On Friday, CUPE Saskatchewan issued a call for safer workplaces and launched a petition directed at the Legislative Assembly. CUPE is urging the government to immediately partner with workers and their unions to address violence, workplace hazards and threats to the physical and psychological wellbeing of workers.
“For months, we’ve been bringing forward horrific stories from frontline workers and what they’re being subjected while trying to do their jobs in hospitals, schools, libraries and more,” said Nathaniel Teed, Labour Shadow Minister. “The bottom line is more must be done to make these workplaces safer. We’re not going to be able to recruit and retain incredible, hardworking Saskatchewan people if they don’t feel supported and that the government has their backs.”
This week, library workers stepped forward with a spate of concerns about violence in libraries in Regina, Saskatoon and elsewhere. In one instance, a library employee was nearly abducted. In recent weeks, photos have also emerged of entire tables full of weapons found in possession of patients admitted to emergency rooms in the cities.
Matt Love, Education Shadow Minister, said violence in schools is also a massive concern for teachers, educational assistants and other support staff.
“We know we need more investment in our schools, hospitals and other public facilities,” Love said. “A decade of cuts in our classrooms has had a major negative impact on the supports available for workers and has made the task of educating and caring for a growing student population so much more challenging.
“It’s time to support workers. It’s time for change.”
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