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Sask Party shows double standard toward public workers by MLA wage increase

“The so-called pay cut Sask Party members took last year to ‘show leadership’ was nothing but political posturing. This is just more of the same bad policies and disregard toward workers the Sask Party has always shown." — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

Regina (08 June 2018) — The Sask Party is showing a continued double standard with the recent approval of MLA’s wage increases, while offering little to government workers, according to the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE).

Workers stunned as MLAs take massive wage increase

“For the government to propose next to nothing for union workers during bargaining, while at the same time giving themselves a 3.5 per cent increase, is the ultimate hypocrisy. We will certainly be reminding the government of this stark contrast as our contract negotiations continue,” said Bob Bymoen, SGEU President. 

MLAs have recently approved a 3.5 per cent increase to their base annual pay, from $92,816.59 to $96,183. Premier Scott Moe also recently approved an additional $3,000 annual bonus to 13 legislative secretaries.

These increases come at a time when many Saskatchewan families are struggling under rising costs and the lowest minimum wage in the country. Since 2006, MLAs have seen their annual salary increase 48.4 per cent.

Many workers struggling after a decade of stagnant wages

“It’s been a decade since this government took a real look at fair compensation for government workers. To see this MLA increase is infuriating for our members,” said Bymoen.

“The so-called pay cut Sask Party members took last year to ‘show leadership’ was nothing but political posturing. This is just more of the same bad policies and disregard toward workers the Sask Party has always shown,” said Bymoen.