Released on June 21, 2011
Given the flooding challenges facing many producers, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is disappointed the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU) instructed its SCIC employee members to walk off the job as of 2 p.m. today. This includes employees at SCIC Head Office in Melville and at all 21 SCIC offices throughout rural Saskatchewan.
On June 16, SCIC made a competitive offer to the SGEU, which included a 5.5 per cent general wage increase over three years. SCIC believes this is a fair, market competitive offer that is reflective of other public sector settlements. However, the SGEU turned down this offer. The SGEU also formally withdrew their initial wage demand of 7.75 per cent over three years and has no monetary demand on the table at this time.
SCIC delivers business risk management programs including Crop Insurance, AgriStability and the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program to Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers through its head office in Melville and 21 rural offices located throughout the province.
SCIC wants to assure its producers that all efforts are being made to serve its customers as efficiently as possible. The corporation will continue to conduct business at its customer service offices throughout the province. SCIC will maintain regular office hours at this point, but there may be delays in the AgriStability call centre and through the customer service office toll free lines.
Crop Insurance customers can still continue to mail or fax their Seeded Acreage Reports and leave a message should they need to speak to a customer service manager or register a claim.
SCIC's top priority is meeting the needs of Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers. SCIC is willing to meet with the SGEU at any time to work toward concluding a contract settlement.
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For more information, contact:
Terri Kentel-Weinheimer
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7287
Email: terri.kentel-weinheimer@scic.gov.sk.ca