2026 Rate Review Negotiations
https://eventcamp.ca/event/saar-conference-agm-and-banquet-2026/access
I honestly do not know what SGI has in mind, but I can tell you that SAAR has proposed additional time for administrative procedures, help with our Industry and Education commitments, assistance in training since the loss of the Saskatchewan / Canada Job Training Grant, some assistance for apprentices and possibly a bump in our labor rate.
In addition, I have forwarded the paint price increase to SGI for the previous year – keep in mind that we are two years behind on any paint material increase since we did not receive one last year.
We are well aware that SGI has some spending constraints due to the rising cost of vehicle repairs which everyone is dealing with. The challenge is that their proposed rate increases – if they go through – are still well short of what is needed.
My opinion is that they need to re-evaluate things like the basic deductible, I know that Manitoba has either raised or is going to raise theirs to $1000 so I suspect that is being considered. In addition, having spent the last year working with the auto glass folks it is apparent to me that they need to address auto glass coverage to reflect the new reality of auto glass due to ADAS calibrations. It should be an interesting year ahead!
Bringing Auto Glass In-House: Revenue Opportunity or Risk Management Strategy?
Another area of concern is the need to follow OEM repair procedures – how many auto glass shops have the ability and time to research the OEM requirements and how would a body shop even know if they did or not?
Take a minute to read the article from Autobody News and then you decide what is the best plan for your business going forward.
“Don’t try to build your business success on the backs of underpaid employees. Build success through the enthusiastic contribution of well-trained, well-paid, empowered and engaged Team members.”
Donald Cooper.
My friend and fellow biz speaker / coach, Jeff Mowatt, is retiring after 34 years in the Biz. In his final Blog last week, he left us with an important insight.
One of his clients recounted a recent shopping experience at a business that sold high-end technology. This company has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on their buildings, equipment, inventory, salaries and advertising across the chain.
However, the employee who interacted with him was indifferent, dismissive and unhelpful. The company invested all that money building a brand and a ‘stage’ on which to deliver it…but one employee, hired in error, or not trained properly, meant all that money and effort was wasted.
The simple lesson: your Team members ARE your brand. It takes only one untrained employee, or an employee that never should have been hired in the first place, to sabotage your brand. What are you doing to make sure that this never happens in your business?
Executive Director
306-229-5254
tom@saskautorepairers.com
saskautorepairers.com