Shellbrook Health Workers Demand Fair Wages Amid Staffing Crisis

Health care workers in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, voiced urgent concerns over low wages and chronic staffing shortages during a special meeting held on March 15, 2024. The gathering, organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5430, attracted local members eager to address the issues affecting their workplace environment.

Bahir Jalloh, the president of CUPE 5430, highlighted three primary concerns impacting health care staff: persistent short staffing, delays in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, and low wages compared to neighboring provinces. He remarked, “The morale in the workplace is extremely low because of that.” Jalloh pointed out that wages for similar job classifications in Saskatchewan lag significantly behind those in Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Currently, CUPE 5430 members have not received a pay raise in nearly three years. Union leadership is calling on the provincial government to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer that recognizes the vital contributions health care workers make daily. Jalloh noted ongoing service disruptions at Shellbrook Hospital, stating that when concerns are presented to management, there is often a perception of denial about the issues raised.

A casual health care worker conveyed to Jalloh that she has been mandated to work, despite management’s denial that anyone has been required to do so. This situation has led to conflicts impacting holiday plans and creating an imbalance between work and personal life for staff.

Concerns about staffing levels were echoed by a nurse from the facility who reached out to local media, declaring that staffing is at critical levels every day. She also mentioned that continuing care aides (CCAs) at Shellbrook are expected to perform multiple roles, including doing laundry, serving food, and cleaning up, in contrast to other facilities where CCAs focus solely on their designated duties.

Despite the increasing pressure, Jalloh emphasized that health care workers remain committed to their residents and patients. He noted the fluidity of roles in the facility, where staff often transition between acute care and long-term care settings.

A similar meeting took place earlier this week in North Battleford, where health care workers also addressed similar challenges.

In response to the concerns raised, Health Minister Cockrill issued a statement affirming the government’s support for front-line staff. “Health care workers are the backbone of that system. We value their dedication and the compassion they show to patients and families every single day,” he stated. Cockrill referenced an interim wage adjustment of 3%, retroactive to April 2023, proposed earlier this year by the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).

While this offer was not accepted by CUPE, SEIU-West, and SGEU, Cockrill expressed optimism that fair agreements could be reached that benefit both employees and taxpayers while ensuring high-quality care continues. “At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: supporting health care workers and ensuring people in our province get the care they need,” he concluded.

The ongoing dialogue between health care professionals and the provincial government will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues and improving working conditions within the healthcare system in Saskatchewan.