Canadian Press, June 30, 2010 Edmonton - Members of the union that represents 24,000 registered nurses in Alberta have voted in favour of a new contract. The United Nurses of Alberta had been recommending acceptance of a three-year deal recommended by a mediator. The agreement calls for a wage freeze in the first year, a two per cent "productivity" payment in the second year and a four per cent wage increase in the third year. Alberta Health Services has also agreed to hire 70 per cent of nursing graduates - which would amount to more than new 700 RNs in the first year of the contract. ... 24,000