Since taking on the rarified status of a "have" province, Saskatchewan seems to have it alright. What we have is a gathering groundswell of labour unrest, that, in spite of the Sask. Party's essential services legislation, seems poised to disrupt our enjoyment of newfound prosperity.
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation members are walking off the job for two days this week, shutting down classes and extracurricular activities across the province.
Members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan have been sending out sniper raids to disrupt services they provide on a rotating basis over the past few weeks. So far patients in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Regina have seen their appointments with a variety of health care providers cancelled.
Up next is the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union, which is seeking a strike mandate from its members employed by the Canadian Cancer Agency. A strike vote was held last week. Results of that vote were not available at press time, but there seems to be an appetite for job action in the province. It's highly likely the SGEU will be given the power it seeks.
Throughout this process, volleys are fired rapidly from all parties, attempting to sway public opinion to one side or the other.
Strikes are always a hard sell, especially to those most affected by a withdrawal of services. Take a poll this week of young athletes striving for a berth at the provincial track and field competition if they support their teachers' walking off the job, forcing cancellation of a local qualifying meet, and I think the outcome would be predictable.
The pie is a little plumper, and those with collective weight to throw around are clamouring for their share. Whether that power will translate into victory for the unions, or just inconvenience for the rest of us remains to be seen.
Passing essential services legislation set Premier Brad Wall and his government up for an anti union label, and set the stage for a loudly adversarial tone to contract negotiations. It seems it isn't only the temperature outdoors that will be heating up this summer.
