“I’m pleased that AHS has issued a revised labour proposal to UNA in hopes of reaching a new collective agreement with the province’s nurses.

“The revised proposal from AHS is a long-term contract for nurses, with a wage freeze for the first three years and a modest wage increase in the fourth and fifth years of the mandate.

“This new proposal acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Alberta’s nurses, while respecting the tough fiscal situation the province is in.

“There are still a number of items that need to be negotiated, including the twice yearly lump sum payments that do not exist in any other nursing contract in Canada.

“However, I’m hopeful the two sides will continue to work together to reach a fair and reasonable deal when formal mediation begins on September 21.”