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.
Pinned
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.
Info pickets provide an opportunity for SEIU-West members to send a message to their employer and to the general public, that bargaining needs to progress and SEIU-West members deserve a fair contract!
The United Nations General Assembly approved February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice in 2007 – the goal of this proclamation is to provide a means of promoting the efforts of those who tackle issues like poverty, social and economic exclusion, and injustice. Social justice incorporates many struggles but its general meaning is justice in terms of the distribution of wealth and opportunities within our communities. As a union, SEIU-West works towards social justice in all our efforts– in fact, our mandate clearly states our commitment to social justice:
The mandate of SEIU-West is to improve the lives of working people and their families, and lead the way to a more just and humane society. We stand for economic and social justice, for dignity and respect, for having a voice on the job and in society, and for a secure job with the opportunity to advance.
As such, SEIU-West is a progressive union that strives to support and help build platforms for our community allies. We aim to spread awareness on the efforts of our allies through recognition dates and awareness events – some examples include:
- Women’s Rights: Day of Action and Remembrance of Violence Against Women – our Red Day Awareness Events supports local women’s shelters and for the Women’s March , SEIU-West provided support and marched alongside the hundreds of people in the province demanding justice for women.
- Indigenous Rights - we aim to capture the many Indigenous Day events occurring throughout Saskatchewan, and connect our members to the vital work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. We also offer a Turtle Island Workshop to our members that offers information on the history and current struggles of colonialization.
- Sexual Assault Awareness – when the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Center saw its services decrease due to funding issues, SEIU-West members hosted a BBQ to raise money for this important service.
- CHEP and the askîy project: SEIU-West provided our BBQ, trailer, and volunteers for CHEP and the askîy project’s tree planting ceremony where this inspiring organization is turning a brownfield lot into a community garden in the urban core of Saskatoon. We also provided the food, BBQ, trailer and volunteers for YXE Connects, a day where more than 70 service providers shared free resources and services with the downtown core in Saskatoon
- Fight for 15 Saskatchewan: SEIU-West members have joined Fight for 15 activists on campus and on the streets with petitions and in town halls with an attempt to raise the minimum wage to $15 for all workers in Saskatchewan
SEIU-West has also prioritized domestic violence as a major cause of preventing people from fully participating and having the same opportunities to leading a life of wellbeing - domestic violence is an urgent issue affecting many Saskatchewan people and people around the world. SEIU-West continues to advocate for paid leave for those experiencing domestic violence in our Petition: Paid Leave for Survivors of Domestic Violence Campaign. While we achieved unpaid days off, the work must continue to advocate for paid leave as financial security is a must for those hoping to escape domestic violence.
For this year’s World Day of Social Justice, the theme is ‘If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice.’ SEIU-West will continue to advocate for quality jobs, thriving communities, and equality as we strive towards more just societies.
SEIU-West is thrilled to share the good news of our latest ratified agreement! With great voter turnout, members who work in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division ratified their collective agreement this week – some of the highlights of this agreement include general wage increases over four years of 1%, 2%, 2%, 2% - an awesome demonstration of our members’ solidarity as they worked together to ensure fairness at the bargaining table. There were also many non-monetary gains, including:
- Fifteen (15) minutes for new employee Union Orientation.
- Email and website posting of vacancies during the summer break.
- Clarification of the process for filling vacant bus routes.
- Maintenance employees LOU is now part of the CBA.
- Casual employees LOU is now part of the CBA.
- Ability to take a 15 minute rest periods where possible.
- Bus driver monthly cell phone allowance up to $20 from $10.
- Personal Property damage reimbursement up to $250 from $100.
- Overtime for employees who work beyond 8 hrs on a field trip.
- Employees now need to agree to use a personal vehicle for student transportation
- Completely revamped Occupation Health and Safety language.
- Clear “No Individual Agreements” language.
This newly ratified agreement is yet another example of how we’re Stronger Together in SEIU-West!
Date: February 12, 2019
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Greetings Sisters and Brothers:
On February 11, 2019 your Bargaining Committee attended an Interest Arbitration between West Park Crossing and SEIU-West, in Regina. The purpose of this Arbitration is to settle all the outstanding collective bargaining issues between the parties. SEIU-West’s lawyer did an outstanding job in presenting your issues to the arbitrator.
| Date: | February 13, 2019 | Questions? Call the MRC: 1-888-999-7348 ext. 2298 |
| Location: | Arcola, Bienfait, Carlyle, Estevan, Fillmore, Gladmar, Lampman, Macoun, Midale, Ogema, Oungre, Pangman, Radville, Weyburn, Yellow Grass, Wawota, Moosimin and Gladmar | |
Greetings Sisters and Brothers:
Your Contract is Ratified!
Your contract has been ratified by the membership. We spent three days on the road throughout South East Saskatchewan and we also held public meetings in Weyburn and Estevan. We had a great turnout and the contract was ratified by a strong majority of the membership. The agreement should be produced and ready for delivery within the month. We will be delivering these, along with new member kits once they are ready.
We had great conversations when we visited your communities and when you came to the meetings in Estevan and Weyburn. It is important that you follow up with the Member Resource Centre with any of your concerns that are still outstanding.
Below is a list of some of the highlights in your new collective agreement.
Non-Monetary:
- Fifteen (15) minutes for new employee Union Orientation.
- Email and website posting of vacancies during the summer break.
- Clarification of the process for filling vacant bus routes.
- Maintenance employees LOU is now part of the CBA.
- Casual employees LOU is now part of the CBA.
- Ability to take a 15 minute rest periods where possible.
- Bus driver monthly cell phone allowance up to $20 from $10.
- Personal Property damage reimbursement up to $250 from $100.
- Overtime for employees who work beyond 8 hrs on a field trip.
- Employees now need to agree to use a personal vehicle for student transportation
- Completely revamped Occupation Health and Safety language.
- Clear “No Individual Agreements” language.
Term:
- The agreement runs four years from September 1 2018 to August 31 2022.
General Wage Increase:
- September 1 2018 – 1% (retro will be paid up to date of ratification)
- September 1 2019 – 2%
- September 1 2020 – 2%
- September 1 2021 – 2%
If you have any questions about your workplace, please contact the Member Resource Centre (MRC) at 1-888-999-7348 ext. 2298. The MRC Officers will be able to assist you or will refer your question if necessary.
Your participation in your Union makes your Union strong!
In Solidarity,
SEIU-West/South East Cornerstone Bargaining Team:
Patti Langedahl • Kerrie Boyd • Maureen Jackiw • Robert Schultz • Bonita Brenner • Jo-Anne Gorgerat • Staff: Shelley Johnson (Union Representative) • Blair McDaid (Negotiations Officer)
Hearts and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand, so it’s fitting that we celebrate those who look after our hearts on February 14 by recognizing Cardiology Technologist Day!
Tami, a member of SEIU-West, works at Royal University Hospital as a Cardiology Technologist. Cardiology Technologists like Tami are an integral part of the health care team – by caring for our hearts, they help to ensure this vital organ in our bodies is well looked after. Cardiology Technologists test, monitor and assess heart performance. They also engage in difficult techniques of heart monitoring and ensure proper preparation for patients by explaining procedures. They ensure patient comfort and safety during procedures. They are trained to provide resuscitation measures when needed as well. Cardiology Technologists must also keep up to date and adapt to modernized technologies as they help to maintain health care equipment.
Cardiology Technologists are able to examine heart conditions; they provide preventative measures and immediate actions to reduce harm to one’s heart. Tami appreciates her important role on the health care team as she enjoys all aspects of patient care, including the everyday interactions she has with her patients and their families. She especially values the ability to help patients with her education and knowledge.
SEIU-West is proud to acknowledge and celebrate February 14 as Cardiology Technologist Day and in recognition, we want you to tell us why Cardiology Technologists are important to you. Share the love of Cardiology Technologists by sending your responses to [email protected] by February 22, 2019 for your chance to win a gift card! And on February 14, help SEIU-West thank Cardiology Technologists for all their hard work and dedication.
Click here to download Coalition Bargaining Committees Reject SAHO’s Bully Tactics
February 11, 2019
Dear Health Care Member:
Your coalition bargaining committees were asked to return to the bargaining table with SAHO, and agreed to do so, on February 8, 2019. The provider unions were ready to negotiate. The only outstanding item was a fair and reasonable wage increase. In December, a substantial amount of members told their bargaining committees SAHO’s final wage offer of (0%, 0%, 1%, 2%) was neither reasonable nor acceptable. Your bargaining committees conveyed that message to SAHO.
SAHO and the employer committee responded with an ultimatum. They said accept the wage offer (0%, 0%, 1%, 2%) by noon on February 15, 2019 OR the items that have been agreed to in principle and the wage offer will disappear. They were specific that the provider unions would be faced with the initial SAHO and employer rollback proposals and their proposed cuts to get to -3.5%.
Of course, the provider unions were extremely provoked by SAHO’s response. The committees felt SAHO’s strong arm tactics were just like schoolyard bullying, such as ‘give me your lunch money or you will get beat up’. These tactics are not good faith bargaining. It seems SAHO and the employer are not truly trying to reach a collective agreement. SAHO’s response is not moving the parties closer together. In fact, their response is moving negotiations backwards to the place we were over a year ago.
Your bargaining committees will be assessing their options in the coming days.
There is no room for bullying at our workplaces, and it is not acceptable at the bargaining table. Now more than ever we ask for your continued support. We want to thank all frontline health care workers for supporting the work of the bargaining committees, and we continue to ask that you remain active in supporting your bargaining committees. Please, continue to make phone calls, send emails, and meet with your MLAs. Do not let this round of bargaining fall off the government’s radar.
Health care providers are fundamental to providing quality patient-centred care. We deserve a wage increase that values the work we do. Let’s continue to work hard to achieve this together.
In Solidarity,
CUPE, SGEU, and SEIU-West bargaining committees
This week, we have another great win to share! A member was scheduled for a third weekend and in their collective agreement, they should be paid at double time for working three weekends in a row. Our member notified their employer prior to this scheduling issue but the issue was not fixed, so the member worked the shift. The member was then paid at regular time, so SEIU-West filed a grievance – we just resolved that grievance and the member will be paid at double time! It’s vital that we stand up for our rights and with SEIU-West, we know we are Stronger Together!
Our SEIU-West bargaining team is back at the bargaining table this week delivering the message:
NO Cuts! NO Rollbacks! Pay us what we’re worth!
Let’s show we support this message by wearing purple on February 8, 2019!
Take a picture of you and your fellow SEIU-West members to show your purple pride and support for bargaining a fair deal. Take a picture and send it to [email protected] for your chance to win a prize.
We’re Stronger Together!
On February 23rd, the Saskatoon Blades will be hosting a Union Night themed game to recognize the Saskatoon and area unions, like SEIU-West!
We want to show our purple union pride at this game, so we have 10 tickets to give away! BONUS: each ticket will be given another opportunity to be entered to win the "Suite Life experience" which provides winners a free upgrade to the viewing luxury of a suite!
How to enter: tell us what you like best about being a member of SEIU-West. Email your answer to [email protected] by Wednesday, February 13, 2019!
Good luck!
For Immediate Release, February 5, 2019
Saskatoon – The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) released the results of its review of security services in the province’s publicly-owned health care facilities today. The final report by Big Leap Consulting includes 27 recommendations with the stated goal of ensuring a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff. SEIU-West shares this goal, but is concerned that the report sets the table for large-scale privatization of health care security.
Your regulatory body is seeking your valuable input on a document about LPN practice in Saskatchewan.
SEIU-West is happy to announce a huge win for members across the province: SEIU-West filed grievances at a particular facility when it was reported that the Employer was scheduling shifts of 6.5 hours with no meal break. The Employer countered that the collective agreement language was not clear with respect to those specific shifts. SEIU-West therefore advised members to file complaints with the Employment Standards Enforcement since The Saskatchewan Employment Act (SEA) says workers are entitled to a meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work. The Enforcement Branch responded by saying they were not obliged to represent unionized workers. SEIU-West was then advised that our union is a person before the law (we are our members!) and can also file a complaint as a person. After SEIU-West filed a complaint, the Enforcement Branch assigned an Investigator who determined that the Employer was violating the SEA and must stop. The Employer responded by saying they provide coffee breaks so the shifts are not considered to be 5 hours of consecutive work. The Investigator held that coffee breaks do not count since they are paid time, break or not. The Investigator also recommended that the parties resolve the matter with a letter of understanding (LOU) which will then be reviewed by the Investigator. We have drafted that LOU and are awaiting the Employer’s response. What is vital about this win is the Enforcement Branch has upheld that Employers cannot negotiate a lower standard than what is outlined in the SEA, and that coffee breaks do not count for the purposes of calculating worked hours. Most importantly, we know the Enforcement Branch will take action on unionized workplaces if there is a violation of the SEA. And last but certainly not least, there are several collective agreement provisions negotiated under old legislation which allow for meal breaks only after 5.5 and as much as 7.5 hours of work – all of these will have to be changed or addressed through LOUs, which SEIU-West is currently undertaking. This is a collective win for workers throughout Saskatchewan!