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
Build Power, Win Justice 2024!
The SEIU-West Political Action & Education Department is pleased to invite members to apply to attend Build Power, Win Justice. This two-day conference will take place at SEIU-West in Saskatoon on March 19th and 20th, 2024. Interested members can apply by completing this application form.
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:
Connecting for Reconciliation
Have you ever thought: “I support reconciliation. I want to do my part, but I’m not sure what to do?”
If so, Reconciliation Saskatoon has put together the ConnectR website (www.beaconnectr.org). It’s an excellent interactive tool for people looking to find a way to help build better relationships between Canada’s Indigenous and settler communities. Its motto nicely describes how it works: “Choose your next step”. There are four “paths”: Spirit, Head, Heart, and Body. Clicking on a path takes you to suggested actions like “Attend a cultural event at your local friendship centre,” “Learn Indigenous teachings about plants,” and “Support Indigenous artisans online.” Each suggestion includes links to further information. You can also access this information by clicking one of the “Themes”, such as “Current Events”, “Facts and Figures”, and “Safe Spaces”.
ConnectR is the latest project of Reconciliation Saskatoon, a partnership of about 100 organizations, including the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and the Central Urban Métis Federation. Some of the information is Saskatoon-specific, but most of it is useful wherever you live in Saskatchewan.
Check it out. It works well on cellphones too!
Spring 2019: Member of Distinction
Member of Distinction Spring 2019: Corrine Dale
It is always a pleasure seeing the compassion SEIU-West members possess each and every day; not only in the work that they do but in their private lives as well. They give back to their community in so many ways. We were reminded of that again when I was in Humboldt. Corrine Dale is an example of an everyday hero in SEIU-West. She donated a part of her liver to help a young boy whom she did not know or had any previous connection with. She only understood the need and responded with a part of herself so as to enhance someone else’s life. The courage this took is just another example of the kindness our members share in the community. The world is a better place because of Corrine. Thank You!
Cape's Corner Spring 2019
Written by President Barb Cape
Workplace safety has always been paramount within SEIU-West, regardless of whether you work in education, municipalities, retirement homes, community based organizations or health care. Coming home from work safe is one of the things that drives the work and the campaigns that we do as a union. But what if going home isn’t safe? What if the dangerous conditions aren’t at work,
but are present at home?
Domestic violence IS a union issue…because it doesn’t just stay at home. It follows you mentally, emotionally, physically, and everywhere. It’s not only the pain, exhaustion, or fear, but the abuser can also stalk, intimidate, and threaten the safety of the workplace. An abuser’s presence is a part of the personal and working life of our members who are experiencing domestic violence.
Let’s not kid ourselves, there is stigma attached to domestic violence. And that is simply wrong; we don’t know what others are experiencing or what their world is like, and we know domestic violence rates are high in Saskatchewan. So when we suspect domestic violence, our job as union members should be to support our co-worker; provide a safe person to talk to; and assist in finding help or resources. Our questions shouldn’t be ‘why didn’t they leave?' it should be ‘what can I do to help?’
Domestic violence has gained more awareness in recent years because we need to talk about this issue; there is no hiding from it. It is wrong, unacceptable, and we need to work together to put an end to it. Abusers rely on silence and stigma in order to keep control and continue their behavior; as a union, it is our duty to support our members at work, at home and in the community.
To that end, we provide a two-day Domestic Violence Workshop to ensure our members in the workplace have the knowledge and skills to be an ally and support to survivors; our Young Worker Committee has lobbied the provincial government to provide paid leave for survivors of Domestic Violence; and we have a suggested protocol for what happens when this is disclosed to the employer, including the development of a safety plan for the member, providing professional resources, and tools for the member to take control of the situation.
If you are looking for help or resources, please call the Member Resource Center Centre (MRC) 1-888-999-7348 ext. 2298 who will work to assist. Remember, we’re not only stronger together, but safer as well.
Win of the Week! March 17-23
Recently, an employer was found to be promising a position to a member who had less seniority than other candidates eligible for the position. This resulted in a meeting with SEIU-West who demonstrated that many eligible members with more seniority did not even get an interview. The position was re-posted and more interviews took place - as a result, the member with the most seniority was awarded the position! SEIU-West is all about fairness and protecting the rights of workers – we are proud to celebrate this win!
Have a win you’d like to share? Email [email protected] to share the good news!
MEDIA RELEASE: “Right Balance” Budget Ignores Front Line Needs
For Immediate Release, March 21, 2019
Regina – The Saskatchewan government’s budget, released yesterday, ignores a growing crisis that threatens Saskatchewan’s ability to meet the needs of patients, long-term care residents, students, and their families.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed March 21st yet every day, each and every one of us must stand up to racism.
Racism is not unique to any particular society, it prevails in our communities across the world. Racism is also prevalent in the workplace and due to the growing frustration with our economy, we see the threat of division rising. Yet the decision-makers and influencers who benefit from exploitation want us to pit ourselves against each other – because when we recognize and understand that it is the majority of us who are experiencing poverty and inequality, decision-makers and influencers know they are outnumbered. Racism is dangerous and highly divisive so we must confront racial discrimination and stop it in its tracks before the situation is manipulated – if you hear someone say ‘immigrants are taking our jobs’, that’s discrimination, and it must be confronted. These type of phrases inflame the conditions of racism – left untreated, the future is bleak for us all. We cannot allow racist and discriminatory feelings and sentiments to be deemed acceptable.
In our communities, anti-immigrant protests are on the rise and Islamophobia is resulting in horrendous violence so now, more than ever, we must bring people together across the country to #UniteAgainstRacism – there are many Saskatchewan events in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and we encourage you to join:
- Racism in the Healthcare System: Yin Paradies & Rose Roberts – Join the College of Medicine, Division of Social Accountability, where this presentation will begin by defining racism and its various manifestations, followed by an overview of how racism can impact the provision of healthcare, including contributing to health disparities for minority groups. To conclude, strategies for responding to racism as healthcare providers, in the health system and in society more generally will be discussed. WHEN: March 21 from 12:30-1:30pm at the Saskatoon Health Sciences Building GB03. Click here for the Facebook event.
- Solidarity Vigil for Christchurch - Join us for a vigil in solidarity with and in honour of the victims who lost their lives in two shootings at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand last Friday. WHEN: March 21 at Regina City Hall from 6:00-7:00pm. Click here for the Facebook event.
- Interfaith Reflections & Prayers for New Zealand: Standing Against Violence and Terrorism – join the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan to express our Unity over Division, Faith over Fear, and Love over Hatred. WHEN: March 21 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Islamic Center Saskatoon (222 Copland Cres).
- Rock Against Racism Saskatoon presents: Spring Solidarity Concert - In honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Rock Against Racism Saskatoon will host a fun night of music, solidarity, and celebration of diversity in our community. WHEN: Saturday, March 23 at Amigos Cantina in Saskatoon – doors open at 8pm. Click here for the Facebook event.
- Overcoming Discrimination: When We are the Other - A Courageous Conversation about Diversity, Inclusion and Understanding. WHEN: Saturday, March 23 at the Wesley United Church in Regina from 10:00am-3:00pm. Click here for the Facebook event.
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan has also put together a useful Show Racism the Door activity kit in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This kit includes ’12 Things You Can Do To Address Racism’ – we encourage you to read and do your part in confronting racism:
- Be aware of your privileges (as well as ways you are disadvantaged). Break the invisibility of privilege.
- Listen, listen, LISTEN!
- Take responsibility without being defensive when your actions are questioned. Ask questions and learn more about power in any situation.
- Work towards liberating yourself from supporting oppression.
- Try to help others with similar privileges understand how power, privilege and oppression work.
- Unlearn prejudices and stereotypes. This is a lifelong process. Join with others on this journey towards change.
- Canada’s colonial legacy is everyone’s responsibility. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has 94 Calls to Action. Read them. Make a personal commitment to one (or more) that is meaningful to you.
- Realize that feeling guilty is very unhelpful for everyone and that a useful role is to take part in recognizing and rejecting racism/oppression.
- If you hear an oppressive comment or see an example of oppression, be an ally, not a bystander.
- Try to avoid the trap of “knowing what is good for them” for members of oppressed groups.
- Learn what you can about an oppressed group – read, ask questions, listen. But do not expect everybody to be willing to teach you now that you are ready to learn.
- Be yourself. Do not try to claim the roots and connections that a history of oppression can give to a community, if it is not your own. The best thing you can do is to dig into your roots, history, connections.
SFL: Summer Student Employment Opportunity
Pending funding approval from the Human Resources and Development Canada, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour anticipates a temporary opening for a Special Project Coordinator to be filled early May by a young worker aged 30 and under or a post-secondary or community college student aged 30 years and under. This position will be for a period of three to four months.
Responsibilities include:
• Organization and coordination of the SFL Summer Camp for young people age 13–16, August 10-16, 2019
• Research and policy development pertaining to camp and young workers.
• Production and distribution of printed materials
• Data entry and organization of information
• Additional office duties and assignments as required
Qualifications will include:
• Applicants must be between 15-30 years old to qualify for this position.
• Knowledge of the structures and policies of the labour movement and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the SFL Summer camp.
• Ability to take initiative and implement activities and projects from start to finish.
• Good communication, writing and organizational skills.
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is an equal opportunity employer. Indigenous workers, women, workers of colour, workers with disabilities, and gay, lesbian, transgendered, bisexual workers are encouraged to apply for this position.
The position will pay above average wages for 30 hours a week.
Resumes for this position will be accepted until noon April 15, 2019 and should be addressed to Debbie Lussier, Administrative Coordinator or emailed to [email protected]. Please provide references.
Mail to: Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
220 – 2445 13th Avenue
Regina, Sask. S4P 0W1
Phone: 306-525-0197
Apply Now: Prairie School for Union Women
Prairie School for Union Women (PSUW) is being held in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan from June 9-13, 2019. The Education Committee will be sponsoring up to six (6) delegates to attend. We will cover registration costs, lost wages, and meal expenses for those meals not provided at the school. For Saskatoon and area women (or those delegates that will be travelling through Saskatoon) there will be a chartered bus provided. Delegates from other areas of the province will be notified regarding car-pooling arrangements and in those cases, travel expenses will be covered.
Anyone interested in attending this school is asked to:
- Complete the SEIU-West Expression of Interest Application form;
- Complete the PSUW Registration form at the back of this brochure;
Your completed Expression of Interest form and completed PSUW Registration form must be received in our office on or before, April 15, 2019 in order to allow us to complete the registration and selection process. Unfortunately, if you have attended this school in the last 3 years, your application will not be considered unless there are extra spots due to low entries.
Forward your completed forms to:
Colleen Denniss & Brenda Coben, Chairs, Education Committee
#200 – 747 46th Street W., Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1
Fax: 306-652-1392
Delegates attending the school will be asked to submit a brief report to the SEIU-West Executive Board through the Education Committee Chairs following the completion of the event. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this regard.
Win of the Week! March 10-16
A member of SEIU-West who works in health care was in a temporary full-time position and their employer posted two permanent half-time positions. This member raised this issue with their Unit Executive who raised the concern at their Union Management Advisory Committee (UMAC) meeting. The Unit Executive explained that this change did not match the letter of intent to create meaningful work in the collective agreement. SEIU-West challenged the reasons for splitting the position and explained that the split would not help with client consistency. Management was convinced and chose to re-post the position as a permanent full-time position! In the end, the member who was in that temporary position had the most seniority and was awarded the permanent full-time position – this win demonstrates the power of our union on the shop-floor – when we work together, we win together!
Have a win you’d like to share? Email [email protected] to share the good news!
Convention Call 2019: Talk To Your Unit Executive!
SEIU-West recently mailed Convention 2019 information to each facility so if you'd like to know more about your Unit participating in this year's Convention, please contact your Unit Executive (unit chair, vice-chair, communicator) to see about the selection process. If you have any questions, please call the Member Resource Centre (MRC) at 1.888.999.7348 ext. 2298 or email them here.
Who can attend the SEIU-West Convention?
Delegates to the Convention are selected from local units as follows:
- The unit chair is the first delegate to the Convention. If
the unit chair is a member of the SEIU-West executive
board, or is unable to attend the Convention, the unit
must designate another unit member as the first
delegate. - In units with co-chairs, the unit must decide which one
will attend as the first delegate. - Units that are entitled to more than one delegate must
nominate and elect their additional delegates at a unit
meeting.
Members in Unit | Delegates |
0-100 | 1 |
101-200 | 2 |
201-300 | 3 |
301-400 | 4 |
401-500 | 6 |
501-600 | 6 |
601-700 | 7 |
701-800 | 8 |
801-900 | 9 |
901-1,000 | 10 |
1,001-1,100 | 11 |
1,101-1,200 | 12 |
1,201-1,300 | 13 |
1,301-1,400 | 14 |
1,401-1,500 | 15 |
1,501-1,600 | 16 |
1,601-1,700 | 17 |
1,701-1,800 | 18 |
1,901-2,000 | 19 |
More than 2,000 | 20 |
For more information, click here to view our Convention brochure.
Win of the Week! March 3-9
We have another great win to share this week! A member was facing undue discipline and as a result, SEIU-West filed a grievance. It went through steps one to three until reaching the point of arbitration. At that point, the employer recognized our winning position in a potential arbitration and heavily reduced the level of discipline with our member receiving a settlement as well. SEIU-West works to ensure workers’ rights are protected and we are proud to celebrate alongside this member!
Information Meetings: SEIU-West/SAHO
This post contains information for all upcoming SEIU-West/SAHO Tentative Agreement (TA) Information meetings.