GOVERNMENT URGES QUICK RESOLUTION OF HEALTH CARE BARGAINING

Health Minister Don McMorris today urged the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) and unions representing approximately 25,000 health care workers to quickly conclude negotiations on collective agreements.

"I'm concerned about the lack of progress at the bargaining table," McMorris said. "It appears contract talks have bogged down. I'm challenging SAHO and the unions to redouble their efforts to ensure settlements are reached."

Collective agreements for three "provider" health care unions expired March 31, 2008. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU) together represent about 25,000 employees who work in direct care and indirect and support roles in the health care system.

SAHO negotiates collective agreements on behalf of regional health authorities and other health care employers in Saskatchewan. SAHO has scheduled bargaining dates with the unions through the summer and into the fall.

McMorris said the government values the work done by all health care employees in Saskatchewan. While there may be differences at the negotiating tables, all parties have a shared priority - the health and safety of patients.

"I'm urging SAHO and the unions to come to the bargaining table with an open mind," McMorris said. "The public is entitled to have stability in the health care system. Workers deserve to know they have a collective agreement in place."

McMorris said the government supports collective agreements that are fair, affordable and meet the needs of employers and employees.

SAHO is also bargaining with the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS), which represents more than 3,100 health care professionals working in a range of occupations. The HSAS collective agreement expired March 31, 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083