PROVINCE TAKES STEPS TO HAVE BARGAINING RESUME IN HEALTH LABOUR DISPUTE

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced that the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) have agreed to resume conciliation talks with the assistance of a second conciliator.

"My first concern is patient care, and the steps we are taking today will ensure that job action will not escalate while the two sides resume negotiations," Calvert said. "We have listened to the parties involved, who have indicated they want to return to the bargaining table, and we are providing that opportunity."

Provincial conciliator Doug Forseth will be joined by labour mediator Fred Cuddington in working with the two sides to reach a negotiated settlement. SAHO and HSAS have agreed to resume conciliation talks on July 6. HSAS, which represents 2,700 health care professionals, has agreed that it will not escalate job action beyond the 27 members out today while talks are underway.

Cuddington is an experienced mediator with thirty years as an industrial relations practitioner in both the public and private sectors.

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For more information, contact:

Shawna Kelly
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0963
Email: shawna.kelly@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-539-0379