SK Crop Insurance Corp. workers take strike vote

SGEU
May 26, 2011

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) held meetings and strike votes in 21 locations across the province for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) workers it represents.

SGEU represents approximately 520 SCIC employees working in the Agristability and production insurance programs who have been out of a contract since September of 2009.

The strike votes were held from May 11-20 in the following locations: Regina, Melville, Assiniboia, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Moosomin, Turtleford, Preeceville, Humboldt, Raymore, Rosetown, Kindersley, Leader, Shaunavon, Swift Current, Davidson, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Tisdale and Prince Albert.

“SCIC is a Crown Corporation; the majority of its workers are farmers and everyday rural people who are directly related to the agricultural industry and most of the wages they earn go back in to the farms and communities they serve,” said Bob Bymoen, President of SGEU. “They are worth just as much as the Information Services workers and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be receiving a similar settlement of 7.75 per cent over three years,” said Bymoen.

“Providing the farmers of Saskatchewan a prompt and efficient delivery of their insurance claim payments is vital, and no one understands that better than the workers of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation,” said Alan Evans, Chair of the SCIC Bargaining Committee.

“Many of our members travel extensively and must receive the true value of their expenses from the Corporation. As a bargaining unit, we are expected to take the provincial mandate which does not adequately cover our expenses. Our management’s hands shouldn’t be tied by the provincial template of 5.5 per cent over three years, and we shouldn’t be treated any differently than other government workers,” said Evans.