For Immediate Release
April 26, 2024
Saskatoon—Community Service Workers (CSWs) who work for LutherCare Communities Group Homes (LCGH) have escalated their strike action to include the withdrawal of duties managing dirty dishes and cutlery. This withdrawal of services will take effect on May 1, 2024 at 6:00 am and will be in addition to the current withdrawal of transportation services.
The Employer has proposed including the federal holiday of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the CBA. What the Employer neglected to disclose was its proposal to claw back 1% of the proposed general wage increase from employees to pay for it. The Union believes the provision of the federal holiday to the management staff did not come with same price tag.
Contrary to the Employer’s allegations, SEIU-West has always responded to the Employer’s invitation to bargain. What the Employer failed to mention was the Union insisted the Employer come prepared to present a proposal that would move the parties toward agreeing on a Collective Agreement. The Employer declined to do so.
“Any time the Employer has contacted us, they have nothing new to offer,” says Barbara Cape, President of SEIU-West. “We remain committed to achieving a fair Collective Agreement for our members.”
“Our members take no pleasure in the withdrawal of services, but it has taken far too long to get a fair deal to settle a long overdue Collective Agreement,” adds Cape. “But until the Employer is ready to come to the table with a better proposal to conclude bargaining, the Union job action will continue”.
Service Employees International Union West (SEIU-West) represents over 13,000 people across Saskatchewan. They include people who work in health care, education, municipalities, community-based organizations, retirement homes, and other sectors. They are joined by one colour – purple – and one union – SEIU-West. Visit PurpleWorks.ca to find out more about SEIU-West members.
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For more information, contact:
Christine Miller
Director, Political Action & Education
SEIU-West
306-652-1011 ext. 8733