HSAS resumes strike action, 120 health care workers walk off the job in Regina

The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) resumed strike action Tuesday, as around 120 health care workers in Regina walked off the job

A number of professionals will be out in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHA):

The health region will be contacting patients whose appointments will be cancelled because of the job action. Clients can also call 766-4660 or 1-888-354-8111 to see if their appointment has been cancelled.

HSAS is not saying how long workers in Regina will be on strike or where or when further action will take place.

The latest action comes after the HSAS gave Premier Brad Wall a “window of opportunity” on Monday to sent the dispute to binding arbitration.

Wall rejected binding arbitration later in the day, saying “the best solution is found at the bargaining table.”

In a series of rotating strike last week, around 60 health care workers walked off job for one day in Prince Albert. On Wednesday, approximately 150 workers in Saskatoon staged a two day strike and around 50 professionals in Swift Current walked the picket lines Friday.

HSAS is in a bitter contract dispute with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).

HSAS is seeking a wage increase of 18.5 per cent over four years while SAHO’s last offer was 7.5 per cent over the same period with a market adjustment for EMS workers.

The two sides have not met since talks broke down last Tuesday.

HSAS members have been without a contract for over two years.