ALBERTA PLANS ARBITRATION TO STOP DOCTORS' WALKOUTS WebPosted Sat Dec 2 14:50:47 2000 EDMONTON--A newspaper in Edmonton reports the government of Alberta is ready to seek binding arbitration to force a settlement in the pay dispute with its doctors. Citing unidentified sources, The Edmonton Journal reported Saturday that Alberta plans to apply to the labour relations board to have an arbitration panel settle the matter. Alberta's rural doctors have started a rotating walkout as part of a province-wide protest for more money and better working conditions. FROM DEC. 1: Some Alberta doctors close clinics in pay feud The Journal quotes a government source as saying the bid is "a major, significant kind of move." There is a long-standing negotiation agreement in place between the province and the Alberta Medical Association that says either side can seek arbitration to force a settlement during fee negotiations. Under the agreement, the arbitration decision is binding. A medical association spokesman told The Journal the government did not notified them of its intent to seek arbitration. About 600 rural doctors closed their offices Friday. Some doctors working in cities, including specialists, are expected to join the protest on Monday. Patients may face long waits over the next 10 days. Anyone needing immediate medical attention will have to go to a hospital. Premier Ralph Klein had said he was willing to negotiate, but doesn't think physicians should have abandoned their patients over money. FROM NOV. 24: Alta. doctors to cut hours to push for raise "This is the wrong thing to do," Klein told reporters. "And I mean it. 'Wrong,' that's not a strong enough word. It's inappropriate." Doctors want a raise of about 22 per cent over two years. The province is offering 13 per cent. Some doctors in New Brunswick recently closed clinics in a similar fight. In British Columbia, rural physicians are in mediation over a medicare funding dispute. Copyright © 2000 CBC All Rights Reserved |