2011 news releases

Current and archival news releases for major SGI CANADA announcements, decisions, projects or campaigns.

SGI and COPE reach tentative agreement

July 27, 2011

SGI and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) Union, Local 397, have reached a tentative agreement.

The current collective agreement between SGI and COPE expired on Dec. 31, 2009. The new four-year agreement will expire on Dec. 31, 2013, and is still subject to ratification by employees.

"We are happy to have reached a tentative agreement with COPE," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "Our employees are a critical part of SGI’s success in serving the people of Saskatchewan."

The terms of the proposed deal include a 5.5 per cent general wage increase over three years (1%, 3%, 1.5%). The parties also agreed upon a fourth year at two per cent. Other terms include:

• employer-paid pension increase from 5.5 per cent to 5.75 per cent effective Jan. 1, 2012
• restructuring and changes to existing employee benefit plans
• health and dental benefits maintained during the term of the agreement
• a guarantee of no layoffs for permanent employees for the period expiring Dec. 31, 2013

Now that a tentative agreement has been reached, COPE has suspended job action and lifted its ban on overtime.

About SGI

SGI was created in 1945 and has evolved into two distinct operations. The Saskatchewan Auto Fund is the province’s compulsory auto insurance program, operating the driver’s licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI CANADA is the competitive arm of SGI, selling property and casualty insurance in seven provinces. Visit the Auto Fund website.