Media Release: SEIU-West Members Elect New President
For Immediate Release
June 18, 2025
The winner of the 2024 Shelly Banks Award was nominated by their fellow member who had this to say:
“I have personally witnessed and experienced this member consistently and tirelessly assisting hundred of members, as well as other Shop Stewards who come to him for advice and help. As their coworker, I have been approached by other members, Shop Stewards and management asking when they were working again—because they needed information.
His representation and dedication to each member he is approached bur should be recognized and commended.
He is gifted with the attributes of being very analytical, thinking outside of the box, listening to and hearing members requests for help and not being afraid to take on a challenge. He is not afraid or intimidated by management and stands proudly to be supportive to members that request his help.”
Congratulations to Martin Been from St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon.
Martin had this to say about receiving the award:
I must admit I was taken aback by all the SEIU-West staff who attended the presentation of the Shelly Banks Award to myself on Monday, May 13, 2024. As I reflect on my accomplishments over my years with SEIU-Weest both on the Unit Executive at St. Paul’s, as well as a Shop Steward, my successes would not have been possible without the strong foundation that is our Union.
It has been said that one of the best ways to measure success is to compare your present self to your past self. If you were to see my past self today, you would see my shadow running behind me struggling to keep up to my present self. A self which is composed of a piece of knowledge gained from each and every one of you, and the SEIU-West members I have had the opportunity to represent! Knowledge that has assisted me in becoming the best version of me, and my SEIU-West self!
Thank you,
Martin Been
About the Award
The Shelly Banks Above and Beyond Award was named after the very first Vice President of SEIU-West, Shelly Banks. From her years on the shop floor as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA), to getting more active with her union, Shelly was uncompromising in her fierce defence of our members.
If you never got to meet Shelly, you missed out. But if you did, you met an incredible person who could light up a room for members and go toe to toe with employers in a grievance meeting.
If you did something dumb, she’d tell you—but she would also be the last one standing on the wall during a battle.
Shelly wasn’t a politician; she wasn’t what you would always call diplomatic.
She was as unconventional as they come with a truly good soul.
The 2024 Award selection committee members:
- Barbara Cape, President of SEIU-West President
- Denise McConnell, Variety Place in Outlook
- Jason Coombs, Canadian Blood Services in Regina
- Shannon Michaud Assiniboia Union Hospital
Latest posts
Media Release: CBO Workers are Building Worker Power!
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2025
Apply Now! Saskatchewan Association of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technicians (SACLXT) 2025 Conference
The SEIU-West Education Committee is pleased to sponsor up to 2 members to attend the Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist (CLXT) 2025 Annual Conference on October 18, 2025 at the Moose Jaw Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa.