Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill isn’t surprised so many healthcare workers are in favour of job action. A day after dozens of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members rallied outside his office in North Battleford following a 99 per cent strike mandate vote, Cockrill says a deal is closer than it may seem. “Both parties agree it’s been too long, and this is where I think we have an opportunity,” Cockrill said. “There has been progress that’s being made at the bargaining table, but these aren’t simple issues all the time, so you got to stay there, you got to stay focused.” Sitting down for an interview with CTV News, Cockrill didn’t want to delve into certain topics or reveal too much that could potentially affect future bargaining talks. He says before any job action, there would need to be an essential services agreement worked out between the province and CUPE Local 5430 to ensure vital healthcare services are still available during any strike. While those negotiations can become very complex, he understands a strike mandate is one part of bargaining that can happen this far into the process. “We’re hearing loud and clear from CUPE members, and I think, to be fair, even non-health care workers that say, ‘I want those health care workers to get a deal.’ And we do too.” Cockrill said. CUPE 5430 is the largest healthcare union in Saskatchewan. The union represents roughly 14,200 administrative, clerical and support staff in healthcare facilities and hospitals across Saskatchewan, as well as licensed practical nurses and continuing care aides. The union has been without a contract since March 31, 2023, and says members haven’t seen a raise in four and a half years. On Tuesday, President Bashir Jalloh said members are feeling the effects of no wage increases and are ready to put more pressure on the province to come to an agreement. “We cannot take this anymore and enough is enough. We are ready to move to the next step,” Jalloh said. “And I’m telling you, we are determined and we will do that.” One issue both sides can’t agree on is worker mobility. As part of the province’s plans to serve more remote and rural areas, the province is looking to expand the work areas for many Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) employees. The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses previously highlighted its concerns with the SHA having the ability to move nurses freely across the province. Those same concerns are being echoed by Jalloh, who says many CUPE members would be further harmed. “More than 50 per cent of our members do not make $50,000 a year,” Jalloh said. “Some of them cannot afford to have a car; some of them cannot afford to be driving around.” However, Cockrill says this isn’t something the province’s bargaining agent, Saskatchewan Associations of Health Organizations (SAHO), is backing away from. “I think there’s a conversation that needs to happen around the employer being able to have more flexibility around ensuring that those services can continue in communities that are small and remote,” he said. Although specifics aren’t being revealed, Cockrill says the intention is not to displace workers from their families. “SAHO has stressed all throughout the process that any movement of employees would be voluntary, not involuntary movement around the province,” Cockrill said. “Not saying you’re here today and there tomorrow.” Cockrill is familiar with long labour negotiations. He was the education minister when Saskatchewan teachers voted in favour of job action in October 2023. Binding arbitration ultimately settled the dispute in March 2025. He says because of healthcare and the way the SHA operates compared to dozens of school divisions across the province, there are difference between the two negotiations. And he’s hoping some movement on worker mobility will help avoid further struggles at the bargaining table. “Having flexibility for the employer, but having boundaries to protect workers,” he said. “That’s why we have collective bargaining agreements.” SAHO and CUPE are set to resume contract talks in Regina next Thursday and Friday.
