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October 10, 2019
REGINA—Members from Unifor’s six Crowns are disappointed to announce that the Water Security Agency agreed to a tentative agreement that includes the two-year wage freeze imposed by the Scott Moe government.
“Our union is built on the principle that the power of Unifor is our members, and they make the final decision on the terms of their contracts,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Our Crown members are worth and deserve more than the zeros offered by the Scott Moe government. The majority of striking and locked-out Crown workers remain committed to getting a fair contract—including an inflationary increase similar to what Scott Moe paid himself.”
One small unit of Unifor Local 820 represents 140 workers at the Water Security Agency. Unifor and the bargaining committee will be recommending the members reject the inferior deal but will respect the decision of the members as they vote on the agreement. Even if the tentative agreement is ratified the other Unifor locals say it will have little impact on the ongoing strike and lock-outs at six Crowns corporations.
“Crown workers across the province are united against Scott Moe’s wage freeze mandate,” said Penny Matheson, Unifor Local 2S President, representing SaskTel workers in areas north of Davidson.
Some Crown bargaining committees have been at the table with the employer for up to two years. They’ve offered to accept lump-sum payments (a.k.a. signing bonuses) in place of a base wage increase for years the contract has been expired.
“Crown workers are hardworking, compassionate and resilient. We want fairness and respect from the Moe government,” said Ian Davidson, Unifor Local 649 President representing workers at SaskEnergy and SaskPower. “Scott Moe can easily end the service disruption with a respectful offer that includes fair wages and real job security.”
The tentative agreement will be presented to members for a ratification vote. Details of the new contract will be released upon ratification.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
