Pre-budget priorities for workers
Released March 19, 2024
Ahead of Wednesday’s provincial budget – the de facto Sask. Party platform for the fall election – the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) has released three priorities for workers:
- Fix wait times.
- End education chaos.
- Raise wages.
"It's simple: good schools, good hospitals, and good wages are good for workers and good for the economy," said President Lori Johb. She notes that recent events and evidence really drive home that Scott Moe and the Sask. Party are not focused on what matters to working people.
"It's simple: good schools, good hospitals, and good wages are good for workers and good for the economy"
Lori Johb
Johb - who represents nearly 100,000 workers from over thirty private and public sector unions - further highlights the three priorities for workers this budget:
On fixing wait times
Whether it's a doctor's office, an emergency room, surgery & diagnostics, or elder care, skyrocketing wait times are both hurting people and hurting the economy. Scott Moe has pushed healthcare workers out of the profession, and scared more from even entering the profession altogether.
On ending education chaos
Securing a deal with teachers will improve education and build a skilled workforce for the future. Instead of pinky-promising class size commitments, Scott Moe needs to either get back to the bargaining table or agree to binding arbitration.
On raising wages
With the lowest minimum wage in the country, Saskatchewan workers are struggling to make ends meet, never mind start a family or buy a home. Scott Moe could jump-start the economy with wages that keep up with inflation and prevent young people from packing up for Alberta or Ontario.
