In early December, the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (the LRB) issued a decision about the five former Extendicare facilities. The decision was based on an interpretation of the regulations that governed a previous restructuring of the healthcare system in 1997, commonly called the ‘Dorsey regulations’. In that decision, the Saskatoon and Moose Jaw facilities remain within the SEIU-West family. However, the 3 Regina-based facilities were moved, without a vote of the membership, into the CUPE 5430 jurisdiction.
Pinned
Notice to Members in the Education Sector - Re: STF Strike
January 12, 2024
Good afternoon,
As you may have heard, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced that its members across Saskatchewan will be conducting a one-day strike on Tuesday, January 16th.
SEIU-West Education Support Staff Stands with the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (the STF) has been bargaining with the Government and Trustee bargaining committee. They have reached an impasse and are unable to make any progress. The STF has notified their members that they will be holding a vote on sanctions against their employer.
Convention 2023: Constitutional Amendments
The following Constitutional Amendments were debated, voted on, and passed during Convention:
Unionism 101: Apply Now!
Unionism 101 is designed for any member who has not taken any other union training. The course will touch on the basics of unions from where dues go to how members stay current on union activities – an introduction to the virtual bulletin board will be included. There will be a component that connects union principles with inclusivity and support for diversity. Social media, political action, social justice and collective bargaining will also be included. It is a beginner course for rank and file members who are not already Shop Stewards or Unit Officers. The goal is to reach everyday members and create an understanding of SEIU-West and what makes our union special. Apply now!
SEIU-West will cover the costs of 20 participants per session who will be selected with the goal of wide representation from all Units within our SEIU-West membership. Expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of one day lost wages, as well as mileage.
Apply online by clicking the links below:
- Saskatoon - April 1, 2020 - online application
- Moose Jaw - April 6, 2020 - online application
- Swift Current - April 7, 2020 - online application
You can also register by mail or fax by clicking the pdf's below:
YOU MUST REGISTER BY February 27th - deadline extended for Moose Jaw and Swift Current! You now have until March 2, 2020. After the deadline, be notified whether you’re accepted to attend in order to book union leave.
The SEIU-West WSC Wants You To Support The Saskatoon Steps For Life!
The members of the SEIU-West Workers Safety Committee (WSC) invite you all to walk with us on May 3rd, 2020 in the Saskatoon Steps for Life 5km fundraising walk to shed light on workplace tragedy.
OH&S: From Knowledge to Action One Day Workshop - Apply Now!
Are you a SEIU-West worker representative on your Occupational Health Committee (OHC)? If so, apply now! This one-day course is designed for SEIU-West OHC members and alternates. The participants will leave with a better understanding of their role on the OHC and will be prepared to address issues such as workload, stress, harassment and mental health at the OHC level.
SEIU-West will cover the costs of 20 participants per session on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to register early! Expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of one day lost wages, as well as mileage.
Apply online by clicking the links below:
- Moose Jaw - March 17, 2020 - online application
- Swift Current - March 18, 2020 - online application
- Saskatoon - March 19, 2020 - online application
You can also register by mail or fax by clicking the pdf's below:
YOU MUST REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 12TH and you’ll be notified whether you’re accepted to attend in order to book union leave.
Win of the Week! January 26-February 1
In December, a team of SEIU-West members from Saskatoon Home Care brought a truck load of Christmas cheer to The Lighthouse Assisted Living in the form of a donation of warm clothing and blankets. Thank you Saskatoon Home Care Schedulers for this generous act of kindness.
Committee Position: Multicultural Mentorship
Our SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) is currently seeking to fill two vacant positions.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to expand their union involvement and activism in this position, and play an active role in making the connections for SEIU-West members as to why multicultural mentorship is important.
The remaining term for this position is for approximately one year and four months.
We are inviting interested members to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) You can submit online or by downloading the printable PDF file of the EOI and sending it in by fax- 306.692.2807 or by email to Vice President Neil Colmin’s attention.
Once submitted, President Barbara Cape will work with the Top Officers and together they will make a recommendation to the Executive Board to appoint an eligible member to fill the vacancy for the remaining term.
If you or any of the member in your unit are interested in applying, please apply by Friday February 28, 2020.
As always, if you or your members have any questions please use our Contact form.
Shining A Light On...Mental Health and Addiction
By Janell Kachuik, Co-chair – Young Worker Committee (YWC)
The SEIU-West Young Workers Committee (YWC) is shining a light on issues that often get pushed into the shadows and aims to break down stigma associated with important issues in our communities.
Mental health and addiction are topics that people don’t like to talk about due to the stigma around them, but we need to stop fearing it and start embracing it. As Canadians, 1 in 5 experience a mental illness or addiction problem. Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance use. We have to stop believing that mental health and addictions are just going to get better without treatment.
Young people are more likely to experience mental health and substance use disorder than any other age group. The question is, how can we help? Don’t give up on them, make sure that they know they are loved – sometimes they have to hit rock bottom before they get help.
I’m one of those young people. My name is Janell – I’m the Co-Chair of the SEIU-West Young Workers Committee (YWC) and I suffer from depression and anxiety. It started in high school and it was really bad. I started to cut – first it was on my legs so people couldn’t see but then I started to cut my wrist – to me it was a way to release what I was feeling because when I cut it took my pain away for a little bit. I had stopped but then I started working in a workplace where I was the only person under the age of 30 and was feeling isolated. The way I would cover it up is wearing long sleeve clothing and if someone would ask me about it, I would say I fell.
In 2015 it got really bad. A year when I should have been happy and enjoying life. But in October my life changed and I started cutting. I wasn’t able to sleep. I wasn’t talking or being myself. I finally decided to end things, but with the help of my family and friends I’m still here. They started to see the signs, and told me to get help – my family had to tell me that they didn’t want a headstone, they wanted me.
The first step was to get a doctor to listen, and this doctor took me off work and then made it so I couldn’t be alone. The doctor started me on medications, and with the help of my mother I was able to get into counselling. I started going twice a week then I went to three times a week – one session was one-on-one and the other was in a group setting.
There are things you can do to get on the road to recovery. With the right support, self-help and treatment, you can overcome a re-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self and get your life back on track. What’s important is that we’re creating a supportive environment where people know they can ask for help.
If you need support, call 211 or go to https://sk.211.ca/ to find mental health and addictions support services across Saskatchewan.
Call to Annual General Meeting of the Saskatoon & District Labour Council
The 61st Annual General Meeting of the Saskatoon and District Labour Council will be held at the Heritage Inn, 102 Cardinal Crescent, on February 7 and 8, 2020.
SEIU-West is sponsoring up to four people to attend; to register for a chance to attend, fill out an Expression of Interest. Members have until January 30, 2020 to apply.
We are inviting interested members to submit an EOI. You can submit online or by downloading the printable PDF file of the EOI and sending it in as described.
Come join us in celebration!
AGENDA
February 7, 2020
Registration ...........................................................................................................................................5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Meeting....................................................................................................................................................6.00 pm - 7:00 pm
Labour Community Achievement Award Banquet and Social.......................................7:30 pm
February 8, 2020
Registration...................................................................................8:30 am
AGM..................................................................................................9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Top 6 Wins of 2019!
2019 was filled with ups and downs and it is important to celebrate the moments of triumphs. Here are the top 6 Wins Of The Week for 2019 based on social media engagements.
1. SEIU-West/SAHO Votes for Job Action!
2. Member Awarded Position Denied due to Pregnancy
3. Members Participate ‘Unionism 101’ Training
4. SHA withdrew the Hotline proposal thanks to SEIU-West push-back
5. Member Receives Double Time for Changed Schedule
6. SEIU-West Provides Support for Member in Need
Here’s to 2020 and a year filled with even more wins!
Join Purple Day January 28!
SAHO/SEIU-West Bargaining Bulletin (2nd edition) No. 10
Click here to download SAHO/SEIU-West Bargaining Bulletin (2nd edition) No. 10
Date: January 17, 2020
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
On behalf of your SEIU-West provincial bargaining committee, we want to wish all of our members a Happy New Year. We hope that 2020 brings you incredible peace and (of course) a fair collective agreement.
Alzheimer Awareness Month - 2020
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month in Canada and this year, the Alzheimer Society Canada kicked off the second year of their awareness campaign—Yes. I live with dementia. Let me help you understand— to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.
72% of all Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. This is because women live longer than men so there are more of them than men. Who are these women? They’re our mothers, wives, sisters, grandmothers, or friends – maybe even you.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, they need the support of family and friends more than ever.
Do you think memory loss is the only warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias? That’s what most people believe but there are nine other signs which are often misunderstood or ignored. Recognizing the signs as soon as possible is critical for getting the treatment and support you need to live well with the disease and start planning for the future.
Check out the warning signs below.
For more useful information and resources to help you learn more and take action to end dementia stigma, check out ilivewithdementia.ca.
Win of the Week! January 12- January 18
MEMBER GETS DISCIPLINARY ACTION REMOVED FROM FILE
A member was recently suspended for a month due to a personal incident that had absolutely no bearing or impact on their job. SEIU-West intervened and the employer agreed to withdraw the disciplinary action and remove all reference to it from the members file. Rather, the employer offered support.
SEIU-West will always be in your corner, call the MRC (1.888.999.7348) for advice and clarification.