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'SIAST and the provincial government which is directing these negotiations from behind the scenes refuses to move in a positive direction that would lead to an agreement.'
Saskatoon (24 Jan. 2011) - Negotiators for the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) appear to have deliberately sabotaged a breakdown of mediated contract talks by putting forward a "final" offer of less than they had been on the table prior to mediation.
"SIAST and the provincial government which is directing these negotiations from behind the scenes refuses to move in a positive direction that would lead to an agreement,” says Tracy Kurtenbach, chair of the professional services negotiating committee of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE).
“We have made concessions in mediation. We have looked to SIAST to do the same but instead they have chosen to inflame the situation by moving backwards, instead of forwards,” Kurtenbach says.
SIAST is now proposing a 5.5% wage increase over three years with no additional money for pension enhancements or other benefit improvements.
“This offer is worse than what other public sector unions have settled for in the past year,” says Jim Steele, chair of SGEU’s academic negotiating committee.
“Clearly SIAST instructors and professional services staff are being singled out for unfair and discriminatory treatment by this government."
Steele says SGEU has reduced its proposals in an attempt to find common ground but SIAST refuses to negotiate reasonably.
"Saskatchewan is leading the country in economic growth," adds Kurtenbach.
"To maintain this lead we need to train our young people to participate in the growing economy. Our members are the professionals and instructors educating this future skilled workforce. We should be recognized and rewarded for our contribution. Instead, we are being treated like second class workers compared to our counterparts in universities.”
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
More information:
• Mediation begins this week in SIAST contract talks
• Out-of-province mediator request in SIAST dispute