SFL President Larry Hubich has called the provincial government’s use of scabs during the current SGEU strike “reprehensible”. Don Zerr, bargaining spokesperson for the government, has confirmed the use of replacement workers at striking locations across the province.

“The labour movement has no issue with the use of out-of-scope managers and RCMP members, but no employer, and certainly not the provincial government, should use scabs during a strike. Research from across the country shows that when scabs are used, labour disputes tend to be longer and more acrimonious. The government should respect the legal picketlines that are up across the province,” said Hubich.

“Less than two months ago, the NDP passed resolutions supporting provincial anti-scab legislation at its annual convention. The government needs to ensure that its own party policy is being followed,” added Hubich.

The SFL represents over 93,500 unionized workers from 35 affiliated unions in Saskatchewan.