NEW AGREEMENT WITH MEDICAL RESIDENTS

Released on July 18, 2003

The University of Saskatchewan and the Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Saskatchewan (PAIRS) have a new three-year agreement.

The agreement, which covers the period from January 1st, 2002 until December 31st, 2004, was ratified this week by the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors and the PAIRS membership.

The agreement is modelled after the recent deal with the Saskatchewan Medical Association. It includes a base salary increase of nine per cent over three years, a 1.5-per cent increase in benefits, and a clinical component to support the recruitment and retention of medical residents. The combined package provides increases of 25.5 per cent by the end of the three-year contract; however, the increases are being phased in over the course of the agreement, resulting in a 22 per cent increase in the cost to government.

"Medical residents hold an important place in our health system, and this agreement recognizes their value as members of the health care team," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This is another step, along with our recent funding announcement for the College of Medicine, in creating a strong and vibrant medical school - a key commitment in the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

"The clinical component of the settlement will allow the College of Medicine to remain nationally competitive," Dean of the College of Medicine William Albritton said. "It will enable us to effectively recruit and retain residents, a top priority for this university."

"We are extremely pleased with the settlement," PAIRS president Dr. Carlo Stuglin said. "It ensures resident physicians are compensated fairly for their services, and assists in retaining medical school graduates in Saskatchewan."

PAIRS is the professional association representing 220 medical trainees who are completing post-graduate residencies through the University of Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083	Tina Merrifield University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Phone: (306)966-2213
Carlo Stuglin PAIRS Saskatoon Phone: (306)655-1000