There is currently a vacancy on the SEIU-West Executive Board for members that work for the Community Based Organizations Sector.
Pinned
Virtual town halls (VTHs) were scheduled for the evenings of May 27 and 28 to update SEIU-West members about SAHO bargaining and answer bargaining questions. Unfortunately, the VTH on May 27 ran into major technical glitches. We apologize if you were one of the hundreds of members whose experienced this failure. We were not satisfied that the supplier of the VTH platform would be able to properly fix these problems in time, so we decided to cancel the May 28 VTH.
You may have noticed there hasn't been an announcement about bbqs for the summer yet.
The SEIU-West First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee (FNMIC) is hosting a contest to design an image for orange shirts that the committee provides yearly to members. Submit your design to enter to win a $100 Co-op gift card.
Disclaimer: the following information is based on what SEIU-West found on publicly available federal government websites. This information is subject to change as it comes from outside sources. We will update this post further as information becomes available.
On October 21, SEIU-West received a response from our Federal Minister of Health regarding the expired Health Accord. Here is our response to the Honourable Jane Philpott:
Related Documents:
April 1st Letter from SEIU-West
Unionism on Turtle Island: Report
PAWS: Safety
October 20, 2016
Earlier this year, notifications and applications were posted on www.seiuwest.ca for the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Conference and Bargaining Committee. On October 2-3, 2016, roughly 110+ SEIU-West health care members engaged in a highly productive and informative two days. At the Conference, we were also pleased to announce who will make up our SAHO and Extendicare Bargaining Committee teams – and I’m happy to share this information with you now:
-
Celeste Dixon – Extendicare Sunset
- Tanya Ziffle – Extendicare Elmview
- Lynette Pinfold – Extendicare Moose Jaw
- Teresa Roux – Extendicare Preston
- Rick Brown – SHR
- Simone Corriveau – SHR
- Colleen Denniss – HHR
- Brenda Berry – FHHR
- Donna Gallant – FHHR
- Judy Denniss – SHR
- Kim Wyatt – SHR
- Kim Deitner – SHR
- Janice Platzke – CHR/SEIU-West Treasurer
- Russel Doell – Deputy Director, Collective Bargaining and Enforcement (Staff)
- Kerry Barrett – Negotiations Officer (Staff)
- Bob Laurie – Director, Collective Bargaining and Enforcement (Staff)
- Barb Cape – SEIU-West President
The time commitment for the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Committee is substantial, and I want to thank each and every single committee member who agreed to taking on such a large undertaking – it certainly was a hard decision to make!
I believe that this group of members, leaders and staff is truly committed to ensuring the best possible collective agreement for all SAHO and Extendicare members – I look forward to working with this great team!
In the meantime, we ask that all our health care members engage in current government initiatives that will affect our public health care system.
Transformational Change in Health Care:
Our provincial government has set out on a path of “Transformational Change” in our Saskatchewan health care system, yet it is riddled with mystery.
“Transformational Change” within health care in Saskatchewan must be questioned and explained – why the lack of clear definitions? Why is there not meaningful consultation? Why is the mandate solely to reduce the number of Regional Health Authorities? Has my government considered other means to ensure efficiency in quality health care?
Members of the public and frontline health care workers deserve transparency – we urge you to send a letter questioning the purpose of health care reform:
Click “Participate” to send a letter through our campaign page to the Minister of Health Jim Reiter!
In Solidarity,
Barb Cape
Letter of Support for the Camp of Sacred Stones
SEIU-West sent a letter of support and solidarity to our brothers and sisters holding the line at the Colonialism No More Camp in Regina.
"The work we do brings meaning to my life" - Jackie.
SEIU-West offers 20 scholarships of up to $750 every year:
- 10 for members
- 10 for children of members.
Criteria:
SEIU-West members who are in good standing (dues paying members) and/or their
children are eligible to apply.
The applicant must be taking a class in a College, University or recognized Tech or
Vocational Post Secondary School for the year they are applying in.
Applicants must submit a 250-500 word essay on the topic:
How do unions contribute to a fair and just society?
Applicants must include, with their application, a copy of their registration and receipt of costs.
Applicants must fill out the attached form and include all items listed above.
In order to ensure as many people benefit from this program as possible, if you have won a
scholarship through SEIU-West within the past 3 years, your application will not be considered.
How to Apply:
Applicants must fill out the Scholarship Application Form and must include all the items listed under “Criteria” to be considered.
Incomplete or late applicants will not be considered.
Complete applications must be received in the SEIU-West Saskatoon office by November 15 and Sent to:
Brenda Coben & Colleen Denniss
Co-Chairs, SEIU-West Education Committee
#200 – 747 46th Street W.
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1
Related Documents:
Whether you’re a new member to SEIU-West, or if you’re just curious about the many ways you can get involved and learn more about your union, this is the place for you!
On our interactive SEIU-West Bulletin Board, you can ‘touch’ the board to be connected to tons of information! In ‘Unionism 101’, you’ll find helpful tips and tools regarding your union membership. In the ‘Communication’ section, you’ll be connected to the many ways to stay up-to-date and involved with SEIU-West! And in the ‘YOUR Union’ section, you’ll find out about SEIU history, who makes up SEIU-West, as well as many opportunities to learn more!
You’ll also be connected to your collective agreement, upcoming events, and so much more! It’s a one-stop-shop for all your information needs!
With SEIU-West, we would like to remind all MEMBERS that they ARE the union! So get involved and find out how union engagement can contribute to more just and fair societies!
"I take pleasure in the important communication that is involved with Care Aide work" - Cheryl.
NOTE: The deadline to submit your feedback through the bargaining survey has passed.
Want to be a part of the SAHO/Extendicare bargaining conference?
Register Now!
Complete and return your Bargaining Conference Registration Form by September 12, 2016.
Want to be a part of the SAHO Bargaining team?
Complete and return this Expression of Interest form by August 31, 2016.
Click to download the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Conference poster.
A Report from the Political Action and Awareness Committee Co-Chair, Dennel Pickering
Devin Tepleski from Iron and Earth presented about an initiative led by oil sands workers to retrain workers to transition into renewable energy development. This project started as a documentary film. Since then, 600 workers have signed up. These oil sands workers are grateful for the opportunities oil sands have offered but see renewable energy development as the next step to ensuring a sustainable future – it’s also where great opportunities await.
Iron and Earth is in its infancy right now, but the concept is solid and it is quickly building momentum. It has created 4 pillars for success: collaboration, research, training and advocacy. Training is scheduled to start next summer.
The federal government is holding town hall meetings asking public for climate change strategy as a result of the Paris agreement. Saskatoon West is the only constituency in Saskatchewan that has held one, but members can request their MP hold a meeting or they can give feedback directly to the government.
Iron and Earth has a solar skills campaign coming out soon. This is an initiative where the goal is to have 1000 electricians implement 100 solar projects (such as solar panels on high schools that they are partnering with or EV charging stations) by offering some training for transference of skills and hands on work to build ability to transition into renewable. They will also provide curriculum materials to the high schools in order to get future workers interested in the renewable trade.
Iron and Earth has created a workers climate plan found at www.workersclimateplan.ca. This includes a survey consultation, video testimonials, worker interviews, ability to participate in town halls, digital town halls, or the ability to submit directly to the government at www.letstalkclimate.ca. So far, solar and wind technology is leading the growth in renewable energy. $32.9 billion has been invested globally since 2004 into renewable energy. It is estimated that $7.4 trillion will be invested globally by 2040 in renewable energy. Electricians can transition their skills into solar jobs, geothermal jobs can be done by boilermakers.
They still need funding for this project and have recently applied to the Alberta government. They are also looking for sponsors. Companies like Enbridge and Suncor are investing in renewable energies. There is expected funding this fall in the AB government fall budget and with the targets agreed to by the federal government, hopefully federal funding will become available to projects like this as well.
Saskatchewan and Alberta are the hot spots for solar energy, yet other provinces seem to be leading the way. Other provinces are generating more renewable energy and investing more into renewable energy research – we must take part in the transition to renewable energies.
To get further involved, you can text WCP to 1-778-771-0852 and check out their website www.ironandearth.org. They also have an AGM on October 29 in Edmonton.