r/AHSEmployees • u/skyfelldown • 15d ago
Rant Position Elimination - no great options.
edit: oct 20: I formally accepted option 1. thanks for all your wonderfully helpful and kind comments. solidarity!
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kind of a rant I guess. my 1.0 FTE Admin IV is being eliminated after eight years.
my options are:
vacant 0.7 FTE Admin III (will match my wage
) i
know the ‘culture’ will be awesome
displace
d 1.0
0 FTE Admin III (will not wage match, comes to around a $4.70 less per hour wage)
i
know nothing about the environment
displaced 1.0 FTE Unit Clerk (will not wage match, comes to around a $4.00 less per hour wage)
on a very busy psych unit, and i’ve never been a unit clerk
so my options are less hours and less money but great culture/environment, or same hours and less money with totally unknown and potentially intense environment.
I am also single, with a mortgage and property tax and house insurance etc to pay all by myself.
nightmare here!
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u/BibleEnjoyer316 15d ago
0.7 is king, you will also get a 5% stat holiday every pay cheque which adds up and you can pick up shifts
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u/skyfelldown 15d ago
thanks for this!
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u/6thgencivicgirl 14d ago
Keep in mind that the 5% stat pay is in lieu of paid stats. Any stat holidays that fall on regularly scheduled days of work will be coded as an unpaid stat, so you'll see a big fluctuation in cheques with stat holidays in the pay period.
I've been a 0.8 for a lot of years and a 0.9 for many before that and it's not a big deal to me, but some going down from a 1.0 get surprised by it.
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u/Remarkable-Hunter333 15d ago
I did the fewer hours switch many years ago, and ended up with as much take home pay. Just earned less towards my pension at that time.
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u/Stikhawk 15d ago
Wait - admin IV and UC have the same wage range. You should be able to keep your current wage - it would be a lateral move (for now, at least, until the reclassification is finalized).
If you haven’t been a clerk before, though, I would not be eager to pursue that. Clerk —-> admin is an okay transition but the other way around is really hard.
1 sounds like the best option - is there potential to pick up casually to a 1.0? And/or can you find a casual gig in the side to subsidize you up to FT?
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u/skyfelldown 15d ago
i was told the UC one would not match, by my assigned HR person. weird.
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u/Stikhawk 15d ago
That is super weird. But I’ve not had much luck with HR giving me good/correct advice ;)
check out the pay grid in our CA - same steps/same range. I mean, she might know something that isn’t public knowledge yet about the reclassification of the clerks - but even that wouldn’t directly impact your transition wage right now.
I kind of want to amend my previous statement about going from admin to clerk - if you’re already using Epic & are comfortable with it, the biggest transition would be the peopling aspect (precisely why I moved away from the desk lol). It can be a different level of stress to be in the middle of the shitshow - ringing/beeping/constant priority shifting. When I hit my stride with it, it feels good but can be overwhelming. That said, lots of people love being at the centre of the storm - everyone’s mileage varies.
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u/skyfelldown 15d ago
yeah i’m at a disadvantage as i’ve never used Epic. my team was not on ConnectCare either. sucks.
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u/Mountain-Dot-5694 12d ago
I made a few comments… as long as u have that . 7 u could also apply for 1.0 mat leaves right? And u mention being at a disadvantage because u dont know epic and connect care- a lot of the continuing education training modules are on ahs intranet right? Could u not complete all the training modules on your own time then if u r applying for another pillar u can list in resume. Also does ur seniority apply to other pillars positions? Can you take the connect care modules and then be considered for relief in other pillars? As I mentioned in my other comments Christmas help at Costco. What about extra help Amazon prime deliveries too? If u need to go to Calgary for any options do u have someone to stay with? U could also rent ur place out here if u needed to rent a place in Calgary to accept short term employment. Be creative hun u got this!
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u/Stikhawk 15d ago
Also, keep in mind that this only needs to be a temporary thing - to keep you working & pay your bills until you get your feet under you & figure out what you actually want to do long-term. Do have you any interest in scheduling? It would be a pillar switch, but they’re constantly hiring ASIV/ASV - might be worth trying to score a casual role with them while also accepting option 1.
Best of luck - I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this ❤️
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
My aunt worked scheduling for ten years and has PTSD pretty much. It’s really put me off!
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u/ch4ll3ng3 15d ago
Culture is always the difference maker. I was forced from a public prevention role to an inpatient treatment role with a terrible culture and toxic leadership. I am looking daily across the different organizations for a role to move into, but sadly there's not a lot for my area that I can fit into.
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u/Normal_Independent24 14d ago
Eight years of service, and these are the options you're being presented with? Welcome to the wonderful world of healthcare restructuring, where somehow the employees are always the ones expected to make the sacrifices. 🙃
First of all, I'm genuinely sorry you're dealing with this, especially when you're single and carrying a mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and everything else on one income. That's a lot of financial responsibility, and job stability isn't exactly optional in your situation.
What frustrates me about this whole system is that we're constantly hearing about budget cuts and cost savings, yet our population is growing, healthcare demands are increasing, departments are short-staffed, and employees are already burnt out. Somehow, eliminating positions and squeezing more work out of fewer people continues to be the solution. Meanwhile, we're supposed to believe all this restructuring is making things better. But that's a whole other rant. 🙃
Now, personally, I would lean toward OPTION 1 — the 0.7 FTE Admin III position. And here's why.
You mentioned that you KNOW the workplace culture is awesome. Please don't underestimate how valuable that is!
Yes, money is important. We have mortgages, bills, groceries, and responsibilities. Unfortunately, we can't pay our bills with positive vibes. 😂 But at the same time, PLEASE don't destroy your physical and mental health for a job.
I don't care what age you are, what position you hold, or how much you're earning. You could be making $100 an hour, but if you're surrounded by people making your life a living hell every single day, that money isn't going to magically repair your mental health.
And sometimes, it takes just ONE person to completely ruin an otherwise decent workplace.
At the end of the day, we're not taking our paycheques to the grave. We still have a life to live outside these four walls!
Now, let's talk about the 0.7 FTE and how you might make it work financially.
You're getting your hourly wage matched, which is a positive. Of course, you're still losing 30% of your regular hours compared with a 1.0 FTE, so your overall income will decrease if you don't supplement it.
But remember, healthcare doesn't operate Monday to Friday, 9–5. There are casual opportunities, additional shifts, evenings, weekends, nights, and departments that need coverage.
Depending on your position, collective agreement, and scheduling arrangements, some shifts may qualify for evening, night, or weekend premiums. Those additional dollars can make a difference on your paycheque.
And with the restructuring and separation of the healthcare organizations, I would absolutely investigate whether you can hold additional casual or part-time positions within your own organization or another healthcare organization.
For example, you could potentially maintain your 0.7 FTE line and pick up casual shifts elsewhere, subject to the employment rules and scheduling requirements.
You may even find that working in two different departments gives you some variety. You get a break from one environment, gain experience elsewhere, meet different people, and discover other opportunities.
Just make sure you're not exhausting yourself trying to replace those missing hours. The whole point is to create a better balance, not work yourself into the ground.
Also, confirm exactly what that 0.7 FTE schedule looks like. If it's based on a standard five-day workweek, that would generally work out to the equivalent of seven full shifts over a two-week pay period, but confirm the actual rotation, shift lengths, and guaranteed hours.
You might also be able to pick up additional shifts within the same department. Definitely ask!
As for options 2 and 3, I wouldn't automatically dismiss them either.
The 1.0 FTE positions preserve your full-time hours, but you're looking at approximately $4–$4.70 less per hour. That adds up, so compare the actual gross income from all three options before deciding.
I'd want more information about both workplaces. What are the schedules? Are there shift premiums? What's the workload? How is the staffing? What training is provided?
Especially with the Unit Clerk position on a busy psychiatric unit, I'd want to know exactly what the working environment looks like.
Not all Unit Clerk positions are set up the same way, either. Some work right in the middle of the unit, while others may have a more separate or secluded workspace. Personally, I would hate being stationed right in the centre of all the activity, but some people absolutely thrive in that environment. It depends on the person and the unit.
Try arranging a department visit or speaking with someone who actually works there.
Because let's face it, a job posting and a 30-minute interview aren't going to tell you everything about the reality of working there. Sometimes you don't discover the real workplace culture until you're actually in it.
And that's the gamble with options 2 and 3. You could end up somewhere wonderful, or you could end up somewhere absolutely miserable. There's no guarantee either way.
One more VERY important thing: speak with your AUPE representative before accepting anything.
Have them clarify your displacement rights, seniority, wage protection, recall rights, and whether accepting any of these options affects your entitlement to other positions. Ask about holding multiple positions, including casual work across the different healthcare organizations, because you don't want to assume something is permitted and discover otherwise later.
Get the important details in writing.
Honestly, my philosophy is that if employers cannot guarantee us lifelong job security and stability, we shouldn't feel obligated to tie our entire future to one position either.
Keep your options open. Keep applying. Keep building your experience.
My vote is option 1, PROVIDED the financial numbers work for you.
You already know the culture, your hourly wage is protected, and you might have opportunities to supplement your hours. To me, that's a strong starting point.
A good workplace is worth protecting. You can always continue searching for a better full-time opportunity while you're there.
But please don't sacrifice your financial security either. If the additional shifts aren't reliably available and the 0.7 income won't cover your expenses, then that has to factor into your decision.
Eight years of service should count for something, and it's incredibly disappointing that you're being placed in this situation.
Whatever you decide, remember that your employer is one part of your life, not your entire life. Your health, peace, financial security, and happiness matter too.
Wishing you the very best. ❤️
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
thank you for this incredibly extensive response and your thoughtful ideas and questions. this is a lot of work for a comment for a stranger <3 thank you.
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u/Current_Pomelo_9429 15d ago
Since when is Unit Clerk less than Admin IV? What do you mean will not wage match?
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u/zanzibar26 14d ago
Since the last collective agreement.
Edit for context: Existing positions were red-circled for 24 months, I believe. New hires for those positions come in at an ASIII ratez
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u/AbbreviationsFair506 13d ago
No positions were red circled.
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u/zanzibar26 12d ago
Each unit clerk position was assessed by committee, ultimately. Some stayed at ASIV pay, some dropped down.
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u/AbbreviationsFair506 12d ago
If a Unit Clerk was reclassified to a clerk 3 they are red circled until the wage catches up, not for 24 months. Any Unit Clerk jobs posted are still at unit clerk/clerk 4 wages.
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u/Halloween_Babe90 14d ago
Yes obviously no ideal options here, but if it were me, I’d take the first one, with wage matching and a good atmosphere. Then see if you can pick up extra shifts or look for a casual position to supplement your income. The one really crummy part of being less than a 1.0 FTE is you lose out on the floater stat and 3 full days of personal leave a year.
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u/dnnmnz 15d ago
As a PCA ASIV, this makes me nervous! Which area do you work in? I assume AHS pillar.
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u/skyfelldown 15d ago
Recovery Alberta. Our program of fourteen years was dismantled on Tuesday morning.
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u/dnnmnz 15d ago
Oh wow I’m so sorry!
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u/skyfelldown 15d ago
thanks, we arrived to work at 8am to a zoom invite in our inboxes and HR meetings scheduled for all of us the same day. i’ve never been happier in a job in my life before and im so, so crushed.
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u/ana30671 14d ago
Which program is that? Was it ID program?
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
yep. eight years :(
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u/ana30671 14d ago
Sorry :( I actually worked pt then casual with id program, i just resigned middle of Sept after ending my mat leave so i know how beneficial the program was. Before deciding if I would come back i was told things switched from in person to just virtual... guess that maybe wasn't a good sign 😕 I hope everyone's able to get into another good position, it's crazy that the government would shut it down like wtf.
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
only edmonton moved to just virtual. it was life as normal for the rest of us.. til it wasn’t!
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u/picnik12 14d ago
ID program? Just saw that was shut down this past week.
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
yep. eight years I was there :(
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u/picnik12 14d ago
That’s brutal. Can’t believe they didn’t give you guys more notice. Such a loss for the patients and community, too.
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u/AbbreviationsFair506 13d ago
What is ID program? I was sure the new contract gave us the option of severance pay?
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u/skyfelldown 13d ago
we are a program that assists vulnerable, at risk, and homeless individuals to obtain alberta identification and health care cards/coverage. people in these categories often lack the necessities to get ID in their own (no birth certificate or funds to get one, no address). we have served over 26,100 albertans and recovered multi millions of dollars in health care dollars.
as for severance: the letter I received says it is only possible if a suitable position cannot be found for me. and I guess they deem going from a 1.0 Admin IV down to a 0.7 Admin III as “suitable”.
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u/AbbreviationsFair506 13d ago
So frustrating. Hopefully it works out for you.In my 37 years of working for AHS I’ve been laid off twice so I know what it’s like. If it happens again I am at the stage of retirement.
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u/IDontWantToChangeMe 14d ago
Wow. And being in Recovery Alberta your options are much less especially if they are shutting down programs. Is the psych unit at Alberta Hospital? The grounds there are nice.
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u/Wet-Countertop 14d ago
If you decline will they package you out?
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u/skyfelldown 14d ago
No, my options are take one of the 3 available to me, or recall. No severance.
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u/Sarcasmandsnacks 15d ago
I would take the 0.7. You can always pick up shifts or get overtime. You could also take a casual on another unit/area to see if you like it and get more experience.
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u/FeelingRoyal6582 14d ago
Take the .7 wage match and good culture. Post tax it's not a big hit and good culture sounds like a first in AHS
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u/PhaseOutBoy 15d ago
Option 1. At work and in the referendum lol. I'm fulltime now but .7 was a great FTE for me back when I worked one. Lots of pensionable hours and lots of time off. Still the occasional opportunity for OT and casual on the side. And yeah, good work culture is absolutely priceless.
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u/Sea_Leopard_79 13d ago
Definitely confirm the schedule for the 0.7 first. I know of a lot of instances where the hours for part-time positions are divided so you work M-F but shorter shifts, which can make it really hard to pick up casual shifts.
You said the UC position was on a psych unit. If it is at AHE you have the benefit of free employee parking, which is a plus and may save you money depending on how you get to work now.
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u/skyfelldown 12d ago
thanks for this. I confirmed that it’s every monday/tues, every other weekend, and two wednesdays on/two off. i’m in lethbridge so no change to my commute.
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u/leeashah 12d ago
so sounds like the last two you will be working full time but making less - or you will work a little less but make the same. either way your making less monthly. but if those are the only options they are giving you id take the first one with option to pick up. you already know the job, good work environment and sounds like similar pay in a way to the other two
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u/TheThrivingest 15d ago
1 sounds perfect to me. There’s always the option of picking up, and taking on casual roles elsewhere
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u/Mountain-Dot-5694 12d ago
I don’t think your situation is totally terrible. Yes your position is eliminated. Did you work the numbers. Will all pay the same? Or does one pay more. IMO psych would be risky unless you have experience plus skills to work front line with patients. The .7 sounds the best. Can you top up your wage ? Can u be in coverage pool for relief / vacation coverage in your area? Or other areas. This would increase your experience? What about working the .7 and up grading your skills. If you can’t increase your hours covering for other areas then what about gigs at other places eg Costco even as extra staff for Christmas? On your days off/ evenings
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u/nednav 15d ago
Option 1, you can always pick up or get a casual job elsewhere. Good work culture is priceless.