Saskatchewan health-care workers vote 99% in favour of job action: CUPE

Members of Saskatchewan’s largest health care union, CUPE Local 5430, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action. The vote, which saw more than 13,000 health-care workers cast ballots, comes after years of failed negotiations with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the provincial government. The union represents over 14,000 employees in various roles, including clerical, technical, nursing, support, and plant operation positions.

Since their previous agreement expired in March 2023, CUPE 5430 members have been working without a contract. Additionally, there have been no wage increases issued in the past four and a half years. Despite critical short-staffing, overwhelming workloads, and declining morale, union members have continued to provide essential care and services.

CUPE Local President Bashir Jalloh emphasized the union's unity, courage, and readiness to fight for better conditions. He stated that the union is ready to take job action, but remains committed to negotiating a deal that meets their demands. The union claims that the SHA's latest proposal includes unreasonable demands, such as forcing health-care workers to travel out of town with little notice and allowing additional non-union workers to collaborate with CUPE members.

The SHA's proposal has also failed to address wage erosion, as the cost of living in Saskatchewan has increased by 33.7% from 2012-2025. General wage increases for CUPE 5430 members have only risen by 14% during the same period. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill expressed optimism that an agreement can be reached, stating that both parties share the same goal of providing high-quality care to patients. He emphasized that the best way to achieve this outcome is through negotiations at the bargaining table.