After months of negotiations, the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees` Union (SGEU) have reached a tentative agreement. The deal, which covers approximately 11,000 government employees across the province, is awaiting ratification by the union membership.
Details of the agreement have not been made public, but SGEU President Bob Bymoen stated that “the bargaining committee is pleased with the outcome.” The union had been seeking improvements to wages, benefits, and job security, among other issues.
The tentative agreement comes after several months of tense negotiations between the government and SGEU. In August, the union voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, but negotiations resumed shortly thereafter.
The agreement will now be presented to the union membership for a ratification vote. If approved, it will then go to the government for final approval.
This news will come as a relief to many government employees who have been uncertain about their futures in recent months. The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic uncertainty, and many employees were worried about the possibility of layoffs or wage cuts.
The SGEU represents a diverse group of government employees, including healthcare workers, correctional officers, and social workers. The union plays an important role in advocating for its members and ensuring that they are treated fairly in the workplace.
Overall, the tentative agreement between the SGEU and the government is a positive development for government employees in Saskatchewan. While the details have not been made public, the fact that both sides were able to come to an agreement is a good sign for the future.