If you are an SEIU-West member working for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and you receive a communication from your employer indicating that you owe them money back for an N/52nds overpayment, please:
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Info Pickets
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!
Janice Platzke Receives Larry Hubich Lifetime of Service Award
We are so excited to announce that your SEIU-West Treasurer, Janice Platzke, received the Larry Hubich Lifetime of Service Award at the 2024 Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Convention in late October. Congratulations, Janice!
Here's what her nominator had to say about Janice and her years of service:
Joint Bargaining Update: Tentative Agreement Reached between SAHO and Provider Unions
Click here to download the Joint Bargaining Update.
February 25, 2019
Dear Health Care Member:
The provider union coalition bargaining committees met with SAHO and employer representatives on February 20. The parties continued to meet on February 21 and February 22.
The parties reached a tentative agreement on each of our collective agreements, including issues common to all three unions and a wage settlement. The health provider unions’ bargaining committees will be seeking direction from our members by way of a ratification vote on the tentative agreement.
All three unions will be setting up bargaining information meetings with our members across the province to provide details of the tentative agreement, as well as dates, times, and locations for the vote. Details of the tentative agreement will not be shared with the media at this time.
Please watch your union bulletin boards and websites for further details.
On behalf of SEIU-West, CUPE, and SGEU, we thank all our members for your incredible solidarity and engagement during this turbulent process.
In Solidarity,
Your SEIU-West, CUPE, and SGEU bargaining committees
Win of the Week! February 17-23
Did you know that SEIU-West has a unique representative – a Benefits Officer – serving our members who require assistance when filing for disability and accommodations? We are able to support our members in some of the most distressing times of their work lives, and this week was no different. Recently, a member was denied disability and SEIU-West appealed this decision – this week, we received word that this member will now be receiving their entitled disability benefits. SEIU-West is proud to celebrate alongside this member!
SAMRT Conference - Apply Now
At this link, please find preliminary information regarding the SAMRT Conference being held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 4, 2019. The Education Committee will be sponsoring up to two (2) delegates to attend. We will cover registration costs, lost wages, travel costs, hotel costs and meal expenses for those who are selected to attend. If you are a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, you are eligible to apply. If you are not, please share this information with any of our members that are members of the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists and leave a copy of this information in the Medical Imagining Department. Like us on Facebook and visit our website as we will update more information on this conference as it becomes available.
Anyone interested in attending this conference is asked to:
Your completed Expression of Interest form must be received in our office on or before, March 22, 2019 in order to allow us to complete the registration and selection process. If you have already completed the online registration to this conference and are selected we will request a copy of your registration receipt.
Forward your completed form to:
Colleen Denniss & Brenda Coben, Co-Chairs, Education Committee
#200 – 747 46th Street W, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1
Fax: 306-652-1392
Once delegates are chosen we will determine how best to complete an online registration.
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.
Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) Conference May 3-5: Apply Now
At this link, please find preliminary information regarding the PAS Conference being held at Elkridge Resort, Waskesiu, Saskatchewan on May 3-5, 2019. The Education Committee will be sponsoring up to two (2) delegates to attend. We will cover registration costs, lost wages, travel costs, hotel costs and meal expenses for those who are selected to attend. If you are a member of the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals, you are eligible to apply. If you are not, please share with any of our licensed Pharmacy Technician members who regulated by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals and leave a copy of this information in the Pharmacy Department. Like us on Facebook and visit our website as we will update more information on this conference as it becomes available.
Anyone interested in attending this conference is asked to:
Your completed Form must be received in our office on or before, March 22, 2019 in order to allow us to complete the registration and selection process.
Forward your completed form to:
Colleen Denniss & Brenda Coben, Co-Chairs, Education Committee
#200 – 747 46th Street W, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1
Fax: 306-652-1392
Delegates attending the conference 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.
SEIU-West celebrates the World Day of Social Justice on February 20!
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.
Win of the Week! February 10-16
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!
West Park Crossing, Bargainng Bulletin No. 4: February 12, 2019
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.
Bargaining Bulletin No. 1: South East Cornerstone Public School Division
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)
Celebrate Cardiology Technologist Day!
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.
Coalition Bargaining Committees Reject SAHO’s Bully Tactics
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
Win of the Week! February 3-9
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!
Join Purple Day February 8!
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!