Healthcare workers at the Eston Healthcare Facility, represented by SEIU-West, held an information picket to raise awareness of their ongoing struggle for a fair collective agreement. These workers, including licensed practical nurses, continuing care aides, dietary, maintenance, and environmental services staff, have been without a contract for 19 months. The prolonged negotiations are a result of the essential services legislation, which prevents healthcare workers from striking, causing delays in resolving their bargaining disputes.
Barb Cape, President of SEIU-West, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations. “We’ve been in bargaining for about a year now, and we’re getting nowhere,” said Cape. She noted that this has become a recurring issue, with the last round of negotiations taking three years to finalize. Without the leverage of a strike, essential workers face prolonged negotiations, further exacerbating their financial struggles.
The healthcare workers, who played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now feeling the strain of rising living costs. Many have taken on second jobs or are working overtime just to make ends meet. Cape emphasized the dire situation these workers face: “They are struggling to survive.”
In response to the deadlock, SEIU-West’s bargaining committee has been travelling across the province, visiting facilities like Eston to inform workers and communities about the state of negotiations. The information picket aimed to raise awareness not only among coworkers and employers but also within the Eston community.
With provincial elections on the horizon, SEIU-West is encouraging voters to prioritize healthcare issues when speaking to politicians. “We want people to tell politicians that they’re healthcare voters and ask what they will do to improve the system and support workers,” said Cape.
As the contract dispute drags on, the essential healthcare workers in Eston and across Saskatchewan continue to call for fair treatment and a resolution that recognizes their crucial contributions to the healthcare system.