Following a mutually agreed break in bargaining during October, SAHO and SGEU resumed negotiations on November 19, 20 and 21, 2024 in Saskatoon.  

The parties exchanged several proposals. SAHO and SGEU had respectful and productive dialogue resulting in some further progress including agreement on one issue.

This round of collective bargaining is the first opportunity for transition negotiations to recognize the amalgamation of the twelve former Regional Health Authorities into a single provincial health authority as well as addressing important issues for renewal of the collective agreement. SAHO’s proposals are constructed to ensure that employees can optimize their hours, and the employer can create meaningful employment as well as improving flexibility to meet patient needs.

SAHO remains committed to a fair and transparent bargaining process. It is our intent that all employees in over 300 common classifications covered by three (3) collective agreements have equitable opportunities, maintain internal equity for monetary and non-wage monetary terms and conditions and benefit equally in the new single provincial health authority. The SAHO proposal package maintains the integrity of the three provider unions while we seek common solutions to common issues. SAHO and the Provider Unions have a long-recognized practice of negotiating monetary and common issues at a single table.

It is recognized that the opportunity to find alignment and equitable resolutions to transition issues may be best served by having these discussions with all three (3) provider unions at the same table. SGEU and SAHO have discussed transition issues and have identified where issues may require joint discussion with SEIU-West and CUPE. SAHO has been consistent in raising the need to move forward with negotiating these common transition issues; however, to date it is the only organization that has expressed any urgency to begin transition negotiations.

SAHO and SGEU are scheduled for further bargaining on January 7, 8 and 9, 2025, in Saskatoon. 

Union/SGEU December 16, 2024