Bargaining committees at Unifor Locals 1-S and 2-S are preparing to ask for a strike mandate from members at SaskTel, after subsidiary SecurTek voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike.

“We want to send Premier Moe a strong message,” said Unifor President Jerry Dias. “Workers at the Crown corporations deserve a fair contract and if a 2.3 per cent raise is good enough for MLAs, it’s good enough for our members!”

The Saskatchewan politicians, who make more than $100,000 per year, recently received a 2.3 per cent cost of living increase. Members who face the same rising costs are being offered much less.

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“A fair wage, job security, mental health provisions and contracting out are worth fighting for,” said Western Regional Director Joie Warnock. "Our members are sitting at home waiting to be called by SaskTel. Yet contractors work full-time with a guaranteed number of hours. So they have a guarantee, but unionized employees don't."

A conciliator has declared a cooling off period, which ends July 12. Mediation is scheduled for July 10 and 11.

“Our goal is to obtain a fair collective agreement without job action,” said Warnock. “In the meantime, we are preparing for a worst-case scenario of strike action.”

For more information: https://www.uniforsaskcouncil.ca/home