For Immediate Release: August 14, 2019
Saskatoon – Members of SEIU-West were surprised to learn that on August 12, 2019, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) posted a request for proposal (RFP) on SaskTenders for the provision of a “Whistleblower Hotline” service.
“It surprises me that while we have been meeting regularly with the SHA, this initiative was never mentioned,” said Janice Platzke, Treasurer of SEIU-West. “The lack of information raises many questions and concerns for our members.”
According to the document, this service is supposed to provide an anonymous hotline for employees and the public to report suspected violations of SHA policies, codes of conduct, or legal requirements.
“Managing Employer policies and conduct is a fundamental duty of managers within the system,” added Platzke. “It’s puzzling that the SHA would apparently agree to give up control of its own managerial abilities to let a third party deal with issues that could be extremely sensitive in nature, entail privacy implications, and potentially expose the Employer to legal and financial penalties.”
SEIU-West is also concerned the absence of information from the SHA leadership will create an atmosphere of mistrust for employees, managers and the public.
“The creation of the single Saskatchewan Health Authority was sold as a way to make health care more efficient and save money. This proposal will do neither. SEIU-West believes the Employer should be focussed on meeting their mandate,” continued Platzke. “The fundamental issue for health care today is recruiting and retaining enough staff to provide the care the public needs and deserves. We think the dollars earmarked for this project should be invested in front line care delivery.”
SEIU-West represents over 13,000 people across Saskatchewan. They include people who work in health care, education, municipalities, community-based organizations, retirement homes and other sectors. They are joined by one colour – purple – and one union – SEIU-West. Purple works in our communities! Visit PurpleWorks.ca to find out more about SEIU-West members.
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For more information, contact:
Christine Miller, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 306-652-1011 ext. 8733
Click here for a printable PDF file of SEIU-West Media Release: Whistleblower Line.
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