Saskatchewan Union of Nurses says contract talks have stalled

A recent study of MNU members found 62 per cent of Manitoba nurses currently experience compassion fatigue.

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses says contract talks with the province have reached an impasse after more than seven months at the bargaining table.

Union president Tracy Zambory says a key item is the ability of nurses to call in extra staff when they think help is needed.

The union says nurses can often call in more maintenance, kitchen, or even snow removal staff, but only some RNs can call in additional nursing staff if they think it's necessary for patient care.

The Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, which bargains on behalf of the province, says negotiations broke down when the talk turned to wages.

CEO Doug Forseth says the association has sent the union dates for getting the two sides back to the table.

An impasse means they will go into a conciliation period to try to resolve the outstanding issues and neither party can call a strike or lockout during that time.

Saskatchewan's registered nurses have been without a collective agreement since the previous contract expired March 30, 2014.