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:
SEIU-West 2018: Year in Review
Throughout 2018, SEIU-West members stood up for what they believe in and took action on issues that matter to our communities. SEIU-West members have joined together to face challenges head-on. We learned from one another, and empowered one another to be leaders. We formed strong and lasting bonds with each other, and also had fun as we collectively stood up for what we believe in. SEIU-West is comprised of some incredible people, and therefore incredible memories – together, let’s take a look back on some of these memorable moments of 2018 - click here to download the pdf of our 2018 Year in Review, or use the arrows in the bottom right corner of the report below to expand the document!
Win of the Week! December 16-22
We have a very exciting win to share this week: members at Chinook School Division have ratified a new agreement! It is a 3 year agreement that includes a signing bonus of $675 to all full-time calendar and academic year employees and is prorated for part-time employees. All members will receive this signing bonus before Christmas. The members also achieved an agreement with wage increases each year: 1% in 2018, 2% in 2019, and 1% in 2020. We are so proud of the members for achieving this collective agreement and standing strong together – it is a real challenge when government continues to push for rollbacks but as demonstrated, our solidarity wins!
President’s Message: December 13 SAHO Bargaining Telephone Town Hall Follow Up No.1
In this last week before Christmas, I wanted to take the time to provide an update on our virtual townhall meeting held last week regarding SAHO bargaining. Thanks to everyone who made the time to participate in our call…the response from our members was overwhelming in terms of numbers on the call and questions submitted.
Your SEIU-West SAHO bargaining committee wanted to reach out to provide an update to our members on the state of bargaining. We wanted to get your direction on what is left at the table to negotiate…a general wage increase.
During our townhall, myself and Russ Doell, Deputy Director of Contract Bargaining and Enforcement, provided a high level overview of how bargaining has evolved: from the beginning when the government of Sask set out their mandate of a 3.5% reduction which took the form of things like:
- A 1% wage reduction and zero increases for the whole contract;
- The creation of two lower pay bands;
- Eliminating professional fees, the vehicle allowance and time in lieu banks;
- Reducing shift and weekend premiums and overtime rates; and
- An employer contribution holiday on our extended health plan & having employees co-pay for their benefits and a cap on funding the plan;
Our membership has provided the bargaining committee with a mandate: NO cuts/NO rollbacks/Treat Us With Respect/Pay Us What We’re Worth! And members have been extremely active in contacting MLA’s about how awful this proposal was; each of you talked about the great work you do in the health care system; how you contribute to your workplace, your family and community; you signed petitions and postcards; you shared the economic facts that the government proposals presented for you; you came to rallies and your support has moved the government off of their proposals. Our members have been active participants at the bargaining table by doing all this work.
Because of this support, we’ve been able to make some modest improvements at the table:
- Stronger language to deal with workload issues;
- JJE language to update and improve the pay equity plan;
- We’re working on a LOU to deal with the transition issues with the creation of the Sask Health Authority;
- We’ve negotiated recruitment and retention language to address the lack of staff in our workplaces;
- We’ve got agreement to interpersonal violence leave language;
- Improvements to the effective dates of professional fees – reflecting those fees established as of April 1, 2017;
- We’ve protected the rates that the employer contributes to our extended health plan;
- And we’ve finally reached an agreement to work on a joint trusteeship of our extended health plan & benefits.
- This is new and was a huge point of dispute between the parties. We weren’t going to agree to our members paying for the increased costs to the plan. And we’re happy to share this update with all of you.
- We have also been able to get the employer to withdraw concessions like:
- Reduction in shift/weekend premiums and overtime rates;
- The elimination of professional fees, vehicle allowance and time in lieu banks; and
- The creation of the two lower pay bands.
Your bargaining committee is fully aware that the cost of living in this province continues to go up, and our wages don’t meet that demand.
SAHO has proposed a similar wage increase that was offered to SGEU government employees – if you’ll recall, this was resoundingly turned down. The coalition of health care unions (SEIU-West/CUPE/SGEU) has put forward a marginally higher proposal that includes a signing bonus.
During the virtual townhall, we asked three poll questions, poll question #1: outlined the employers wage proposal versus the unions wage proposal.
Results significantly favoured the union’s position.
Poll question #2: asked about preferred priority between the rising cost of living versus the provincial financial picture.
Results indicated that the bargaining committee should prioritize the rising costs of living over provincial finances.
Poll question #3: asked whether members would support a five year collective agreement with enhanced monetary proposal in the fifth year.
Results were that members would accept a five year deal but much less enthusiastic than the two previous poll questions.
For our membership questions, we received over a large number of questions specific to this update and the SAHO collective agreement process. Over this week, I will do my best to answer all of them.
#1: Does everyone get the lump sum payment or is it prorated somehow? – Russ, unknown location.
In the proposal, as the coalition has put it forward, everyone would get the lump sum payment.
#2: Did SEIU consider dropping STD (short term disability) to free up some money? – Denise, Saskatoon.
No, we didn’t think about scaling back our STD benefit to increase the amount of money available. Partly because the STD benefit is utilized by a great number of members, but also, because we weren’t willing to give up a benefit that is already well established, in order to get a much needed wage increase.
#3: Regarding the signing bonus and the back pay, can that be on a separate cheque for tax reasons? – Cindylee, Saskatoon.
We would most definitely be requesting that. There is some question about whether or not there really are tax implications, but regardless, our members like seeing the hard numbers to confirm that they were paid correctly.
#4: Are there any improvements to benefits that would make me feel better about a minimal wage increase? – Julie, unknown location.
We have negotiated some modest improvements (as itemized above); but there is much in our collective agreement that would remain the same as it currently stands. In terms of extended health benefits, that is separate from this bargaining table, but we’ve been able to enhance a number of procedures and items covered under the extended health and enhanced dental plan over the last year.
#5: Has there been any view to enhance bereavement to include aunts and uncles? – Karen, Saskatoon.
That was in our initial proposal package, but our bargaining committee made the decision to withdraw this proposal and focus on getting rid of the wage rollbacks and the -3.5% as a priority from our membership.
#6: Will the 4 year contract start when we sign or from when the last contract ended? – Madeline, Saskatoon.
Our contract would be effective April 1, 2017 – the day after our last contract expired.
#7: LPN’s want to know if there is anything for licensing fees being paid directly by the employer, like SUN gets? – Karen, Saskatoon.
No there isn’t, Karen. The employer has adamantly refused to agree to this although we’ve put forward this proposal before and we’ll continue to do so.
#8: What year are we in for not having a contract? – James, Saskatoon.
Our collective agreement expired on March 31, 2017. As of today, we are 1 ½ years without a contract.
#9: This proposal does nothing for people about to retire, what’s in it for us? – Kelly, Wilkie.
That’s a good question…and I guess it really depends on each individual’s perspective. On the general wage increase, the any years with a 0% increase will not have any positive affect on your pension. Your SHEPP pension is based on your best 4 years of service. But, the other piece around bargaining that we need to remember is that it’s not just for the ‘right now’ improvements, but the gains that we make or the language that we protect – for the next round of bargaining and the members (staff) who come after us.
#10: You say they cleared the boards with the new SHA. I have not seen one job loss for out of scope in Swift Current, only a change of job titles. Have you noticed this? – Jenn, unknown location.
There are 2 different pieces here: the 12 health region boards were disbanded – there is only one health authority board in place now…and the government has indicated that this will save millions of dollars (stay tuned!).
With the creation of senior vice-presidents; executive directors and directors and out of scope admin positions, I see a lot of management staff simply changing their titles …but I don’t know how that is working in the out of scope realm and don’t think I should guess on that one!
#11: With the lump sum payment, are they even going to come up to inflation as it goes up…are there any more increases to benefits? – Sheila, Saskatoon.
This essentially is a status quo collective agreement; we focused our fight in bargaining this round on beating back the -3.5% cuts. If you are wondering about the improvements, they are set out at the beginning of this update, but you can also take a look at our bargaining updates since last year to see how things have evolved over the past 18 months.
We’ve seen extended health benefits increase over the last couple of years.
#12: Will we catch up with the cost of living with the proposal that the coalition has proposed? – Colette, Saskatoon.
The last numbers about the cost of living that I saw were 2.2%...so the short answer is no, what has been proposed wouldn’t meet the cost of living. The longer answer is more along the lines of what are we able to achieve in this current economic and political climate in the province?
I will post more questions and answers throughout the rest of this week. Again, your union thanks you for your support and your engagement. I said it repeatedly on the call, but bargaining isn’t a spectator sport…we are all in this together and we need you to talk to your MLA’s. Phone/email or better yet, visit them – even if you’ve done it already – we need them to feel the pressure of the message that healthcare workers will not accept cuts/rollbacks; we wanted to be treated with respect and paid what we’re worth!
In Solidarity, on behalf of the SEIU-West SAHO bargaining committee,
Barbara Cape, President
SEIU-West 2018 Holiday Greeting
Check out this year's Holiday Greetings from SEIU-West members, and keep an eye out for the video on CTV!
Win of the Week! December 9-15
We have a major win to share this week! A member who had been denied at all previous levels has now been awarded coverage through the Disability Income Plan final adjudication process. This is an enormous relief for our member and we’re so proud to stand with them every step of the way to this huge success. The work of our union often leads to results like this one, and we particularly appreciate the role our Benefits Officer has in helping our members achieve fairness. When we work together, we win together!
Chinook School Division - Ratification Update, December 14 2018
Date: |
December 14, 2018
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Questions? Call the MRC: 1-888-999-7348 |
Location: |
Saskatchewan
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Units: |
Bone Creek Hutterian School • Shaunavon High School• Shaunavon Public School • Spring Lake Hutterian School• Val Marie School • Vanguard Community School • Swift Current Maintenance and Facilities Personnel |
Join the Bargaining Telephone Town Hall - Tonight at 7pm!
Our virtual bargaining meeting for SAHO/Extendicare is happening tonight at 7pm! If you are an SEIU-West member who works in health care, you should receive a phone call from your president, Barbara Cape, today (close to 7pm) - you can also join online via this link (it will only become active at 7pm): https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php?client=16853
Save the date! Telephone Town Hall
We’re excited to announce another live and interactive virtual town hall meeting for our health care sector members.
The call will be taking place on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
Your SEIU-West SAHO and Extendicare bargaining committees are looking forward to providing you the inside scoop on negotiations.
During the call, you will be able to ask questions and take part in on-the spot polling that will help guide our continuing talks with your employers.
How do you get on the call? All you have to do is pick up your phone when we call.
If for some reason you are unable to pick up when we call you, instructions on how to join will be left on your voicemail (if you have voicemail or answering machine).
You will also be able to live-stream the call on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. The link will be posted around 6:45pm on December 13, 2018 on seiuwest.ca.
Make sure we have the right phone number on file! Use the ‘contact’ form on seiuwest.ca or contact the MRC at 1-888-999-7348 ext. 2298 to ensure we have your preferred phone number on file.
Win of the Week! December 2-8
After reporting a missed shift at double time, SEIU-West filed a grievance with the member who should have been called for this shift. This week, our member received back-pay at double time – when we work together to protect our rights, we win!
Suma: LPN at Saskatoon City Hospital
During Health Care Providers Week, SEIU-West members who work at Saskatoon City Hospital (SCH) held a contest asking how members connect/stay up to date with their union and why they work in health care. Suma, a LPN who works at SCH, was their lucky winner after sharing her moving story:
Joint Bargaining Update: SAHO presents Coalition with “final” offer
Click here to download Joint Bargaining Update: SAHO presents Coalition with "final" offer.
November 30, 2018
Dear Health Care Member:
Your SEIU-West, CUPE, and SGEU health provider bargaining committees met with SAHO in Regina on November 27 and 28, 2018 to resume bargaining.
With everyone’s assistance, the Coalition has made considerable progress over the course of bargaining, and the only outstanding issue that remains is wages.
During the last hour of bargaining, the employer presented the Coalition bargaining committee with a “final” offer that included a monetary proposal well below the cost of living. We know from past rounds of bargaining that a “final” offer is not actually the end of bargaining, and we are under no obligation to vote on the offer.
The Coalition partners will continue to fight for a fair wage increase which respects the work our members are proud to provide across our province. We remain confident that we will be able to reach a fair and reasonable deal at the bargaining table for all members, and ask for your continued support to help us demonstrate our resolve.
Please stay tuned for further updates in the near future. Remember: health care providers are an effective and vital part of patient-centered care. We are the backbone of the health care system in the province, and we deserve a wage increase that shows value for the work we do, attracts and retains needed staff, and keeps up with the increasing cost of living.
We need you to remain active in supporting the bargaining process throughout this holiday season, please contact your MLA with a holiday greeting to keep bargaining front and centre in their minds. Remind them that we deserve a fair wage increase!
We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
In Solidarity,
SEIU-West, CUPE, and SGEU bargaining committees
Increase in Long Term Care Funding?
SEIU-West members and leaders were surprised with our Minister of Health's public statements reported by CTV, on November 7, 2018, in a news story regarding a 40% funding increase to Long-Term Care (LTC) - we mailed him a letter with our many questions arising out of this statement:
November 29, 2018
Honorable Jim Reiter, Minister of Health, Room 204 - Legislative Building, 2405 Legislative Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan
Dear Minister Reiter:
RE: Increase in Long Term Care Funding
SEIU-West members and leaders were surprised with your public statements reported by CTV, on November 7, 2018, in a news story. You were reported as having confirmed that funding for Long-Term Care (LTC) has increased by over 40% under your watch. Our front-line members have not reported any relief to staffing shortages, particularly with respect to hands-on care providers, which may have come as a result of this increase in funding. Our follow-up efforts to obtain verification of this increase via communication with staff at your office, has not met with any reply to date.
In view of your announcement, we are inquiring when this additional funding was provided to the health care budget. We have been unable to ascertain the same in our review of the provincial government’s budget documents. Was this targeted funding directed towards capital funding or operational funding? Does the Ministry of Health have any accountability targets outlined with this additional funding? Is this funding temporary or permanent in nature? Our members have not experienced a funding increase in the provision of added staff to improve quality of care on the front line. On their behalf, we would like to know why funding increases of this nature have not been used to invest in safe staffing levels for front line caregivers.
Thank you for providing the requested information. SEIU-West members and leaders remain particularly interested in having a fulsome discussion about the need for improved staffing levels in the LTC sector, given the increased workload issues and complex resident needs facing our members on a daily basis.
Sincerely,
Barbara Cape
President of SEIU-West
cc: Minister of Rural and Remote Health, Greg Ottenbreit
Scott Livingstone, CEO – Saskatchewan Health Authority
SEIU-West Executive Board