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October 15, 2015

New proposed essential services legislation introduced by the Sask. Party government today does not erase the harm done to tens of thousands of Saskatchewan workers who were stripped of their rights to collective bargaining for seven years, according to SGEU President Bob Bymoen.

“The government had to be forced by the Supreme Court of Canada to treat workers fairly,” noted Bymoen. “Working families lost the ability to engage in meaningful collective bargaining as a result of the now-illegal Public Service Essential Services Act.”

“Tremendous effort and resources had to be marshalled by unions to counter this attack on public service workers.  No group of citizens should be forced to go to such lengths to protect their basic constitutional rights,” adds Bymoen.

Premier Wall should take responsibility for the injustice done by his government to Saskatchewan working families.

“The Premier should offer a sincere apology for his government’s reckless actions and for the harm done to union members and all working people,” according to Bymoen.

SGEU will be closely examining Bill 183, which sets out new rules for handling essential services, but it is too early to assess the impact on union members, says Bymoen.

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For more information, contact:

Bob Bymoen
SGEU President
1.306.539.0030