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.
Wednesday December 16 at 1 PM
OHC Update Session RE: Safety Processes/Guidelines
This is a follow-up session (from Sep 30) with the OHC co-chairs to inform of ongoing updates/changes to safety processes and guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
Please note that this presentation will be recorded (which will be made to OHC co-chairs).
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When it's time, join your Webex meeting here. |
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Meeting number (access code): 132 091 2583 |
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Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-306-271-1492,,1320912583## Canada Toll (Regina)
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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. For this article, the YWC is focusing on 211 Saskatchewan and is based on an interview between YWC member, Brittney and Andrea Howe, Director of Labour Partnerships & Community Impact with the United Way.
What is 2-1-1 Saskatchewan?
2-1-1 is a free, anonymous, confidential service that connects individuals to human services in the province. 2-1-1 maintains information on over 5,500 listings of social, community, non-clinical health, and government services in Saskatchewan and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
How can 2-1-1 be accessed?
2-1-1 can be reached by phone, through text, through our website, and by chatting through our on-line platform. Help is available in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for the person seeking services.
2-1-1 information is provided by certified information and referral specialists. Anyone can access 2-1-1.
Is 2-1-1 available in different languages?
Yes. 2-1-1 is available in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages.
Why 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is an important part of United Way’s work across Canada to build strong communities by connecting people to services.
A significant barrier for individuals and families to accessing the services they need is the complexity of finding the information they are looking for. Whether it is finding assistance with basic needs such as food, shelter and employment, looking for support for an aging parent, or trying to find childcare, navigating through all of the information out there can be overwhelming, confusing and ultimately a roadblock to finding support.
Besides serving major urban centers and smaller cities, 211 plays a critical role in providing support to individuals located in rural and remote regions where online services are often beyond reach.
How long has 2-1-1 been available in Saskatchewan?
United Way Saskatoon & Area and United Way Regina collaborated in partnership to bring 2-1-1 service to Saskatchewan to help people get connected to the information and support they need.
In 2014, the on-line database was launched (www.sk.211.ca). In June, 2018, the 2-1-1 service was expanded to include phone, text, and webchat.
What is the impact of 2-1-1?
211 helps first responders, social workers, police, and other service providers find accurate information to direct people to the right resources. Example:
• This December, the Saskatchewan RCMP announced a general duty business card re-print with RCMP contact information on the front (in English and French) and 2-1-1 Saskatchewan information on the back.
• "Front line officers with the RCMP will use the business cards to inform clients of 211 Saskatchewan and provide them with an avenue of outreach when a social issue is beyond our scope of ability to help with”. (Constable Joelle Nieman, Saskatchewan RCMP's Violence Relationship Coordinator)
2-1-1 helps to re-direct non-emergency calls from 9-1-1.
2-1-1 will be able to identify gaps in services and geographical areas based on unmet needs in our communities.
Beyond everyday needs and with further development the 2-1-1 service has the potential to be used for emergency response support as has been proven with the resources required in the Calgary floods or Fort McMurray wildfires, and currently COVID-19.
2-1-1 and COVID:
Existing 2-1-1 services across Canada saw a dramatic increase in the number of people reaching out for help during the first wave. For example, 2-1-1 Saskatchewan experienced a 90% increase in contacts from March to August of 2020 compared to the previous six months. As part of its COVID-19 response, the Government of Canada provided funding to United Way Centraide Canada to increase the capacity and expand access to 2-1-1 services for all Canadian residents. This will be even more valuable as we enter the second wave of the pandemic.
2-1-1 has been available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and most of Quebec. With this Federal investment, 2-1-1 is now available in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In Quebec, services are available in some areas, with plans to roll out service across the province in December.
When should I call 2-1-1?
For Immediate Release - December 10, 2020
Regina – While details continue to emerge, SEIU-West leaders and members have been both shocked and saddened as the daily heart-breaking reports are revealed about the extent of the outbreak at Extendicare Parkside, a long term care facility in Regina.
REMINDER! Our virtual town hall meeting for SEIU-West/SAHO members is happening tonight @ 7 pm.
This post covers questions asked as of December 2, 2020. If you are an SEIU-West/SAHO member who wants to sign up to take part in the Video conferences, please visit our events page to RSVP.
December 6th - the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - is meant to mark the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal and to spark the development of concrete solutions in eliminating violence against women. This has not happened. In Canada and around the world, women, girls, LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two spirit) and gender diverse individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination. Gender-based violence in Canada has only intensified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been reports from police services and shelters of an increase in calls related to gender-based violence across Canada during the pandemic.
The fact that these murderers targeted women is an act of misogyny (hatred of women), and the fact that these acts continue to occur 30 years from the proclamation of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is appalling.
But women are speaking out against misogyny, and fortunately, people are listening. Meaningful and important expressions of support, like ‘I believe you’ are growing and increasingly, allies are offering solidarity to end the violence.
SEIU-West encourages you to join the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and ends on International Human Rights Day on December 10. It also includes today’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The 16 Days of Activism is a time to both reflect on violence against women and to take action to end it.
SEIU-West stands against violence, and actively equips women with the tools to empower themselves, corresponding to an integral part of changing this system of misogyny. Having a voice at work can translate into a powerful tool; it can lend a hand in recognizing the strength that is women. If you’re an SEIU-West member experiencing gender-based violence, be sure to contact our Member Resource Centre (MRC) as we have trained professionals able to assist you. Together, we are stronger in demanding action to end the violence.
The United Nations has established each December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). The 2020 theme is not all disabilities are visible.
This theme is particularly relevant given the mental health affects COVID-19 has had on our lives – yet mental illness is often unapparent. It’s therefore vital that we spread awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not obvious in order to ensure our communities have the support they need.
SEIU-West is committed to ensure that people with disabilities do not face exclusion and discrimination. We must all do our part in removing those barriers so if you would like to learn more, visit the IDPWD website here. We also remind all our SEIU-West members that they have access to supports such as the Employee Family Assistance Program or 211 in Saskatchewan – a resource that connects you with mental health services. SEIU-West has also put together a helpful list of resources for mental health support during COVID-19.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the world, another health crisis remains in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan has the highest rate of HIV in Canada – more than twice the national average – and injection drug use is the largest source of HIV infection in our province.
Saskatchewan must do more to combat the stigma associated with addictions and HIV – that means ensuring proper education, regular HIV testing, and support for treatment is accessible.
Treatments have come a long way and if used successfully, a person can no longer transmit HIV to anyone else. Treatment for this crisis also includes harm reduction; it not only saves lives but also lessens the strain on our provincial health care system.
As a union with many health care and addictions workers, SEIU-West understands that the need to take action is urgent. We encourage you to write your MLA about the need for improved support for those with HIV – you can also visit the Saskatchewan Union of Nurse’s campaign about the effects of HIV here: https://makingthedifference.ca/hiv