Saskatchewan health‑care workers union to vote on strike action in September

The Saskatchewan Union of Health‑Care Workers (CUPE Local 5430), representing more than 14,000 staff in hospitals, long‑term care homes and other medical facilities, announced a secret‑ballot strike vote for September. Union president Bashir Jalloh said the vote is prompted by chronic staffing shortages, rising workloads and “years without meaningful wage improvements.”

The collective agreement with the Saskatchewan Health Authority expired in March 2023 and negotiations have continued for over three and a half years. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill affirmed that discussions are ongoing and cited proposals that include compensation increases and back‑pay, while noting that essential‑service legislation will keep core health services running even if a strike occurs.