Health care workers from CUPE 5430 gathered outside the office of the Member of the Legislature (MLA) Travis Keisig today, holding a rally and press conference to raise urgent concerns about the health care crisis in Saskatchewan.
“We are here today to highlight the crisis in rural health care,” said CUPE 5430 President Bashir Jalloh. “The short-staffing crisis is leading to facility closures across Saskatchewan. That means people living in rural communities can’t access care and take greater risks as they drive farther for emergency care. We’re here to ensure the MLA for this area understands the dire state of health care in his constituency.”
CUPE 5430 members were joined by CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson who pledged ongoing support. “We’re here to send a message to the provincial government – continuing to deny workers a fair deal and decent wages is a recipe for disaster. Scott Moe’s retention crisis will deepen, facilities will continue to close, and waits will get longer.”
CUPE health care workers have been without contract since April 1st, 2023 and have not received a wage increase in nearly 3.5 years.