Saskatchewan health workers remain without contract

Wage dispute continues to be basis for most recent contract rejection

The latest contract proposal from the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) is being rejected by the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).

The two parties cannot agree on an appropriate wage increase for the four-year deal. HSAS is demanding an increase of 20 per cent over the four years, contending that wages must remain competitive with colleagues in neighbouring Alberta.

SAHO offered a 7.5 per cent increase over the four years earlier this month. They argue that choosing one province to compare wages with is unsuitable and that the wages of health workers in all western provinces should be considered.

In February, 88 per cent of union members voted in favour of striking. At this point, SAHO was offering a 5.5 per cent increase over four years.

HSAS, which represents more than 3,000 specialized health-care professionals, has said that the essential services act limits their bargaining ability as approximately 50 per cent of its members are declared essential.

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