Saskatchewan health workers give 99% vote to strike in historic ballot
More than 13,000 members of CUPE 5430 voted overwhelmingly for strike action, marking the largest labor vote in Saskatchewan’s history.
In a vote spanning Sept. 8-14, CUPE 5430 members—13,358 health-care workers in Saskatchewan—approved a strike with a 99 % majority, the biggest such mandate in the province. The union, which includes staff from hospitals, long-term care and administration, has been contract-less since March 31, 2023 and has gone more than four and a half years without a wage rise. At a rally in North Battleford outside Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill’s constituency office, union officials highlighted the need for respect, competitive wages and adequate staffing levels.
CUPE criticized the latest offer from the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, saying it would increase travel distances, lower earnings compared with Western Canada and ignore rising living costs. CUPE national president Mark Hancock and local president Bashir Jalloh denounced the minister’s handling of the dispute. New Democratic Party leader Carla Beck pledged continued backing for fair contracts and recruitment efforts.
Why it matters
The vote could trigger a large-scale strike that would disrupt Saskatchewan’s health-care services and pressure the government on wages and staffing.
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