethany Group (Camrose).
There are other changes, including job security provisions, outlined in the new agreement.