The Saskatchewan government plans to introduce legislation that would make it illegal for some workers to go on strike.

Before the Nov. 7 election, the Saskatchewan Party said it did not think legislation was required for "essential service" agreements.

Such deals reached between employers and unions designate that certain workers will stay on the job even during a labour dispute.

However, on Tuesday, Premier Brad Wall changed his mind.

"We don't want patient care affected. We don't want public safety affected," Wall said.

Wall refused to provide details on the new proposed legislation, such as what will happen if the two sides can not agree on which workers are essential.

He says people will find out when he tables the legislation during the upcoming session, which begins Dec.10.

Opposition Leader Lorne Calvert said the move toward essential services legislation raises a number of important questions.

"What is Mr. Wall's definition of an essential service? To whom would this proposed legislation apply? With whom has he discussed this matter?" Calvert asked.

Union leaders are upset that there was no consultation on the government's plan.

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour president Larry Hubich said unionized employees in the health-care sector have always put public safety first and unions have consistently provided essential services during labour-management disputes.

"I'm not so sure what the urgency is here," he said. "It's unnecessary."