The parties met at the SEIU-West office in Saskatoon on September 17-19 and again on October 6-8, 2025.

The October 6-8 dates were originally scheduled for SGEU but following the September 23, 2025, Common Table discussions, SGEU graciously relinquished these dates to SEIU-West to provide some additional dates to resolve their individual table items before proceeding to the common table on October 20-24, 2025. The parties met at the SEIU-West office in Saskatoon on both occasions. Agreement was reached on numerous provisions including agreement in principle on amendments to the grievance and arbitration processes as well as some definitions and their application. The discussions were helpful in narrowing the gap of individual table issues between the three provider unions. This will be beneficial for negotiations at the common table later this month.  

SAHO’s proposals for common table negotiation are designed to give employees the opportunity to maximize hours and create meaningful employment, which may include working in a neighboring union jurisdiction. This will provide opportunity to reduce travel time for employees and increase accessibility for patients. Importantly, SAHO’s proposals to increase options for employee mobility, including hours of work, and do not interfere with union jurisdiction or membership. These proposals would ensure that all employees in the 300 plus common classifications, working for the same employer, would maintain internal equity and benefit equally in the opportunities that come with a new single provincial health employer. Employees would have options to exercise their seniority across the province, while maintaining benefits and accruals. These are real benefits for employees that, at the same time, improve access for patients, residents and clients.  

The current jurisdictional constraints severely limit the ability to serve Saskatchewan patients effectively and efficiently, creates barriers to recruitment and retention, especially in rural areas, and do not align with the structure of a provincial health authority. SAHO’s proposals are designed to address those issues.

The next bargaining session for all provider unions, CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU, will be the first session of the common table. These are scheduled for October 20-24 in Saskatoon. Wherever possible, weeklong sessions have been planned every two (2) weeks with dates scheduled into the New Year. 

Union/SEIU-West October 20, 2025