Sask. healthcare union rallies over retention concerns

CUPE representatives are sounding the alarm over the retention crisis in Saskatchewan's healthcare system. (Katy Syrota / CTV News)

Saskatchewan’s health minister says the province is focused on strengthening its healthcare workforce as unions and workers raise concerns about staff retention.

Jeremy Cockrill said attending a nurse retention forum hosted by the Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan this week provided an opportunity to hear directly from front-line workers.

“Nurses play an important role in our health care system,” Cockrill said in a statement. “And we thank them for their ongoing work delivering high-quality patient care across the province.”

His comments come as CUPE members rallied at the Saskatchewan legislative building on Friday morning, drawing attention to what they describe as a growing retention crisis in the province’s healthcare system.

• ‘Change the conversation’: Nurse retention forum aiming to address Sask. healthcare challenges

The Ministry of Health says negotiations with unions are ongoing and emphasizes that agreements are best reached through collective bargaining.

The province points to its Health Human Resources Action Plan, which focuses on recruitment, training and retention, as well as its Patients First Health Care Plan. The plan outlines more than 50 actions, including expanding training seats, supporting career progression for nurses and investing in workplace safety and infrastructure.

Officials say efforts also include improving workplace culture, enhancing security services and upgrading facilities and equipment.

However, NDP MLA Meara Conway argued the province’s approach does not adequately address retention.

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“Their recruitment strategy does not treat retention as foundational,” Conway said. “We know that is a huge issue, we know that healthcare workers need a fair contract, they need to feel supported.”

Front-line workers echoed those concerns at Friday’s rally.

Sandee Michalchuk, a licensed practical nurse from Yorkton, said experienced staff are struggling under current conditions.

“If an experienced LPN, that has worked for 44 years on an acute care floor can not get a break that’s a problem,” she said.

The issue of retaining healthcare workers remains a key concern as negotiations between unions and the province continue.