One third of CFIB members have been impacted, citing staffing challenges and decreased productivity
Regina, April 18, 2024 – One third (33%) of Saskatchewan small businesses say the ongoing Saskatchewan teachers’ strike is having a negative impact on their business operations according to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) survey.
The survey found that of those businesses impacted, 74 per cent said they are experiencing staffing challenges as employees with children have had to leave work at odd hours, or take days off to care for their children. Business owners indicate they are having to work longer hours themselves to make up for missing staff.
In addition, 38 per cent said that the impacts of the strike have interrupted their regular business operations, leading to decreased productivity. An alarming 24 per cent say that they are experiencing lost sales/revenues because they have had to turn down or cancel contracts as staffing challenges are making it difficult to fill orders.
“The ongoing teachers’ strike is disruptive for everyone, including local entrepreneurs,” said Brianna Solberg, CFIB provincial affairs director. "Business owners aren’t just worried about their operations; they’re also worried about the wellbeing of their employees and their families.”
In response to the survey, one business owner said the strike is “hurting our businesses productivity, but we are also concerned for our staff and those who need to choose between caring for their kids and earning an income to support their family.” Another business owner added that “our staff have school aged children and are noticeably stressed at work.”
The majority of business owners (69%) agree that the Saskatchewan government should use all the tools available to end the teachers’ strike as quickly as possible to avoid further disruptions.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Brianna Solberg
CFIB provincial affairs director
(306)-713-8071
Brianna.Solberg@cfib.ca
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members (4,000 in Saskatchewan) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
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