More than 3,000 workers say they should paid closer to Alberta healthcare workers
The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS), which represents more than 3,000 healthcare workers in the province, is calling for binding arbitration in its contract negotiations with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).
Last week, the two parties returned to the bargaining table when HSAS presented SAHO with a revised package of demands. SAHO returned indicating that they would be unable to meet the requests of HSAS.
“After more than two years without a contract and no indication healthcare employers are ready or able to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement, we believe independent, binding arbitration is the best option to prevent job action,” said HSAS president Cathy Dickson in a press release.
SAHO is offering a wage increase of 7.5 per cent over four years, while the union wishes for 18.5 per cent over the four years of the contract. Dickson argues that wages in the province should be closer to counterparts in neighbouring Alberta.
About 30 medical professions are represented by HSAS, with the exception of doctors, nurses and technicians.
