GSU’s executive committee approved a $5,000 donation in support of the strike by members of Unifor at seven Saskatchewan Crown Corporations.
“We support our sisters and brothers in Unifor as they strive to convince their employers and the provincial government to do the right things by agreeing to wage increases that reflect the cost of living and ending their constant efforts to undermine full-time jobs at the Crowns,” said GSU president Jim Brown.
“The Crown Corporations belong to all of us and when the employees are paid decent wages – as well as having decent working conditions – our entire community benefits,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. ” We have the best services and the best overall prices for these services in Canada. Unifor members at the Crowns are major contributors to our good fortune. Our provincial government should show the respect they deserve.”
When workers decide to strike, it’s not a decision they make lightly.
Don’t be duped into thinking a strike is a selfish action by people who don’t care about their workplaces, their employers, and those they serve. Withholding labour is often the last resort for workers seeking resolution to bargaining or workplace issues.
Striking isn’t an easy choice. It means losing pay – perhaps even necessitating borrowing money from friends and family to keep up with bills and obligations. It means picket lines, inconveniencing customers, and missing deadlines, and that’s tough when you are a conscientious worker who enjoys their job. Striking is never something that is done without serious consideration by union members and their elected officers.
We urge all GSU members to support the striking Unifor members in their communities and respect picket lines wherever they appear.