Unions in Saskatchewan say they deserve better treatment than to learn about new labour rules in dribs and drabs from a minister's speech to a business crowd.

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour president Larry Hubich says he's disappointed that Saskatchewan Labour Minister Don Morgan broke the news at a business lunch.

Morgan talked about new laws for unions and about relaxing the rules to allow for 10-hour work days instead of eight-hour days.

He says he did so to reassure people that the province isn't changing the 40-hour work week or taking away holidays.

But Hubich and the Opposition NDP say Morgan should have made the announcement either in the legislature or to workers.

The legislation is expected to be introduced this fall and be passed in the spring.