Workers off the job since May 30 are fighting for a fair contract settlement
Moose Jaw (5 July 2007) - The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE) has launched an ad campaign to draw attention to the lockout of 45 employees at Citizens All, a Moose Jaw organization that provides residential and support services to people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The campaign began on the weekend when an ad appeared in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald. SGEU PDF
Entitled “It’s just wrong,” the ad describes the hard work and dedicated service of Sharon Gallup, one of the 45 SGEU members, who provide quality care at the institution.
"They are not asking much," the ad says of the employees. "They simply want to earn enough to support themselves and their families."
No contract for over a year
Without a contract for more than a year and frustrated by the lack of movement at the bargaining table on the key issue of wages, the workers walked off the job on May 30. Hours later they were locked out and "scabs" were hired to replace them.
The employees are asking the province to provide more funding to allow for a fair settlement.
"These workers are only asking to be paid a living wage," SGEU president Bob Bymoen said when the lockout began.
"They provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable members of our society, yet their work is chronically undervalued and underpaid. I can't understand why, as a society, we believe it is okay to pay people who build houses or fix cars substantially more than we pay people who are responsible for the lives of human beings in need of care. How do we justify that?" Bymoen asked. NUPGE
More information:
? SGEU strike alert page
? Exploited Citizens All workers picket legislature in Regina
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