April 27, 2026
Dear Members,
Your Bargaining Committees met with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) April 20 to April 24.
This week, we attempted to meaningfully engage with SAHO on their “key priorities” so that we could move bargaining forward. We sought clarification from SAHO on the intent of their network model, which would allow the employer to move workers from one facility or one community to another, with no consideration for your needs compared to what is included in their proposal. Their network model proposal is incredibly broad and does not distinguish between the movement of work, and the movement of workers.
Members have communicated that the only way they would consider accepting movement is if it was voluntary and appropriately compensated. Travel between facilities and locations is already occurring in some areas. This should be limited, defined in writing, and include provisions for travel. We are working to preserve these rights from previous rounds of bargaining and maintain your work-life balance.
The employer claims we are exaggerating the risks the movement of workers poses to our health system and our members’ work life balance. But we know it is our members on the frontlines who know best, and it is those voices we will continue to fight for.
Despite claiming that these issues are a top priority, SAHO continues to refuse to engage in constructive dialogue to define their proposal and as a result, progress on these issues at the common table has been minimal. Your bargaining committees continue to press for monetary discussions, but SAHO has made it clear they are unwilling to discuss other monetary matters until these matters are addressed. We continue to await clarity on the employer’s proposal on the movement of people or work.
We will continue to fight for our monetary proposal to be accepted. We cannot accept SAHO’s inadequate offer and here’s why – the employer’s proposal:
- Is contingent on accepting a suite of concessions that will worsen our members working conditions and work life balance.
- If accepted, the employer’s proposal will still leave us making less than most other health care providers in Western Canada.
- Would continue to erode our members’ buying power compared to the cost-of-living. Since 2012, inflation has increased 34%, and our members have only received a 14% increase in their wages.
We will continue to fight for what is best for our members because you deserve better. We will continue to explore all options available to us to increase pressure and get you the deal you deserve.
In Solidarity,
On behalf of your bargaining committees,
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