Saskatchewan crop insurance workers on strike
At 2:00 pm on June 21, employees of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) walked off the job.
About 470 members of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) are striking to get better pay.
“We haven’t kept up with the rate of inflation in 25 years,” said Alan Evans, Chair of the Negotiating Committee. “Now we are being offered 1.5, 2 and 2 percent, for a total of 5.5 percent over three years. This is unacceptable. We provide prompt and efficient delivery of insurance requirements for farmers and are worthy of a reasonable pay increase.
SCIC also says the compensation for using personal property for business use also needs to be addressed.
“The expenses we receive for using our own vehicles to conduct the business of the corporation do not cover the true costs,” he said. “For example, we use our vehicles to complete farm visits and receive less than what it costs us to operate them.”
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the decision to strike now, during a time when parts of the province are experiencing severe flooding, is “nothing short of appalling.”
In a letter to the union posted on the government’s website on Wednesday, Wall said “In recent days, I have witnessed the extraordinary efforts of hundreds of Saskatchewan people to help those affected by the flooding. Their energy and compassion for those in need is truly inspiring. I have often said that in the worst situations, we see the best of Saskatchewan people. This is one of those times.”
“That’s why your decision to launch strike action now is so deplorable,” he continued. “Many farmers will seed little or no crop this year as a result of the massive flooding. They are relying on the Crop Insurance coverage they purchased to see them through this difficult time.”
Wall is calling on the union to end the strike. He said if he does not receive assurance that the strike will end within 24 hours, “action will be taken to protect the interests of the province and flood victims.”
