The SFL's Nathaniel Cole interviews five insiders from the legal battle that culminated in a historic victory on January 30, 2015. They reflect on the big win and its impact on history, workers, and the law.

• Larry Hubich served President of the SFL for 16 years, retiring in 2018.
• Lori Johb, President of the SFL since 2018, previously SFL Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President.
• Craig Bavis, partner at Victory Square Law Office, part of the SFL legal team from 2008-2015.
• Rick Engel, partner at Gerrand Rath Johnson, member the SFL legal team 2014-2015.
• Kent Peterson, President of CUPE Saskatchewan, previously SFL Strategic Advisor.

First things first - how did this all start for you?

So the SFL is in a mulit-year legal battle, fighting for workers against the Sask. Party government. What was it like? How did it feel?

January 30, 2015 - give me a play-by-play.

Ten years have passed since 'the big win.' How has it impacted you? The labour movement?

2007

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2015

Image: RJ Patterson (courtesy of Canadian Assoc. of Labour Media)

Throne Speech must focus on workers
Worker deaths need decisive action from gov’t: Johb

REGINA – Today marks the reopening of the Legislature following the slim re-election of Premier Moe, and with it a Speech from the Throne that will set the tone for the next four years.

"Premier Moe pledged for a different, better kind of politics from his government following the election," said recently re-elected SFL President Lori Johb. "Hopefully that includes a renewed focus on the interests of workers, instead of corporate shareholders and political insiders."

On the heels of several tragic workplace incidents in Saskatchewan - including at Evraz, CRS, and SaskPower - the SFL renewed its demand for strengthened workplace safety laws.

The death of a worker must be met with criminal charges, not just a pesky fine.

Lori Johb, President

SFL President stays on; MacFarlane picked as new deputy

SASKATOON – This morning, Lori Johb was re-elected as the President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, rounding out the biennial convention of the provincial labour central at TCU Place.

Hundreds of delegates from dozens of unions balloted, and affirmed Johb’s direction of the Federation. Johb - a health care worker and member of SEIU-West – both highlighted her work to date and set out her vision moving forward in her opening address Wednesday.

The least the next government could do for cash-strapped, exhausted workers is to make sure everyone comes home safe from work every day.

Lori Johb

Regular people deserve better. After seventeen long years, enough is enough.

Your SFL has been laser focused on defeating Scott Moe and the Sask Party this October.

In spite of a labour dispute about serious rail worker safety concerns, the federal labour minister unilaterally and gutlessly ordered Teamsters to return to work on Saturday. This is dangerous.

The Liberals have once again double-crossed us. With the ink barely dry on federal anti-scab legislation, they've overrode a worker's right to withhold labour with the stroke of a pen.

Back-to-work legislation - while offensive to workers - at least requires debate and a vote in Parliament.

This is bad news for every worker. Saskatchewan's labour movement fiercely defends the hard-fought constitutional Right to Strike we won a decade ago.

- Lori Johb

REGINA – Today, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) announced their joint application to intervene in the Court of Appeal case concerning Bill 137: The Education Amendment Act, 2023. The parties’ interest in the appeal responds to the provincial government’s application of the notwithstanding clause.

In October 2023, Bill 137 was introduced, debated, and passed into law in a matter of days, preemptively invoking the notwithstanding clause. Not only does this insulate the Bill from being struck down by the courts, the three parties are concerned that the legislation:

• Inflicts harm on youth.
• Compels teachers and education workers to inflict said harm.
• Sets a precedent to override workers’ Charter rights into the future.

The Court of Appeal will determine intervenors for this appeal later this month. The appeal is scheduled to be heard September 23, 2024.

We feel that suspending Charter rights – regardless of the sector of workers or subset of children – needs to be considered in the court of law. Students and workers alike deserve to know how this law could impact them now and into the future.

Lori Johb, SFL President

I wish I didn’t have to say this, but CUPE has filed to intervene in the Court of Appeal case regarding Bill 137 — to help protect the Charter rights of Saskatchewan children and workers. It shouldn’t have to come to this, but unfortunately here we are.

Kent Peterson, CUPE Saskatchewan President

We support the advocacy of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation on an issue that deeply affects our profession. Saskatchewan teachers are committed to ensuring safe and welcoming learning environments. Teachers must be able to exercise professional judgement and autonomy in supporting students and working with parents to help youth appropriately navigate challenges in their lives.”

Samantha Becotte, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) President

Statement from the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour on the minimum wage:

Despite self-applauding government press releases, working people are falling behind due to Scott Moe. On October 1^st, the Saskatchewan minimum wage will remain the lowest wage in Canada, thanks to Scott Moe.

Further, since Scott Moe became premier, the average wage (adjusted for inflation) has decreased by nearly 6 per cent. Over that same time, real wages have increased by 18 per cent in Manitoba.

-30-

Statement from the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour:

Occupational health & safety laws are paramount to prevent injury and death on the job. As such, the SFL is gravely concerned by the provincial government's response to a October 2023 workplace incident in Canora, where a 14 year-old worker suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

This incident could have cost this young worker his life.

Without delay, the Government of Saskatchewan must initiate a thorough investigation, pursue both OHS and 'Westray' criminal charges, and legislate hefty consequences for severe workplace incidents.

Wil's suffering must not be in vain. An injury to one is an injury to all.

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:

1. Fix wait times.
2. End education chaos.
3. 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

Statement from President Johb on the STF announcement

The SFL is unwavering in our support of the planned job action by Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation.

The provincial government's disdain of both public education and collective bargaining is no secret. Our member unions representing thousands of education workers can attest to the challenges raised by teachers.

If you care about decent public education, I urge you to support teachers at this critical moment.

-30-

Season’s greetings!

As 2023 comes to a close, we reflect upon all that has happened in the past year: the important struggles fought and momentous victories won, both by and for working people across this province.

For the labour movement, this year was marked by a strained relationship with the provincial government. This came to a head in October with the invocation of the notwithstanding clause. It shows the Sask Party will shamelessly trample the Charter - no doubt the next time will be to strip workers of their constitutional rights.

2023 also saw the launch of the SFL’s newest labour issues campaign, Speak Up Saskatchewan. So far the campaign has highlighted the failings of the provincial government and the crisis in public education. In 2024, you can expect to see Speak Up Saskatchewan advocating for strengthened public services, accessible \healthcare, good jobs, and vibrant communities as we approach critical provincial and municipal elections.

The year also saw the rise of labour activism and what some called the “hot labour summer.” Job action dominated the conversation across the country, and PSAC and CUPE strikes here at home brought unions and labour together, making our movement as strong as ever.

As the holidays approach, we must remind ourselves that this holiday season may be challenging for some workers.

We think about the workers in Saskatchewan who are facing uncertainty over the holidays - in particular, the UFCW members staring down a continued lockout at the Heritage Inns.

We think of the struggles of those who are looking for work, who cannot work, and who are denied work.

We think of all those working over the holidays to keep the rest of us safe, healthy, fed, and fueled.

Of course, this year was marked by not just struggles at home, but struggles across the globe. The horrors of armed conflict continue to bring destruction, bloodshed, and injustice to countless workers the world over, and we yearn for a lasting peace.

However you may celebrate this season, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour sends holiday wishes to you and yours.

Recent public polling conducted in Prince Albert shows strong support for Prince Albert city workers, as the job action by CUPE 882 inside workers continues into its second week.

To the question, ‘do you agree or disagree that city workers in Prince Albert should get wage increases that reflects the growing cost of living?’ a full 71% agree, including fully half of respondents who strongly agree (50.2%).

City council recently gave themselves raises that significantly exceed the rate of inflation, yet are demanding that city workers make less. When asked, over three-quarters of respondents think this is somewhat unfair (16.6%) or very unfair (60.6%).

“I have walked the picket line with these dedicated workers,” said President Johb. “I’m not surprised by this polling at all. This should be a serious wake-up call for city council.”

A statement of solidarity from SFL President Lori Johb:

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is firmly committed to equity and justice. This pride month, we stand and march together in solidarity for 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Queer and trans issues are union issues. Everywhere we look, transphobia and homophobia are on the rise. Rearing its ugly head at work, online, and across society. Infiltrating school boards, city councils, and political parties. We are obliged to fight back against this despicable hate.

Meanwhile, the provincial government seems disinterested in stopping the harmful rise of transphobia and homophobia in Saskatchewan. The continued provincial funding to private schools that espouse anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hatred and violence is particularly distressing.

The provincial government seems disinterested in stopping the harmful rise of transphobia and homophobia in Saskatchewan.

-President Lori Johb

REGINA – Today, Premier Scott Moe and the Sask. Party government closed yet another disastrous session of the Legislative Assembly.

“After ten weeks and hundreds of hours of debate in the Legislature, Scott Moe once again did absolutely nothing to help working people get ahead,” said SFL President Lori Johb. “No wage increases. No utility rollbacks. No jobs plan. No relief for health and education workers.”

Saskatchewan people are struggling more to make ends meet than anywhere else in Canada, all while the government stashes away a billion-dollar surplus. Instead of helping the people they are elected to serve, the Sask. Party are distracted by their own pet projects and corporate interests.

“No wage increases. No utility rollbacks. No jobs plan. No relief for health and education workers."

Lori Johb

REGINA – Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government missed the opportunity to use today’s provincial budget to finally give Saskatchewan workers a real raise.

“Saskatchewan workers are being overwhelmed by a cost-of-living crisis,” said Lori Johb, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), “but Scott Moe chose not to give workers a real raise, despite raking in billions of extra dollars due to high oil prices,” she added.

To further put money in the pockets of all Saskatchewan workers, Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government could have rolled back their unfair utility rate hikes and substantially increased the minimum wage.

“Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government continue to make life more expensive by hiking utility rates, increasing fees and taxes, and allowing corporates to gouge Saskatchewan people,” said Johb. “I am disappointed that Scott Moe did not use the budget to right those wrongs.”.

In addition to not giving Saskatchewan workers a real raise, Scott Moe’s budget did not:

• Roll back unfair utility rate hikes;
• Increase the minimum wage;
• Stop all forms of privatization and sell-offs;
• Fix the healthcare crisis, or;
• Invest more into safe workplaces and eliminating workplace violence.

“Scott Moe’s provincial budget misses the mark – it does not invest in the workers that power our economy and provide our public services,” said Johb. “Scott Moe has been directed by his rich friends for far too long. By listening to Alberta corporations, Scott Moe has ignored Saskatchewan workers and lost his way.”

REGINA – Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government have the opportunity to use this week’s provincial budget to finally give Saskatchewan workers a real raise.

“The math is simple: Scott Moe’s government has billions of extra dollars due to high oil prices, while workers are overwhelmed by a generational cost-of-living crisis,” said Lori Johb, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), “in the budget, Scott Moe must give workers a real raise,” she added.

To further put money in the pockets of all Saskatchewan workers, Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government should immediately roll back their unfair utility rate hikes and substantially increase the minimum wage.

“Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government have made life more expensive by hiking utility rates, increasing fees and taxes, and allowing corporates to gouge Saskatchewan people,” said Johb, “I am hopeful that Scott Moe will realize his choices have been bad for the workers of this province, and use the budget as an opportunity to right those wrongs,” she added.

In addition to giving Saskatchewan workers a real raise, Scott Moe should use the budget to:

• Roll back unfair utility rate hikes;
• Increase the minimum wage;
• Stop all forms of privatization and sell-offs;
• Fix the healthcare crisis, and;
• Invest more into safe workplaces and eliminating workplace violence.

“Scott Moe has been directed by his rich friends for far too long. By listening to Alberta corporations, Scott Moe has ignored Saskatchewan workers and lost his way,” said Johb, “the upcoming provincial budget is Scott Moe’s chance to see the error of his ways, and invest in the workers that power our economy and provide our public services,” she added.

Today, December 6^th, is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) recognizes this important day, and remembers the École Polytechnique shooting when 14 young women lost their lives.

Every December 6^th since that tragic day in 1989 where these women were killed in an act of misogyny and hatred just because they were women, Canadians come together both to remember those who were lost and to pledge action to end violence against women.

“Every year, this day serves as a solemn reminder of the reality that too many women and girls face violence simply because of their gender,” said SFL President Lori Johb. “Violence against women and girls is an issue that belongs to everyone, and we must continue to work to end gender-based violence.”

Johb noted that Saskatchewan faces some of the highest rates of interpersonal violence in the country, and that much more needs to be done to end violence against women and girls in the province.

“It’s unacceptable, and heart-breaking that we continue to have such high rates of violence against women in this province,” Johb said. “While we have made some progress in terms of supports, like paid time off for survivors and those fleeing abusive and violent situations, we must continue to do everything we can to end violence against women- through education, legislation, and making sure that there are investments and supports in place for those fleeing from unsafe or violent situations.”

On behalf of its 100,000 members the SFL will maintain its work to end violence against women with a continued focus on how domestic violence affects women in the workplace.

“Saskatchewan’s labour movement will continue to push the government for more supports, and continue our work partnering with community groups to ensure that survivors of domestic violence has access to the supports they need,” Johb said.

Members of the public are invited to attend a candle light vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women tonight, December 6, in Regina at 5:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Cathedral Hall, 1861 McIntyre Street.