Healthcare Workers Rally in Yorkton for Fair Wages and Retention

Healthcare workers in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, gathered on March 5, 2024, to advocate for improved wages and better retention policies. Represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5430, the group assembled at City Centre Park, displaying signs and flags as they prepared to march to the office of local MLA David Chan to deliver their demands.

The protest was fueled by frustrations over stagnant wages and the deteriorating state of healthcare in the province. According to Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE Health Care Workers in Saskatchewan, the message aimed to reach both Chan and the provincial government, particularly Premier Scott Moe and Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill. “We want to let them know about the condition of healthcare,” Jalloh expressed.

Workers emphasized that their situation has become increasingly untenable, with many reporting that they have been without a contract for three years. “We’ve received 0 percent wage increases for three consecutive years,” said Sandee Michalchuk, a licensed practical nurse. She criticized the government for awarding itself raises while healthcare workers struggle financially.

The rally highlighted a critical issue: retention of healthcare staff. Michalchuk stated, “We can recruit all you want, but we can’t keep them in the province. They’re not going to stay because they don’t have job satisfaction and pay.” Saskatchewan currently offers the lowest wages for healthcare professionals compared to other provinces.

Just one day prior to the rally, Minister Cockrill announced the opening of a new family physician residency seat in Yorkton starting in July 2024. However, when questioned about incentives to retain newly graduated physicians in the area, he claimed that compensation for physicians in Saskatchewan is among the most competitive in Canada. He did not mention any new incentives for retention.

Jalloh criticized this focus on physicians, stating, “Healthcare is not only about doctors. There are so many people in healthcare that are not doctors.” Many healthcare workers feel undervalued and underpaid, which contributes to high turnover rates.

Michalchuk suggested that instead of attracting new staff, the government should invest in existing healthcare workers. “Support us, fund us, keep the funding in the province,” she urged. She proposed offering incentives for nursing aides wishing to return to school, funding for licensed practical nurses pursuing registered nurse credentials, and even encouraging retirees to return to the workforce.

Staffing shortages have led to increased workloads, with many workers missing vacation time and often working overtime. Michalchuk remarked on the toll this takes, saying, “Often, I’m not getting vacation time, and working overtime.”

When asked about the possibility of job action if their demands are not met, Jalloh replied, “Whatever it takes. Whatever demands we get from our members to get the job action, we will do that.”

As the rally concluded, the healthcare workers expressed their determination to advocate for better conditions and fair compensation. CTV News has reached out to MLA David Chan for a response regarding the protest and the concerns raised by healthcare workers.