Service delays likely during strike by Crown workers

The Crowns have signed essential services agreements with Unifor. They ensure unionized members will remain available to protect the public from potentially dangerous situations and to respond to emergencies.

Here’s what customers can expect during the strike:

Sasktel stores will be closed during the labour disruption. During this time, Sasktel is unable to activate new home and business services or transfer services when moving.

Wireless plan changes and addons, MAXTV changes, Internet plan changes can all be done through mysasktel. New wireless service activations and changes can be performed through a Sasktel authorized dealer, and home service changes only can be handled by calling 1-800-727-5835.

Saskpower phone and online chat hours are reduced to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In an emergency, contact the outage centre at 310-2220. Report street light troubles or request tree trimming online or through the Saskpower app. For questions about an account, use the message centre on online accounts to reach someone. For more information about services, go to the website saskpower.com. The customer service line is 1-888-757-6937.

Saskenergy will maintain its 24-hour emergency line (1-888700-0427) and Sask 1st Call but suspend its main customer service phone queue. The customer service line (1-800-567-8899) will accept messages only.

Using a 24-hour-standby system and on-call rotations, Saskenergy will use unionized staff to respond to situations like gas line hits and underground leaks, fires at any structure serviced by natural gas, natural gas odour calls, and carbon monoxide alerts.

Non-emergency customer work, like installing new gas lines or attaching meters to new homes or businesses, will not be performed.

Customers requiring bill assistance will be asked to email Saskenergy where management will handle all responses.

Saskwater will continue to provide potable water and wastewater services with managerial staff and in-scope staff deemed essential.

All non-essential work will be undertaken by out-of-scope employees.

In the short term, no services will be withdrawn although customers may experience some delays.

Saskwater provides professional water and wastewater services to 63 communities, 10 rural municipalities, 81 rural pipeline groups, 17 industrial and 242 commercial and domestic end-user customers throughout the province.

Saskatchewan Water Security Agency

management staff, supported by in-scope staff covered by an essential services agreement, will provide essential services such as ensuring safe drinking water, wastewater operations and operation of the provincial dam system.

All other non-essential services, like some water and drainage permits, may be delayed. Client service levels for permits, licences and approvals will be delayed unless it is an emergency.

WSA’S regional offices will close, but the head office in Moose Jaw and office in Regina will remain open. Direct inquiries to sask.ca or 1-866-727-5420 or email comm@ wsask.ca.

Securtek management team and out-of-scope employees will maintain services and customer support. Out-of-scope employees will provide monitoring services and Securtek dealers will continue operations.

Directwest expects possible delays in response times to customer requests.