The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) announced the achievement of a tentative two-year SUN/SAHO collective agreement. The announcement was made at the 38th SUN Annual Meeting in Moose Jaw.

Related to the tentative collective agreement is the renewal of a partnership agreement with SUN, the Ministry of Health, and Regional Health Authorities. This builds on the successes of a 2008 SUN/Ministry of Health partnership in support of maintaining an appropriate, experienced, educated and engaged registered nurse workforce for the provision of high quality, safe patient care. Following ratification of the tentative collective agreement, SUN, the Ministry of Health and health regions will formalize the new partnership agreement.

"We are excited to be part of this innovative approach to improving the health care system for those who need it the most; patients and their families," SUN President Rosalee Longmoore said. "While we recognize the hard work that lies ahead, we are looking forward to engaging in a process designed to better support our members in providing the expert care they want to give their patients."

The joint recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to utilizing lean principles in order to transform the health care system in a manner that supports the principles of Better Health, Better Care, Better Value and Better Teams was the impetus for renewal and expansion of the partnership agreement.

"We are committed to working collaboratively and commend our partners for their dedication and vision," Longmoore said.

"Nurses are a key partner in our efforts to transform the health system to improve access to safe, quality care for Saskatchewan people," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "A renewed partnership agreement recognizes our shared goal and commitment to putting patients first as we work toward improving the health system."

"SAHO is very pleased that a tentative collective agreement has been reached with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses and SAHO," Interim SAHO CEO Bernie Young said. "Details will not be released until the after the ratification process has been completed. The Tripartite Partnership and tentative collective agreement represent a collaborative approach to labour relations issues between the parties, which will ultimately benefit employees and patients."

The tentative agreement will be taken to SUN's almost 9,000 Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) (RN (NP)), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) membership for ratification within the coming weeks.

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