SAHO and SGEU met in Prince Albert on February 19, 20, 21, 2025

The parties continued positive and productive dialogue, exchanging counterproposals and achieving agreement on a significant issue. Proposals identified as appropriate for the common table were also discussed.  

Since the initial exchange of proposals with SGEU in the fall of 2023, SAHO has emphasized the need to move proposals related to the amalgamation of the twelve former Regional Health Authorities into a single employer to a common table. Addressing these issues requires the participation of all three (3) provider unions at the same table. SAHO has been raising the need to resolve individual union table issues and move to the common table. Recently discussions for improving that process, including an interim wage adjustment of 3% retroactive to April 1, 2023, were declined by SGEU, SEIU-West and CUPE. We were disappointed and hope that there will be an opportunity to continue discussions on an improved process. 

This offer was unprecedented and took an innovative approach to addressing some immediate monetary concerns of employees while providing improvements to the timeliness of negotiations. The unions rejected a monetary offer upwards of $90M. For employees in Pay Bands 2 to 20, this equates to retroactive payments which range from approximately $2000 to $5500 per full time employee. It is unfortunate that employees will not receive some economic relief and that the pace of negotiations will be unchanged.

 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 terms and conditions, including wages and non-wage monetary compensation and that employees can 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. The move to a single employer impacts all employees working in common classifications regardless of union jurisdiction or location. Resolution to these issues should be considered jointly and collaboratively, much like discussions relating to the joint job evaluation program, the market supplement program, common Letters of Understanding and monetary compensation. 

SAHO’s proposals are constructed to address common 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 opportunity to maximize hours and create meaningful employment which may include working in a neighboring union jurisdiction. This can be achieved without any interference with union jurisdiction or membership and can enable employment improvements for employees while improving access to care for patients, residents and clients.  

SAHO and SGEU are scheduled to bargain next on April 2, 3, 4, 2025 in Saskatoon.

Union/SGEU March 13, 2025