CUPE, SEIU-West, and SGEU – three Saskatchewan unions representing health providers – are calling on the provincial government to provide a wage top-up for all health care workers, who are working hard to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. An online petition, expressing support for a wage top-up has been set up to send a message to Premier Scott Moe and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
“Although the provincial and federal governments have announced supplementary wage programs for some workers, most of those in the health care system were noticeably absent from the list of eligible employees,” said Barb Cape, President of SEIU-West. “This omission needs to be fixed as soon as possible while all health care providers work diligently to flatten the curve in Saskatchewan.”
“Our members are answering calls for emergency shifts, being redeployed to other facilities or communities, working long hours and going the extra mile every day,” said Sandra Seitz, President of CUPE 5430. “It’s only right that our provincial government gets in step with other jurisdictions who are already providing a wage top-up for all health care providers.”
“Every day, we hear from members of the public who appreciate the professional care and compassion shown to patients and residents in long-term care and acute care facilities as well as clients in home care during the pandemic,” said Tracey Sauer, Chair of the SGEU Health Providers Bargaining Committee. “It’s time for the provincial government to recognize the sacrifice and hard work by these individuals during this unpredictable and unprecedented global medical crisis.”
Together, SGEU, SEIU-West and CUPE represent approximately 30,000 health care workers across Saskatchewan.