The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees` Union (SGEU) and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) have reached a new collective agreement.
The new agreement covers approximately 870 employees at the SCA, including medical physicists, radiation therapists, nurses, and support staff. The agreement runs from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2023.
One of the key features of the new agreement is a wage increase. Union members will receive a 6.75% wage increase over the four-year term of the agreement. This includes a 1% lump-sum payment in the first year of the agreement.
The agreement also includes improvements to benefits and working conditions. For example, employees will receive three additional personal days per year, bringing the total to eight. The employer will also increase its contribution to the employees` group insurance plan.
In addition, the agreement includes new provisions related to job security. The SCA has committed to reviewing all temporary and casual positions, with the goal of converting as many as possible to permanent full-time or part-time positions.
The agreement was reached through a process of collective bargaining between the SGEU and the SCA. Collective bargaining is a negotiation process between the union and the employer, where both sides work to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The SGEU represents approximately 30,000 public sector workers in Saskatchewan, including nurses, social workers, and government employees. The union advocates for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members.
In conclusion, the new collective agreement between the SGEU and the SCA provides a significant pay increase and improved benefits and job security for SCA employees. It demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining in achieving fair compensation and working conditions for workers.