The Health Care Provider Unions Coalition - Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) - is pleased to report that they have reached tentative agreements with SAHO and the employers.
The three unions represent 25,000 health care workers in the health care provider group across the province of Saskatchewan, which includes special care aides, licensed practical nurses, food services workers, laundry, housekeeping and activity aides, maintenance staff, clerical personnel and medical technicians and technologists.
The tentative agreements provide a 2% general wage increase in each of the four years, including market supplement wage increases to address recruitment and retention. In addition, vacation entitlement, shift premiums, weekend premiums and standby payments will reach equity with all other health care workers in Saskatchewan. Language on sick leave and bereavement leave has been standardized across the Provider Union agreements as well.
“We have achieved the guarantee of our Extended Health and Enhanced Dental Benefits Plan to the end of our collective agreements,” said an obviously pleased Audrey Yaremy. “This was one of the top priorities identified by our members.” The tentative agreements cover a four-year period, expiring March 31, 2008.
The Health Care Unions’ Coalition achieved resolution to issues in regards to pay equity and the Joint Job Evaluation Plan. Gordon Campbell of CUPE, stated, ”We have ensured that the joint job evaluation program is equitable for all 25,000 health care workers within CUPE, SEIU and SGEU.”
Representatives from all three Unions indicated that they were very pleased that they were able to reach tentative agreements without having to resort to job action.
Barb Cape, SEIU, stated, “The improvements we attained in regards to the payment of professional fees will assist in recruitment and retention efforts all across health care. We are pleased that the health care system was not disrupted while we completed negotiations. It is a true testimonial to the dedication and professionalism of Saskatchewan health care providers.”
For more information contact:
Gordon Campbell (CUPE)
(306) 539-0661
Barbara Cape (SEIU)
(306) 631-4713
Audrey Yaremy (SGEU)
(306) 752-2497