Status update: Operational Assessment

October 2025

Lori Johb on the recent Operational Assessment and what's next

Friends,

We know the world is rapidly changing. At the SFL, we've been doing our best to respond to all that comes our way. But as the unprecedented threats to workers and democracy continue, we've felt the need to reflect on how the SFL and Saskatchewan's labour movement could evolve to meet this era of uncertainty.

Earlier this year, the SFL leadership sought to take some time to evaluate that our Federation is meeting the expectations of affiliates, workers, and Saskatchewan in this transformative time. To start, we needed to assess our value from the eyes of our stakeholders.

So with the help of Mitchell Anderson, we initiated an Operational Assessment this spring. Over the summer, Mitchell gathered feedback from dozens of trade unionists including SFL Executive Council & staff and leaders of affiliated unions.

The report from the Operational Assessment - based primarily on this feedback - was received by Executive Council in September. The report shows optimism in the themes that emerged from surveys & interviews, including:

a) the SFL has many strengths and successes to celebrate;
b) the SFL has been critically important to many wins for working people; and
c) the SFL has staff, volunteers, and leaders who are passionate, committed, and dedicated to working people and the union movement.

Also clear in the findings - our affiliated unions believe the SFL should *and can* be stronger, more effective, and more focused. Recommendations were organized in themes of purpose & strategy, program renewal, operational alignment, and important conversations.

The report was well-received by our Executive Council, and tasked the SFL leadership to propose a multi-year plan to implement recommendations from this report. We recognize this is a big undertaking, and taking our time will allow us to do this right.

I firmly believe setting this path will ensure the SFL works to win for working people well into the future. I'm grateful that our affiliate leadership are enthusiastic about this project.

Solidarity,

- Lori