Health-care workers represented by CUPE Local 5430 have voted 99 per cent in favour of job action, establishing what the Canadian Union of Public Employees calls Saskatchewan’s largest strike vote in history. According to the union, 13,358 members cast ballots in favour of the strike mandate out of 13,492 total votes cast between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14.
Saskatchewan Health-Care Workers Secure Historic Strike Mandate
The local represents more than 14,000 members working across Saskatchewan in clerical, technical, nursing, support, and plant operations roles, according to union records. The results were announced on Tuesday morning in North Battleford outside Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill’s constituency office, where union members gathered with pink banners and calls for action.
“These folks don’t do this work to get rich,” CUPE national president Mark Hancock said at the rally, as reported by CBC News. “They do it because they care about the communities. They care about the seniors. They care about folks here in Saskatchewan, and it’s about time that the government of Saskatchewan and the employer took care of those workers that are taking care of everyone else.”
According to CUPE, workers have been without a contract since March 31, 2023, and have gone more than four and a half years without a wage increase. Union members cited rising cost-of-living pressures and a lack of wage growth as key factors driving retention challenges across hospitals, health centres, and care homes.
Wages, Cost of Living, and Retention Pressures
Between 2012 and 2025, the cost of living in Saskatchewan increased by 33.7 per cent, compared to a general wage increase of 14.32 per cent for CUPE 5430 members, according to data provided by CUPE. During the same period, members’ wage increases were outstripped by a 61.6 per cent increase in the minimum wage.
“Right now, we’re not getting the respect or the retention we need to keep us in this province so we can actually look after patients,” said Cindy Landrie, a licensed practical nurse in North Battleford, according to CBC News. “Money is important, but so are our residents of Saskatchewan, and that’s being ignored by our government.”
Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE 5430, stated at the rally that members have experienced critical short-staffing, crushing workloads, and declining morale while negotiating with the employer. “Our members are frustrated, but they continue to go to work, day in and day out,” Jalloh said.
Employer Proposals and Government Response
The latest employer offer from the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) would move health-care workers farther from their homes and leave members earning less than counterparts in the same roles elsewhere in Western Canada, according to CUPE. The union stated that the offer fails to reflect the rise in the cost of living and includes concessionary demands that would increase contract staffing.
In contrast, the provincial government expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations. In a statement emailed to CBC News, the province said it remains hopeful it will reach a deal and avoid a strike.
“We’re encouraged by the progress made at the bargaining table between SAHO and union partners,” the province stated. “We share the same goal as our health care unions. We want to get a deal done so that Saskatchewan health care workers focus on what they do best — providing high-quality care to patients. The best place to achieve that outcome is at the bargaining table.”
Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck also weighed in on Tuesday, expressing support for the front-line workers in a public statement. “The very people on the front lines who have kept our health-care system running against all odds haven’t had a contract in four years,” Beck said.
Did you know? CUPE Local 5430 represents over 14,000 health-care professionals across Saskatchewan, spanning nursing, technical, clerical, support, and plant operations departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did CUPE Local 5430 members vote on job action?
Members cast ballots securing the strike mandate between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14, with the results announced on Tuesday morning in North Battleford.
How many members voted in favour of the strike?
Out of 13,492 total votes cast, 13,358 members voted in favour, representing a 99 per cent mandate, according to CUPE.
When did the workers’ previous contract expire?
CUPE Local 5430 health-care workers have been without a contract since March 31, 2023, and have gone more than four and a half years without a wage increase.
What is the position of the provincial government?
The provincial government stated it is encouraged by progress at the bargaining table and aims to reach a deal so workers can focus on patient care.
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