Negotiations

January 16, 2026

Dear Members,

Yesterday, we concluded another round of collective bargaining with the employer. The parties have now resolved most outstanding issues and just a few items remain on the table for discussion. Two of these items were surveyed as your top priorities: wages and benefits.

We remain committed to negotiating a meaningful wage increase for all members, including those whose wages have “maxxed out”. These members are unable to receive economic adjustments under Article 11.3 – Increments, and represent roughly 20-25% of the total membership. These members have not seen any increase in their wages since January 1, 2023. This, on top of generational increases to the cost-of-living of 10.5% over 2022/23 and another 4.2% over 2024/25, means all members’ purchasing power has eroded significantly since we last negotiated wages.

We have heard from many of you that you are facing financial challenges and having to make decisions on cutting not just your wants but needs. This is not acceptable.

Yesterday, we provided another comprehensive offer that could resolve collective bargaining. Our offer proposed meaningful wage increases for all that would address immediate financial concerns and be more in line with expected increases to the cost of living over the term of the agreement. We also communicated that we are at our “floor” and proposing any less would be unfair to our members and would likely not be ratified by the membership.

We will be back at the table next Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21. We remain hopeful that the employer will be able to improve on their latest offer and resolve collective bargaining at the table.

Should the parties reach an impasse, we are mindful of and prepared for the processes triggered by essential services provisions in The Saskatchewan Employment Act. Should this happen, we will arrange meetings to share information on the process and discuss all available options that might help resolve collective bargaining at or away from the table.

It’s vitally important to hear from you, our members, about your working conditions and the priorities and direction of our union. If you wish to have us visit your workplace to provide an update at this critical moment, please contact your Area Representative or call us at the office at (306) 966-7015.

Our next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026 at Louis’ Pub (Downstairs) beginning at 5:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be provided so please plan to attend and have a say in the direction of your union.

Our union’s strength comes from the collective – our community, our diversity, our solidarity.

Your Negotiating Committee,

Alan Bohle

Ann Forget

Bryan Shain

Erwin Marbella

Jeff Theis

Dear Members,

Last week, we concluded another round of collective bargaining with the employer. The parties have worked hard to resolve most outstanding issues since we returned to the table in the fall. Our discussions are now centered on wages and other forms of compensation.

We recognize that for the last number of years, your wages have not kept up with inflation, especially for those who are at the top of their respective phase. Your Negotiating Committee’s key priority remains to bring forward a meaningful wage increase for all members, including those whose wages have “maxxed out” and are unable to receive economic adjustments under Article 11.3.

At our last meeting, we provided a comprehensive offer to resolve all outstanding matters, including seeking meaningful, fair and equitable wage increases for all members in all classifications. We are hopeful that when we return to the table in January, the employer will be in a position to reply to our comprehensive offer to resolve collective bargaining. In the meantime, your Negotiating Committee will be working to identify and communicate ways that you can get involved and show support as we continue to negotiate a fair deal on your behalf.

Your executive is also planning greater outreach and in-person meetings at each workplace. We know how important it is to hear from you, our members, about your working conditions and the priorities and direction of our union. If you wish to have us visit your workplace to provide an update on collective bargaining or anything else you might wish to discuss, please contact your Area Representative or call us at the office at (306) 966-7015.

Our union’s strength comes from the collective – our community, our diversity, our solidarity.

We wish all a peaceful and warm holiday season and hope you are able to spend some downtime with loved ones and/or find time for all the things you love. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Your Negotiating Committee,

Alan Bohle

Ann Forget

Bryan Shain

Erwin Marbella

Jeff Theis