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Unions blast refusal to negotiate in Saskatchewan

25,000 health care workers take out newspaper and radio ads to fight back against the Saskatchewan Party government's refusal to bargain a new contract.

Regina (24 Feb. 2010) - Health care unions in Saskatchewan have launched a print and radio advertising campaign in response to the government's tabling of a so-called 'final offer' during what was supposed to be a conciliation session.

The campaign is a joint initiative of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

"Today in Saskatchewan, the shortage of health providers is at risk of hurting your family’s care," the print ad says.

"But instead of solving the problem, the Saskatchewan government is making those shortages worse. For two years, Saskatchewan’s 25,000 health providers in hospitals, nursing homes and home care have been doing their jobs without a contract," the unions argue.

"The Saskatchewan government in now shutting the door on health providers — refusing to negotiate... refusing to budge. Their demands will drive workloads higher and make understaffing worse. It's time they realize — bullying health care providers won't solve shortages or make your care better. Only a fair deal will."

The radio ads carry a similar message. You can see the print ad and listen to the radio ad at the links listed below.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

More information:
• View Saskatchewan health care workers' print ad
• Listen to Saskatchewan health care workers' radio ad