Issues remain unresolved after long negotiations
The two most recent collective agreements summarized in this issue have something in common: union negotiators were lukewarm in their endorsement of the package that was eventually accepted.
According to Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan president Cathy Dickson, “While this agreement may represent the best that can be achieved today, Health Sciences will continue to bring these [under-staffing, waiting lists and lack of access] and other shortcomings to the public’s attention …”
The negotiations that led to this agreement took two years and saw “the longest running strike action in the history of the Saskatchewan health care sector.”
The agreement provides 7.5 per cent in wage increases over four years, plus two market adjustments in 2011 and 2012 for most classifications.
Shift and weekend premiums increase, as does EMS stand-by. An SUB plan for maternity, parental and adoption leave has been added.
The other contentious contract is one achieved between Fining in British Columbia and the Yukon and the International Association of Machinists after a five-week strike.
The membership votes 74 per cent in favour, one percentage point less than for the previous two-year wage freeze.
A previous tentative agreement was rejected on June 17, and several issues had to be addressed in the subsequent negotiations.
