REGINA, Sask. — Labour unions made known their dissatisfaction with the contents of the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday.
A number of unions have already voiced their concerns, including the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).
“It’s a disappointing day. It’s another Throne Speech with nothing for workers. That doesn’t create ‘strength or stability’,” said the SFL’s newly elected president Marilynne MacFarlane in a statement in response to the Throne Speech.
“Workers have been clear with this government: To create strength and stability, Saskatchewan needs an end to scab labour. This is crucial when we have a major employer trying to build a scab camp again,” said MacFarlane, referring to reports that Federated Co-op Limited was seeking to build a 510-bed temporary work camp for its Regina refinery.
“Saskatchewan also needs strong and stable workplace organizing rules. Card check certification is a key reform that removes red tape and allows workers to democratically choose a union to represent them. Government works for us, not the other way around. If we had a strong and stable government, we wouldn’t have to remind them of this.”
SEIU-West president Lisa Zunti was also not happy with the Throne Speech.
“I had a hard time seeing anything in the Throne Speech for my workers in particular,” said Zunti.
“As you may know we have been bargaining for three and a half years. There was nothing in the throne speech that addresses the here and now and what is happening for workers right now. What is happening for workers right now for workers in this province is they cannot pay their bills because they haven’t had a raise for four and a half years.”
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is also unimpressed. Its president, Samantha Becotte, said there was “nothing new in this Throne Speech for education.”
“Everything that was mentioned has been introduced before. Those are positive steps in education to help address complexity but they are only the first steps.”
Becotte noted some progress has been made previously, but “largely that progress has come because of a great deal of public advocacy and advocacy from teachers, actions from teachers, and our students need more support.
“We have said that that progress is important, but it is a first step to address the challenges that exist within our schools across the province, so we need to see more commitment made to make sure that teachers can meet the needs of all of their students.”
While the Throne Speech itself is now over, the pressure from organized labour will be continuing Wednesday.
CUPE 5430 is staging a Day of Action at the legislature on Oct. 28 during the noon hour as they continue to press for a new deal for health care workers. The union says those workers have been without a new contract since 2023. Hundreds of health care workers are expected to be bussed in for that event on the front steps.
“Each year, Health Care Provider Week is a time to celebrate the 14,000 dedicated CUPE health care workers providing vital care and services in communities across Saskatchewan,” said CUPE 5430 president Bashir Jalloh in a statement. “This week should be one of celebration, but unfortunately, we must also use this opportunity to send a message to the provincial government. After four and a half years without a wage increase – our members deserve so much better.”
