Thousands of Saskatchewan health-care workers have voted near-unanimously in favour of job action. At a rally in North Battleford on Tuesday, CUPE 5430, which represents 14,000 employees, revealed 99 per cent of its members voted in favour of a strike. The union called it the largest strike vote in Saskatchewan’s history. “It is time for us to be heard loud and clear, and if not, we are ready to move to the next action, which is job action,” explained CUPE 5430 president Bashir Jalloh. The 14,000 workers represented by CUPE have been without a contract since March 31, 2023, and have gone four and half years without a wage increase. The workers have consistently raised issues surrounding short-staffing, highly demanding workloads, and declining morale. “It’s shameful how long the Minister of Health has allowed our members to go without a wage increase or the respect they deserve,” Jalloh added. “These incredible strike vote results send that minister and his government a message that our members are done waiting, are united, and ready to fight for a fair contract.” CUPE 5430 has been seeking higher wages and improved staffing. More than 13,000 members cast a ballot in the vote. “Right now, we’re not getting any respect, or the retention that we need to be able to keep us in the province so that we can actually look out for our patients,” Licensed Practical Nurse Cindy Landrie said at the rally. The Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) is the bargaining agent for provincial health employers. According to CUPE, SAHO’s latest offer was inadequate. “If I can’t pay my bills, how can I afford to continue living? And it’s getting to that point, unfortunately,” added Kimberly Plumb, a red seal chef. The offer reportedly included concessionary demands that would increase contract staffing and move health-care workers further from their homes with little notice, would leave most CUPE members making less than their Western Canada counterparts, and would not catch CUPE members up after years of wage erosion compared to the cost of living. “More than 50% of our members do not make $50,000 a year. They cannot make $50,000 a year. And some of them cannot afford to have the car. Some of them can’t afford to drive around,” explained Jalloh. CUPE says Saskatchewan’s cost of living increased 33.7 per cent between 2012 and 2025, while the general wage increase of CUPE 5430 members has only increased 14.32 per cent. “Over the same time, members’ wage increase was outstripped by a 61.6 per cent increase in minimum wage,” CUPE said. Health-care workers represented by SGEU and SEIU-West have also been without a contract since March 31, 2023. Health minister optimistic about deal In response to Tuesday’s announcement, the provincial government noted the important role health-care workers play throughout Saskatchewan. After thanking them for their efforts, the province said it was encouraged by progress being made at the bargaining table between SAHO and its union partners. “Our government remains optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement that works for health care workers, patients, employers, and communities,” read a statement from Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “Strike votes are a part of the collective bargaining process; however, we remain optimistic that productive discussions at the bargaining table will continue.” Cockrill also said bargaining updates can be found on SAHO’s website. Jalloh says the job action is a last resort, and the union is set for another round of talks with the province’s negotiating agent next week.
