Contract includes 8.5 per cent wage hike
Health care workers in Saskatchewan ratified a new collective agreement with the government last week, solidifying major improvements to their working conditions, according to the union.
On Feb. 28, the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU), affiliated with the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), signed a new deal on behalf of health care providers, who had been without a contract since 2012.
As part of the five-year agreement, employees will receive an 8.5 per cent wage increase, along with additional premium improvements. The union also negotiated enhancements to shift and weekend differentials, standby pay, monthly car allowances and professional fees for workers, as well as made improvements to the overall language in the contract.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) were also involved at the bargaining table.
Up next for NUPGE is to address the partnership agreement between the Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations and employers — for which a meeting date has yet to be set.
