Hundreds of CUPE health care workers, members of the public and allies rallied on the steps of the Saskatchewan Legislature to demand fair wages and a decent contract for health care workers.
CUPE 5430 members have been without a contract since March 31, 2023, and have not had a raise in over four and a half years. Negotiations continue following CUPE 5430’s 99% strike vote mandate in September, but the parties remain far apart on wages.
“Our members have sacrificed so much to keep Saskatchewan’s health system running. They have taken zeroes, they are constantly working short, and they tolerate unacceptable working conditions on a daily basis. Now is the time to care for the ones that care for us,” said Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE 5430.
SAHO’s latest offer would still leave most CUPE 5430 members making less than the Western Canadian Average, a benchmark traditionally used to determine appropriate wages for health care workers.
“We simply cannot accept an offer that would leave our members making some of the lowest wages in Canada. Accepting this offer would deepen the retention crisis and result in more health care workers leaving the profession and leaving the province. We’re prepared to fight for more,” added Jalloh.