FAQ: New Collective Bargaining Agreement SAHO

The effective date for the implementation of the new wage rates is January 31, 2021.

Retroactive pay based on the general wage increase will be paid to members on April 23, 2021, via the electronic deposit equivalent of a separate cheque.

SAHO is currently reviewing their timeline for:

• the payment of the lump sum

As soon as we hear back from SAHO on this issue we will share the information immediately.

If you have the following information, you could be able to calculate the approximate amount of your retroactive payment:

• how many paid hours* you worked between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020
• how many paid hours you worked from April 1, 2020, up until the date the new rates are implemented (currently awaiting this date from SAHO) and paid out 
• the ability to distinguish between regular pay and premium pay, and/or between paid hours of work and premiums such as weekend or shift differential

For the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, you would multiply your number of paid hours by your previous rate(s) of pay. That result would then be multiplied by 0.01 (which equates to the 1% general wage increase). You would make that calculation for each pay band in which you received wages. 

If you want to check your new rate(s) of pay for this period: multiply your previous rate(s) of pay  (for each pay band in which you received wages) by 1.01; this will result in your adjusted rate(s) of pay.

For the period April 1, 2020 to the date the new rates are implemented (again, currently awaiting this date from SAHO), you would multiply your number of paid hours, using the rate(s) of pay calculated for the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, multiplied by 0.02 (which equates to the 2% general wage increase). Once again, you would make that calculation for each pay band in which you received wages.

If you want to check your new rate(s) of pay for this period: multiply your adjusted rate(s) of pay (for each pay band in which you received wages) by 1.02.

*paid hours are hours paid directly by your employer; they do not include pay from a third party such as Workers' Compensation.

If, while on maternity leave, you were paid for any hours by the employer (e.g. sick leave, casual work) you would receive retro pay for those hours.

If, while on maternity leave, you were paid by third party (e.g. employment insurance), or were not paid at all by the employer, you will not be eligible for or receive retro pay for that time period.

Yes you are, from the period April 1, 2019 to the date of your retirement.

If you have not received your retro pay after the date on which it has been made available to active employees (SEIU-West is currently awaiting this date from SAHO), contact your last manager or supervisor to ensure that you are included in the payroll calculations and that the employer has your correct direct deposit banking information.

Our advice is that if you, as a retiree or laid-off employee, have not received your retro pay after the date on which it has been made available to active employees (SEIU-West is currently awaiting this date from SAHO), please contact your last manager or supervisor to ensure that you are included in the payroll calculations and that the employer has your correct direct deposit banking information.

Each member will receive a $200 payment in exchange for the withdrawal of the communication unfair labour practice complaint filed by SEIU-West and the other provider unions against SAHO in 2010. There were still outstanding pieces that were going to be re-heard by the Saskatchewan Labor Relations Board.

Update January 29, 2021: SEIU-West has SAHO to supply at least the anticipated time period they expect to lapse between the withdrawal of the unfair labour practice and the date on which the lump sum payment will be paid out. We will provide that update as soon as we have it.

Yes.

An administrator/executor of a deceased employee’s estate will need to contact the employer proactively to request the payment be made to the deceased employee’s estate. We have asked the employer to provide a central request intake number for this purpose, which we will make accessible as soon as it's received.

SEIU-West historically releases only the percentage, either for or against, of strike or ratification votes. For this ratification vote, 84% of voting members voted Yes to accept the tentative agreement.

SAHO and SEIU-West are commencing the process of reviewing and editing the complete Collective Agreements for 2017 to 2022, and 2022 to 2023.

As well, the parties need to complete the Letter Of Understanding (LOU) on Seniority Conversion. 

Once the review is complete and the LOU is completed, the parties will formally sign the agreement. Then the CBA will be printed and ready for distribution to the membership. We will ensure members are informed of this date when it becomes available.

The lump sum payment of $200 will be processed by the SHA on March 26, 2021. 

The $200 lump sum payment is subject to statutory deductions like Employment Insurance, Canadian Pension Plan and federal and provincial income tax. Additional deductions such as union dues, Disability Income Plan (DIP) or Extended Health Benefits were not taken off.