After over two weeks of voting across the province, employees at five crown corporations have ratified new collective bargaining agreements. 

The employees from SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, SaskWater, and the Water Security Agency join employees at SecurTek and DirectWest that previously ratified agreements with their employer. 

Management and Unifor bargaining teams reached tentative agreements on October 20 following a 17-day labour dispute, in which close to 5,000 workers were on strike. 

Votes for ratification were held across the province starting on October 28, with the final ratification meeting held on November 14. 

“We are very pleased that Unifor represented employees have voted to ratify their respective agreements,” Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said. “We believe the agreements are fair and equitable and provide for long-term stability for both employees and Crown corporations and agencies. Thank you to both management and union bargaining teams for their hard work and dedication throughout the process.” 

Employees that experienced hardship during the 17-day labour disruption, active-full time employees at SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, SaskWater will receive four days’ pay, and full-time employees who worked in essential positions during the strike will receive a pro-rated number of days pay. 

Unifor National President Jerry Dias said in a news release that he is proud of how his members acted. 

"Unifor members took historic direct action to get a contract they deserve. Solidarity was key to their success, and they should be proud of what they accomplished together," he said. "Unifor members knew the government mandate was unfair and found solutions to get a superior contract." 

The final step in the completion of the collective bargaining agreements will be approved by the respective Boards of Directors in the coming weeks. 

The ratified agreement at SaskTel provides a monetary package of 5.0 per cent over five years and includes:

  • 1st year and 2nd year - 0.0 per cent
  • 3rd year - 1.0 per cent
  • 4th year - 2.0 per cent
  • 5th year - 2.0 per cent

The ratified six-year agreements at SaskEnergy, SaskWater, and SaskPower provide a monetary package of 7.0 per cent over six years as follows:

  • 1st year and 2nd year – 0.0 per cent
  • 3rd year – 1.0 per cent
  • 4th year – 2.0 per cent
  • 5th year – 2.0 per cent
  • 6th year – 2.0 per cent

The ratified six-year agreement at the WSA provides a six per cent increase in annual wages over six years with an additional one per cent increase in pension:

  • 1st year and 2nd year – 0.0 per cent
  • 3rd year – 1.0 per cent
  • 4th year – 1.0 per cent, 1.0 per cent pension increase
  • 5th year – 2.0 per cent
  • 6th year – 2.0 per cent