GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTION ON CBO SALARY ISSUE

Released on February 20, 2001

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the wage gap issue in community-based

organizations (CBOs) and child care centres will be addressed in the 2001/2002

provincial budget.



Calvert and Social Services Minister Harry Van Mulligen met with union

representatives of CBOs at the legislature.



"These organizations and their employees provide invaluable services to

Saskatchewan's communities," Calvert said. "This is why my government is

making a firm commitment to provide wage enhancements and address operating

cost issues in this year's budget.



"We may not be able to address all the outstanding issues in this budget year,

however, we will continue to work with these groups, their employees and

bargaining agents to develop a long term plan. In the years ahead, my

government is committed to working with community-based organizations in

achieving parity."



Calvert said details of the increased funding will be released with this year's

budget.



"The availability of locally controlled services that care for our children and

assist vulnerable families is crucial to the development of our communities,"

Social Services Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "Our government has a clear

record of responding to the needs of these sectors."



The provincial government has invested an additional $13 million in the CBO and

child care sectors over the last five years, including:



$2 million between 1996 and 2000 to increase wages in the child care

sector;



$7.8 million between 1997 and 2000 to CBOs to provide salary

enhancements, fixed cost shortfalls and a fully funded pension plan;



$1.2 million in 2000/2001 to CBOs for an across-the-board salary

increase; and



$2 million announced in 2000/2001 budget over the next four years for

the child care sector.



"While our progress to date is significant, my department continues to work in

partnership with the organizations, unions and employees to resolve all the

outstanding issues," Van Mulligen said.



-30-



For more information, contact:



Doug Wakabayashi

Saskatchewan Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-8689