Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

HEALTH SECTOR PREPARES FOR POSSIBLE STRIKE

Released on June 26, 2007

Saskatchewan Health, the province's 12 regional health authorities and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency are preparing for a possible strike by the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) by implementing strike contingency plans.

HSAS and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) have been negotiating a new collective agreement. On Monday, HSAS issued 48-hour strike notification.

SAHO, the regional health authorities and the cancer agency have not received a written guarantee outlining the essential services that HSAS will provide in the event of a strike.

"Patient and health provider safety is our top priority as we prepare for a strike," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "If job action is taken, there will be significant disruptions to health services across the province. The only prudent step is to anticipate and to prepare for a full scale strike at any moment. To do otherwise would jeopardize patient safety."

Saskatchewan Health has asked hospitals in other provinces and in the United States to accept patients from Saskatchewan in the event of a strike. When necessary, the provincial government will transport patients out of province for care, if services in other jurisdictions are available.

The provincial government recognizes that fair, competitive and affordable collective agreements are necessary to retain our valuable health care workers and attract young people into these professions.

"It is our hope SAHO and the Health Sciences Association can negotiate a new collective agreement," Taylor said. "Health Sciences members are highly skilled and valued members of the health care team."

SAHO bargains on behalf of more than 50 health care agencies in the province, including regional health authorities and independent hospitals. HSAS represents more than 2,700 people working in a broad range of professions, such as pharmacists, psychologists, respiratory therapists and emergency medical services employees.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve