The SAHO Bargaining Committee met with CUPE December 17, 18 and 19, 2024 in Regina and February 5, 6 and 7, 2025 in Saskatoon.

SAHO and CUPE continue to exchange proposals on non-monetary items. The negotiation sessions were collaborative and constructive and resulted in reaching agreement on several proposals. Negotiations have been very productive, and the parties are advancing through the individual table issues. 

Since the initial exchange of proposals with the provider unions in the fall of 2023, SAHO has emphasized the need to address their individual union issues and then move to a common table to address proposals related to the formation of a single provincial health authority from the twelve former Regional Health Authorities. A common table will provide a forum to find alignment and equitable resolutions to the common issues including compensation. 

SAHO remains committed to a fair and transparent bargaining process. It is our intent that all employees in the 300 plus common classifications covered by three (3) collective agreements, maintain internal equity for monetary and non-wage monetary terms and conditions of employment to ensure that all employees benefit equally in the opportunities of a new single employer. The SAHO proposal package seeks to maintain the integrity of the three provider unions while finding common solutions to common issues. A single provincial employer impacts all employees working in these common classifications regardless of union jurisdiction. Resolutions of those issues need to be considered jointly and collaboratively, much like discussions relating to the joint job evaluation program, the market supplement program or monetary compensation. The pace of these negotiations would be greatly assisted by having these discussions with all three provider union partners at the same table.

SAHO’s proposals are constructed to address those issues and ensure that employees have options to exercise their seniority provincially while maintaining benefits and accruals. There is a desire to provide employees the ability to maximize hours when working in more than one union jurisdiction and the ability to create meaningful employment. This can be achieved without any interference with union jurisdiction or membership enabling improvements for employees and increasing flexibility to meet patient needs. 

The next scheduled meetings with CUPE are March 25, 26 and 27, 2025 in Regina.

Union/CUPE February 21, 2025