REGINA, Sask. — Members of CUPE Saskatchewan local 5430 have voted 99 per cent in favour of job action.
The union released the results of the strike vote Tuesday morning. They report that between Sept. 8 and 14, 13,358 members had cast ballots.
The union states this means a “decisive strike mandate” after what they call “years of stalling and concessionary demands from the employer at the bargaining table.” CUPE 5430’s 14,000 health care workers have been without a contract since March 31, 2023.
“It’s shameful how long the Minister of Health has allowed our members to go without a wage increase or the respect they deserve,” said Bashir Jalloh, President of CUPE 5430, in a statement. “These incredible strike vote results send that minister and his government a message that our members are done waiting, are united, and ready to fight for a fair contract.”
CUPE 5430 planned a rally this morning in North Battleford outside of Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s constituency office. It is expected the NDP will also be at the rally. The rally coincides with CUPE 5430’s annual general meeting in the city.
This morning, Opposition Leader Carla Beck issued a statement on the CUPE strike vote, in which she was critical of the government for allowing the situation to reach this point.
“This didn’t need to happen,” Beck said in a news release.
“The very people on the front lines who have kept our health-care system running against all odds haven’t had a contract in four years. They have pleaded with the Sask. Party to listen, address their concerns and negotiate a fair deal. Instead, Scott Moe and his arrogant health minister, who is making a habit of this, have ignored workers, gaslit them and told them what they could see with their own eyes really wasn’t that bad.
“Let’s be clear — health care in Saskatchewan has never been in worse shape. Health-care workers have been asked to carry the consequences of the government’s failures for too long. They’re right to demand better. Our team stands in solidarity with health-care workers. We will continue to fight for fair contracts, competitive wages and a serious plan to recruit and retain the people our health-care system depends on.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story.
