“I am disappointed that Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) have not ratified a new collective agreement. Union members decided to vote against the ratification of the deal.
“The ratification in this case involved a tentative agreement reached between the parties at the table after many months of bargaining.
“I note that unlike other failed ratifications involving a mediator’s (third-party) recommendations, the tentative agreement was based on terms and conditions proposed by HSAA and recommended by the union to their members.
“It is now up to the union to determine why the ratification vote failed regarding their own proposed deal.
“Alberta’s government remains ready to return to the bargaining table when the union, and its bargaining team, gain a better understanding of their members’ interests and priorities.
“Out of respect for the bargaining process, I have no further comment at this time.”