A large group of CUPE health care workers rallied outside the Regina General Hospital, angry they’ve gone years without a new contract. They’ve been offered a five year, 12 per cent deal, seven points below the five year inflation rate. The union, which represents about 14,000 health-care workers across Saskatchewan, says its members have gone four years without a new collective agreement. “We are not asking for too much. All we are asking for, is figuring out what can we do to retain and attract health care workers in this province, and we have done the math,” said Bashir Jalloh, President, CUPE Local 5430. “We look at what is happening in neighbouring provinces. We are not asking more than what is happening in our neighbouring provinces.“ CUPE members work in hospitals and long-term care facilities across the province in a range of roles, including MRI technicians, continuing care aides, cooks and cleaners. The union says it plans to hold a strike vote from Sept. 8 to 14. Jalloh said members will be asked to deliver a strong mandate for job action while negotiations continue. “We have been bargaining. We have talked to the government on many occasions.” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill still believes a deal is possible. “I’m confident we’re going to get to an agreement. It’s going to take a bit more negotiating,” he said. Health care workers are considered essential, so not all 14,000 CUPE members would be allowed to strike at once. However, any labour disruption would place additional pressure on a health care system already facing significant strain.
