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Representatives from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) met on December 16, 17, and 18 for continued discussions.
A substantial portion of the conversation again remained focused on community and multi‑site positions, including, where and how registered nurses perform their work and the geographical coverage that will be required. To assist in the effectiveness of these discussions, SUN’s Negotiations Committee has repeatedly requested information and data regarding these positions, including their locations, service areas, and the nature of the work being performed. Without transparent and comprehensive information, it remains extremely difficult to develop clear, effective language that accurately reflects the realities of working to provide safe, effective and timely patient care.
The Committee is disappointed that, at this stage, the parties seem to remain on different pages regarding the expectations and parameters for community and multi‑site positions. Despite SUN’s ongoing efforts to ask questions, seek clarification, and problem‑solve, significant gaps remain between the parties’ perspectives, particularly around the Employers’ desire for broad flexibility to move SUN members across sites and throughout undefined geographies without meaningful supports and safeguards. These differences have contributed to challenging and, at times, heated exchanges at the bargaining table.
Both parties have exchanged proposals related to Articles 26 and 45, and further work is required to bridge the philosophical and practical differences that currently exist. SUN remains firmly committed to ensuring that any language developed protects members’ rights and supports registered nurses in providing safe patient care.
Despite the challenges outlined above, there have also been some positive moments in the discussions. Both parties have demonstrated a willingness to come together, listen, and try to understand each other’s priorities. Additional sign‑offs were achieved on 29.01 a) and b), as well as 41.01 a) and d), reflecting that progress is possible when the parties utilize a problem‑solving approach to the topics being discussed.
SUN’s Negotiations Committee remains hopeful that, when discussions resume on January 20, 21, 22, and 23, the parties will return with a shared commitment to open dialogue. With mutual transparency and a solutions‑focused approach, we are confident that language can be developed that meets the needs of all parties.
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