Cancer care workers in Saskatchewan renew ban on overtime

"We are committed to achieving binding arbitration, where outstanding issues are settled by an independent third party." - Trent Edwards, SGEU bargaining committee co-chair.

Regina (16 May 2012) - Frustrated with the lack of progress in contract negotiations, cancer care workers in Saskatchewan have given the employer 48-hours notice of a renewed ban on overtime.

"We are committed to achieving binding arbitration, where outstanding issues are settled by an independent third party. In the long term, this is the best possible solution for cancer patients and their families," says Trent Edwards, co-chair of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU/NUPGE) Saskatchewan Cancer Agency negotiating committee.

"Unfortunately, the Saskatchewan government refuses to modify a collective bargaining model that relies on job action to settle disputes. This is their choice, not ours," adds Edwards.

"We are determined to have an objective third party settle outstanding issues because this will ultimately benefit our patients - who deserve a stable, caring environment, free from the tension and uncertainty of labour relations disputes," Edwards says.

The ban on overtime will take effect at noon, May 16, and will not apply to workers who provide care and treatment to cancer patients.

The union instituted a ban on overtime in mid-June last year but removed it as a sign of good faith in the midst of contract negotiations in August.

There has been little meaningful progress at the bargaining table and cancer care workers have been without a contract since December 31, 2009.

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