REGINA – CUPE Saskatchewan is voicing its dismay over Regina’s 2026 budget that was passed last week.
In a statement, CUPE characterized the budget as one that “hurts workers and weakens public services.” The budget that was approved on Friday included a 10.9 per cent mill rate increase, as well as spending reductions in several areas to bring the increase down from an initially proposed 15.69 per cent.
“Cuts to public services and potential job losses are unacceptable,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan, in a news release.
“City councillors that chose cuts over investing in communities will have to answer to voters and our members in the next election.”
CUPE 21, which represents over 1,600 outside workers at the City of Regina, voiced its particular concern. Its president Tyler Hutchinson said in a statement that the budget will have direct consequences for some city employees, especially those in casual positions.
“These budget cuts target casual workers – people already living with precarious employment,” Hutchinson said. “They keep our city running, and these cuts could put their livelihoods and vital city services at risk.”
