CUPE Health care providers are the backbone of our health care system. Without our expertise and commitment, Saskatchewan’s health care system simply could not function. But for far too long CUPE 5430 members have been ignored and disrespected.

“Every day our members face overwhelming workload and ongoing staff shortages. The chronic understaffing is leading to burnout and stress,” said Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE 5430. “And the Sask Party government has done nothing to improve the wages or the working conditions of our members.”

CUPE 5430’s collective agreement expired on March 31, 2023, and members have not seen a wage increase in almost three years.

“Our wages are falling behind and here is the bottom line – health workers need a meaningful raise. Not just to recover our lost purchasing power, but to address the recruitment and retention challenges the province has faced for many years,” added Jalloh.

Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan, echoed Jalloh’s calls for a wage increase.

“Scott Moe and the Sask Party need to start actually listening to health care workers. They can’t fix this health care crisis without significant wage increases for front line workers,” said Peterson. “CUPE Saskatchewan will stand with our health care workers to demand better treatment from this government.”

/cope342