Don Morgan, Saskatchewan’s minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, cancelled his scheduled address at the annual Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) convention after the surprise firing of more than 300 SLGA retail workers.
During the Speech from the Throne — titled “Growth That Works For Everyone” — on Oct. 26, Premier Scott Moe announced that the province would dissolve Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) retail and sell off its assets. All SLGA retail stores are scheduled to be closed by March 21, 2023.
The move was justified by Lori Carr, Minister Responsible for SLGA, as being because SLGA profits declined during the last two years. The corporation remained profitable, but the province claims that the downtrend is clear evidence that private businesses should control the sector.
“With year over year declines in net revenue at SLGA retail, our government has made the decision to get out of the business of selling liquor," Carr said. "We believe now is the time to complete the transition to the private sector to free up financial resources for other priorities and to mitigate future losses."
The province plans to craft legislation to allow municipalities to designate areas for safe consumption of alcohol in parks, and to expand opportunities for independent alcohol retailers.
MooseJawToday.com had previously reached out to Morgan’s office seeking comment on the minister’s intended message at the SFL convention. SFL leadership have been outspoken over their frustration with the Sask. Party government and what they see as inadequate measures to help workers cope with the rising cost of living.
The Ministry of Labour Relations sent the following statement on behalf of Minister Morgan after he withdrew from his speaking appearance:
Minister Morgan was scheduled to appear at the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour conference on the morning of Oct. 27. The intent of that appearance was to discuss workplace safety, recent increases to Saskatchewan’s minimum wage, and legislative changes we have undertaken to combat harassment in the workplace.
Full details regarding the Government’s exit from the retail liquor industry had not yet been publicly released prior to his scheduled appearance. Those details included discussions and planning with workers and union leadership at the affected locations.
Out of respect for that process, the Minister would have been unable to speak to any outstanding questions regarding SLGA, and thus chose to decline the invitation. The SLGA will work with the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU) to negotiate a workforce adjustment plan for affected employees.
The SFL held their convention rally outside the Legislative Assembly in Regina on Thursday, hours after Morgan was meant to speak.
The rally had already been scheduled to advocate for workers, including a repeat of the SFL’s demand that minimum wage increase to $15 immediately. After the SLGA announcement, the rally’s focus shifted to that issue.
SGEU president Tracey Sauer spoke outside the Legislature alongside SFL President Lori Johb and several SLGA employees.
The SGEU later released a statement in which Sauer said that shutting down the SLGA’s retail arm was not growth that works for everyone, and expressed the organization’s anger at the decision:
SLGA’s own annual reports show that public liquor sales have been particularly strong in the last two years or so. This is revenue that will now go to private corporations who take over the store licenses.
SGEU is outraged that we were not given the courtesy of a heads up about this significant decision.
SGEU is committed to supporting our members whose lives and livelihoods will be impacted by this decision.
