Workplace

Treating employees right

TransAlta values the contribution of its employees. They are the heart of the organization and the collective intelligence that drives the company’s success.

Employees are offered competitive salaries and benefits packages, along with incentive compensation based on performance achievements. In 2009, a review of base pay and benefits was undertaken, to ensure TransAlta’s practices are aligned with those of the market. Additional compensation components, designed to retain and fairly reward employees, include:

• a share purchase plan through payroll deduction
• bonus and annual incentive pay
• a long-term incentive plan for management, that includes a retention component
• ‘Above and Beyond’ recognition for special achievements that go beyond expectations

Salaries were held flat through the year due to the economic climate.

Teamwork

Plant availability issues made for a challenging year for Alberta coal power plant employees. To encourage idea sharing and collaboration, all plant employees were invited to one of three day-long sessions about work management, supply chain, Keephills 3 integration and wind power development. These sessions were held at all locations and will continue in 2010.