Regina, SK – This afternoon, across three communities, health care workers represented by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) are rallying for safe, quality, person-centred care across Saskatchewan’s health system.

SGEU health providers have been without a collective agreement since April 1, 2023. Today, in the communities of Melfort, Nipawin, and Tisdale, health workers are demanding a fair contract and support from the government to navigate the growing pressures on Saskatchewan’s health system.

“For health care workers, every decision begins with the patient,” said Sharri Laczko, chair of the health bargaining unit. “The people providing care in hospitals, clinics, and communities across Saskatchewan are facing the same challenges: understaffing, burnout, recruitment and retention issues, and growing pressures on patient care. Appropriate staffing, fair wages, and system stability benefit patients and the workers providing care.”

Patient safety, workforce stability, and care quality are inseparable. Health care workers point to growing concerns in rural Saskatchewan, where staffing shortages and centralized scheduling decisions have contributed to reduced local services and operational disruptions in some communities.

“Safe patient care depends on a stable health care workforce,” said Tracey Sauer, president of SGEU. “When workforce instability exists in one part of the system, patients feel the impact throughout their care journey. When workers are stretched too thin, patients experience delays, frustration, and uncertainty.”

Saskatchewan’s health providers remain some of the lowest paid across Canada. The starting wage for a continuing care aide in the province is just $23.17 per hour and tops out at $24.84 per hour. This is compared to British Columbia where the same position could garner a $30.72 wage. This income disparity has profound economic impacts for Saskatchewan’s health providers as pandemic-caused inflation has not eased.

“Health care workers were our daily heroes during the pandemic,” said Laczko. “Instead of honouring workers’ dedication, or implementing supports, the government has prolonged the bargaining process and we are still here, three years later, advocating for safe, quality health care, and stable health careers.”

SGEU believes that competitive wages that are responsive to inflation reduce vacancies, lowers overtime pressures, improve morale, and help retain experienced professionals within Saskatchewan’s public health system, especially in rural communities. Ultimately, that means better care and better outcomes for patients and families.

-30-

Saskatchewan Government & General Employees’ Union (SGEU)
Communications Officer
comm@sgeu.org
1-800-667-5221