SAHO seeks to continue bargaining with HSAS
09-Jul-2014
SAHO seeks to continue bargaining with HSAS
The Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations Inc. (SAHO) is seeking to return to the bargaining table with the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS). Recent negotiations stalled on June 27 when HSAS rejected the latest proposal from SAHO and declined to present a counter offer.
“SAHO’s interest is to develop a positive relationship with all healthcare unions in the province,” said Doug Forseth, SAHO CEO. “We value the skilled contributions of our entire healthcare team, which includes our health science professionals.” SAHO has engaged in the collective bargaining process with HSAS to reach an agreement that is affordable to the healthcare system, meets the needs of the patients, employers and the union, and which is comparable to other health science professionals across Western Canada.”
HSAS represents more than 3,400 health support practitioners in health regions throughout Saskatchewan. Past negotiations have led to rotating strikes in 2011, job action in 2007 and the longest healthcare strike in Saskatchewan’s history in 2002. Negotiations have often required third party intervention to settle the disputes.
The appointed provincial mediator has provided a final report that precludes further bargaining. This begins a 14-day cooling off period before immediate strike action can be pursued by HSAS, according to the new Saskatchewan Employment Act. “We respect the Saskatchewan Employment Act legislation and will follow it accordingly, but we also encourage HSAS to return to the table to achieve a collective agreement that works for everyone involved,” Forseth said. “Our preference would be to return to the table, but in the event that HSAS does pursue strike action, the Essential Service Act will ensure a safe level of staffing for both patients and employees during a labour disruption.”
SAHO is a non-profit, non-government association responsible for providing collective bargaining, labour relations and classification/job evaluation services to health regions, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and affiliated agencies throughout the province.
