Alberta and its nurses are far apart in contract discussions [Video]

Alberta’s nurses could soon find themselves on the picket line as recent talks with the province foundered over disagreements over how much to pay and recruit them.

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David Harrigan, the United Nurses of Alberta director of labour relations, said informal mediation meetings last month were productive but said the gap between the two sides seems too big to bridge.

“Unfortunately I think the gulf is just too big,” Harrigan said in an interview.

The union, which represents more than 30,000 nurses, is seeking 30 per cent pay raises spread over two years while the Alberta government’s standing offer is 7.5 per cent over four years.

Harrigan said the two sides also find themselves far apart on operational issues, specifically staffing shortages and how to manage the workplace conditions created as a result.

“I think both …