The union for 2,700 health-care professionals in Saskatchewan has been given a strike mandate by its members.

The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan says money, recruitment and retention are the main issues.

"This has been an extremely discouraging round of provincial negotiations," said union president Chris Driol. "Until we decided to talk to our members about a strike vote the employer flatly refused to discuss our issues."

However, a management spokeswoman says the offer before the union is a good one.

"Twelve per cent over three years we believe is a good offer," said Susan Antosh, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations. "We're disappointed they felt it was necessary to take a strike vote at this time."

Antosh said the two sides are meeting later this week.

"We hope to negotiate a collective agreement with them and we are committed to working through that process," she said.

The union last took strike action in 2002, when all 2,700 members hit the picket lines.

The union represents health-care professionals, including pharmacists, social workers and paramedics. The last contract expired on March 31.