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! This is not job action or a strike, attendance at an info picket is voluntary and takes place on unpaid time, such as a day off or during a break. In addition, it can't take place on the employer's property and we cannot interfere with the flow of people or traffic.
Pinned
President's Message: Christmas 2024
As 2024 winds to a close and the excitement and anticipation of holiday celebrations across many different faiths and cultures ramps up, I wanted to take a moment to share thanks.
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:
MEDIA RELEASE
Scarce Information About the New Saskatchewan Health Authority
SAHO Bargaining Telephone Town Halls
Your SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Committee is pleased to announce that there will be two telephone town hall meetings taking place in September.
- September 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm
- September 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm
You will have the opportunity to:
- Get the latest information on bargaining
- Ask questions about bargaining
- Hear questions from other SEIU-West members
Make sure you are on our list!
If you haven’t already signed up through a ProCAT meeting, visit our website and fill out the form prior to September 21, 2017.
We will do a pre-call notice on September 26, 2017 to ensure we have the correct phone number on file for you.
Join Purple Day!
Support your bargaining team – wear purple on Wednesday, September 20th!
2017 CCA Conference: Apply Now!
Your SEIU-West Nursing Care Committee (NCC) invites you to participate in this unique conference designed for specifically for Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs). Through a combination of activities, special guests and a member panel, together we will delve into topics including (but not limited to) mental health at work and stress management. You will have the opportunity to share your experiences, learn from others and discover ways to find balance in your life.
WHEN: October 26, 2017 at 9:30am
WHERE: SEIU-West Office – 747 46th Street W. Saskatoon
Space is limited apply today!
Fill out the Registration Form and send it to Tara Hessie by email [email protected] or by fax: 306-773-7535 at the Swift Current office no later than September 25, 2017 with the subject line: CCA conference 2017.DEADLINE EXTENDED to October 6.
Brought to you by the SEIU-West Nursing Care Committee.
Related:
SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 7
Click here to download a printable PDF of SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 7
Regina – September 8, 2017
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
Your SEIU-West bargaining committee was back at the table with SAHO on September 5, 6 and 7 after having a great four weeks of meeting with members, talking about the current state of bargaining and listening to your feedback. We appreciate you sharing your concerns and assessment of how this incredibly lopsided and unfair collective bargaining proposal package, presented by SAHO (Government of Saskatchewan), would affect you in your community, your ability to raise a family, and your ability to provide quality care.
We return for another marathon session from September 14-24 in Saskatoon.
This week was spent reviewing the coalition package that applies to all three unions as well as our individual SEIU-West proposals. We have withdrawn some proposals and reverted to current language. Again, our purpose is to focus our efforts on the ‘must haves’ that our members have identified. SAHO has asked a number of questions about our initiative to create a formal bargaining association with the three health care provider unions and we are preparing our response.
We did some incredibly difficult and productive work to scale back some of our proposals. All three unions’ bargaining committees worked together to have frank conversations about what our members want in this round of bargaining. We pushed through distractions to create a timely and comprehensive response to SAHO. We are proud of this coalition work.
In our bargaining roadshow over the last four weeks, we had one ask of each person at the meetings and it is the same ask we have put to you since bargaining update #3…we ask that each member raise their voice to be counted at the bargaining table. We ask that each member commit to either meeting with, emailing, or calling your elected MLA to share your anxiety, frustration and disbelief at what SAHO is proposing at our bargaining table. We KNOW this process works and that we can add the needed pressure to get this ridiculous mandate changed. Find your MLA by visiting: http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/mlas/. Lost for words? Here is a letter template for your use.
As well, Letters to the Editor or even having conversations with SEIU-West staff about how the Government’s mandate will affect you, your family, your community and health care will help get the message out that this mandate will negatively affect EVERYONE.
Make no mistake, this round of provincial health care bargaining is clearly being directed by the Sask Party government. We truly do not care who you voted for in the last election… but each one of us needs to commit to making that connection with our MLA – Sask Party or NDP – and ensuring they understand that asking public sector health care workers to bear the brunt of the rollbacks, concessions, and cuts is not fair. The private sector isn’t going after people who work at the CanAlta hotel, the local Co-op gas station, or the restaurant or Tim Horton’s.
Our provincial government is most definitely demanding rollbacks from front line health care workers and we heard with clarity from each member – not just ‘No!’, but “Hell NO!” Your SEIU-West bargaining committee has a simple message that we have shared with our members:
- No cuts
- No rollbacks
- Pay us what we are worth
- Treat us with respect
We will be having virtual town hall meetings on September 27 at 7pm and September 28 at 2pm. Make sure we have the phone number you want to be reached at for this phone call by filling out our online sign up form or filling out a ProCAT Text business card before September 21st. Posters will be going out soon so watch the website and Facebook for updates.
We encourage you to share your questions and concerns about bargaining with your SEIU-West bargaining committee by contacting us through the Member Resource Center (MRC) at 1-888-999-7348 Ext 2298 or contact us through SEIUWEST.ca.
Thanks for a great summer of activism and support…keep this up and we WILL win!
In Solidarity,
Your SEIU-West SAHO Provincial Bargaining Committee:
CHR: Janice Platzke (SEIU-West Treasurer) • FHHR: Brenda Berry; Donna Gallant • HHR: Colleen Denniss • SHR: Judy Denniss; Rick Brown; Simone Corriveau; Kim Wyatt; Charlene Sarafin; • Staff: Bob Laurie (Dir. of Bargaining and Contract Enforcement); Russell Doell (Deputy Dir. of Bargaining and Contract Enforcement); Cam McConnell (Negotiations Officer) • President: Barbara Cape
Joint Health Provider Bargaining Update: Bargaining resumes with SAHO, but regressive mandate remains
Dear Health Care Member:
Your CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU bargaining committees resumed bargaining with SAHO September 5 to September 7 in Regina.
In the most recent bargaining session, SAHO put forward several questions regarding the Provider Unions’ creation of a bargaining association. The parties also discussed the forthcoming transition to the Saskatchewan Health Authority. SAHO indicated that the launch of the SHA will now be sometime in the late fall but said no date has been determined.
On September 7, CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU presented SAHO with a revised comprehensive proposal package that maintains our wage increase proposal, as well as, key priorities such as ensuring current levels of benefits and joint trusteeship of all benefit plans. Your union bargaining committees are standing united in their opposition to SAHO’s numerous concessions and rollbacks. We strongly urged SAHO to push government principals to remove the concessions and rollbacks from their mandate. Your bargaining committees indicated to SAHO their proposed concessions which amount to a total reduction in compensation of 3.8% need to be withdrawn as our members have told us resoundingly they will not accept rollbacks or cuts.
There was no immediate response from SAHO to the Provider Unions’ revised proposal package. However, SAHO did provide CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU with a draft LOU that would commit the parties to meet to discuss how several provisions of the three collective agreements will be applied within the transition to the new SHA.
We would like to thank all health services providers for your ongoing solidarity and support for the work of the bargaining committees. Your support is making a difference, but we need to keep up the pressure on MLAs in the lead up to our next bargaining dates, which are scheduled for September 14 to 24 in Saskatoon. Please make another call to your MLA or send another email and schedule a follow up meeting with your MLA — and bring your co-workers!
In solidarity,
CUPE, SGEU, and SEIU-West bargaining committees
MEDIA RELEASE
People First!
Submission: Workers’ Compensation Board Governance and Appeals Consultation Process
Submission: Workers’ Compensation Board Governance and Appeals Consultation Process
SAHO Bargaining Update Meetings: Find Out Where & When!
Your SAHO Bargaining Team will be coming to your facility/community over the course of the coming weeks to talk about how the negotiations are going and listen to your questions regarding bargaining. Below is a list of all meetings taking place so far – you can also click on the ‘quick links’ for your area:
Quick links:
Saskatoon Health Region: Urban Meetings
Saskatoon Health Region: Rural Meetings
Heartland Health Region Meetings
Cypress Health Region Meetings
Five Hills Health Region Meetings
| Date | Location: Saskatoon SEIU-West Office | Time | BBQ Time |
| Aug 10, 2017 |
SEIU-West Office #200 – 747 46th Street W. First Floor Meeting Space |
11:00 am – 1:00 pm |
|
| Aug 10, 2017 |
SEIU-West Office #200 – 747 46th Street W. First Floor Meeting Space |
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | 5:00pm |
| Date | Location: Heartland Health Region | Time | BBQ Time |
| Aug. 11, 2017 |
Davidson Health Centre Board Room |
2:00 pm | |
| Aug. 14, 2017 |
Wilkie & District Health Centre Board Room |
10:00 am | |
| Aug. 14, 2017 |
Unity & District Health Centre Board Room |
12:00 pm | 11:30 am |
| Aug. 14, 2017 |
St. Joseph’s Health Facility – Macklin Board Room |
2:30 pm | |
| Aug. 14, 2017 |
Kerrobert Integrated Health Facility Board Room |
7:00 pm | |
| Aug. 15, 2017 |
Rosetown & District Health Centre Rosevilla Activity Room |
12:00 pm | 11:30 am |
| Aug. 15, 2017 |
Biggar & District Health Centre Board Room |
3:00 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Aug. 16, 2017 |
Elrose Health Centre Activity Room |
12:00 pm | |
| Aug. 16, 2017 |
Eston Integrated Health Facility Multipurpose Room |
2:00 pm | |
| Aug. 16, 2017 |
Kindersley & District Health Facility Fischer Lounge (in the Hospital) |
6:00 pm | 5:30 pm |
| Aug. 17, 2017 |
Kyle & District Health Centre Multi-purpose Room |
10:30 am | |
| Aug. 17, 2017 |
Lucky Lake Health Centre Solarium |
12:30 pm | |
| Aug. 17, 2017 |
Dinsmore Health Care Centre Family Room |
3:00 pm | |
| Aug. 17, 2017 |
Outlook & District Health Centre Activity Room |
5:30 pm |
| Date | Location: Saskatoon Urban | Time | BBQ Time |
| Aug. 18, 2017 |
Royal University Hospital SaskTel Theatre |
11:00 am | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Royal University Hospital SaskTel Theatre |
7:00 pm | |
| Aug. 24, 2017 |
City Hospital Room 1911 |
11:00 am | |
| Aug. 24, 2017 |
Parkridge Centre Multi-Purpose Room |
4:00 pm | |
| Aug. 24, 2017 |
City Hospital Downstairs Side Café Room |
7:30 pm | |
| Aug. 24, 2017 |
St. Paul’s Hospital Auditorium |
7:00 pm | |
| Aug. 25, 2017 |
St. Paul’s Hospital Auditorium |
11:00 am | |
| Aug. 25, 2017 |
Sherbrook Community Centre Veterans Common Room |
3:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Date | Location: Saskatoon Rural | Time | BBQ Time |
| Aug. 21, 2017 |
Humboldt District Health Complex/ St. Mary’s Villa Connexus Room (HDHC) |
4:00 pm | |
| Aug. 21, 2017 |
Quill Plains Centennial Lodge – Watson Common Room |
1:30 pm | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Bethany Pioneer Village – Middle Lake Activity Room |
12:00 pm | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Good Will Manor – Duck Lake Lounge Area |
1:15 pm | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Cudworth Nursing Home Craft Room |
2:15 pm | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Rosthern Union Hospital Resource Room |
3:00 pm | |
| Aug. 22, 2017 |
Lakeview Pioneer Lodge – Wakaw Meeting Room |
6:00 pm | |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Wadena Union Hospital Craft Room |
10:00 am | |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Watrous District Health Complex Common Room |
12:00 pm | 11:30 am |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Wynyard Golden Acres/Wynyard District Health Centre Recreation Room |
12:00 pm | |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Last Mountain Pioneer Home – Strasbourg Activity Room |
3:00 pm | |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Central Parkland Lodge – Lanigan Multi-purpose Room |
3:30 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Aug. 23, 2017 |
Nokomis Health Centre Nokomis Legion |
5:00 pm |
| Date | Location: Cypress Health Region | Time | BBQ Time |
| Aug. 28, 2017 |
The Meadows – Swift Current Admin Room Behind Reception |
11:30 am | 11:00 am |
| Aug. 28, 2017 |
SEIU-West Swift Current Office Board Room |
5:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Aug. 29, 2017 |
Prairie Care Health Care Centre – Cabri Multi-Purpose Room |
11:30 am | |
| Aug. 29, 2017 |
Leader Hospital Media Room |
2:00 pm | |
| Aug. 29, 2017 |
Southwest Integrated Health Facility – Maple Creek Large Conference Room |
6:00 pm | |
| Aug. 30, 2017 |
Wolf Willow Health Centre – Eastend Conference Room |
10:30 am | |
| Aug. 30, 2017 |
Shaunavon Hospital & Care Centre Teaching Room |
12:00 pm | |
| Aug. 30, 2017 |
Gull Lake & Dist. Special Care Home/Health Centre Multi-Purpose Room |
2:30 pm | |
| Aug. 31, 2017 |
Prairie View Health Centre – Mankota Solarium |
10:00 am | |
| Aug. 31, 2017 |
Herbert & District Integrated Health Facility Upper Meeting Room |
3:00 pm |
| Date | Location: Five Hills Health Region | Time | BBQ Time |
| August 29, 2017 |
Grasslands Health Centre, Rockglen Conference Room |
10:00 am | |
| August 29, 2017 |
Assiniboia Union Hospital, Board Room |
12:00 pm | 11:30am |
| August 29, 2017 |
Ross Payant, Assiniboia Staff Room |
2:00 pm | |
| August 29, 2017 |
Lafleche Health Centre, Board Room |
4:00 pm | |
| August 29, 2017 |
St. Joseph’s Foyer D’Youville, Gravelbourg Cafeteria |
6:00pm | 5:30pm |
| August 30, 2017 |
Dr. F.G. Wigmore Hospital, Moose Jaw Catherine Klassen Room “B” |
12:00pm | 11:30am |
| August 30, 2017 |
SEIU-West Moose Jaw Office, Board Room |
5:30pm
|
5:00pm |
| August 31, 2017 |
Pioneer Housing/Lodge, Moose Jaw Staff Room |
11:00am | |
|
August 31, 2017 |
Providence Place, Moose Jaw Private Dining Room |
2:30pm |
Joint Health Provider Bargaining Update: Strong Coalition Continues with Tough Round of Negotiations
August 2, 2017
Dear Health Care Member:
Your SEIU-West, CUPE, and SGEU bargaining committees met with SAHO from July 25 to August 1 in Regina. We were originally scheduled to bargain from July 25 to 27, but we worked through the weekend and into August 1 in an effort to build on momentum that we believed was being generated.
As mentioned in our most recent joint update, we presented a comprehensive proposal package to SAHO, which included a letter of understanding (LOU) on the creation of a bargaining association for all three unions and articles designed to bring us to a collective agreement.
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it over the finish line this week. With more than eight days spent at the table, your bargaining committees focused on the question of “What would our members want?” in order to achieve a fair collective agreement for all. We believe we presented a proposal package that recognizes the needs of the provincial government, while also making real progress for our members. We have seen some movement on the part of SAHO, and we are hopeful that this will continue.
We have held the line on the issues of standby and callback; we have promoted the payment of professional fees for our members who need to pay these fees in order to remain licensed in Saskatchewan to do their jobs within the health regions; we have put forward articles that will build a more inclusive workplace for new Canadians; we have listened to our members as we seek to strengthen the language around scheduling and hours of work.
We want our collective memberships to know that we are keeping our eye on the impact of transitioning to one Saskatchewan health authority. How will this impact our jobs and what we do? Will our day-to-day work remain the same? If not, what will those changes look like? How will one provincial health region affect union representation and rights? These are questions that we are asking SAHO, the Transition Team, and health regions. We will continue to push SAHO for the answers.
We would like to thank all frontline health care workers for supporting the work of the bargaining committees. Your bargaining teams have seen a shift in the momentum at the bargaining table because of the work and support of our members: your engagement in bargaining; your calls, emails, and meetings with MLAs; and your knowledge and frontline expertise are evident in the meetings that are held with elected politicians. We need to keep up this work: continue to make phone calls, send emails, and meet with your MLAs. This pressure is making a difference at the bargaining table, and we mustn’t stop now: make another call; send another email; and schedule a follow up meeting with your MLA — and bring your co-workers!
Our next bargaining dates are scheduled for September 5 to 7 and September 14 to 24 (including weekends). Stay tuned for more updates!
In solidarity,
CUPE, SGEU, and SEIU-West bargaining committees
MEDIA RELEASE
Key Found: Doors to Variety Place Finally Unlocked!
Health Provider Bargaining Update: collective bargaining with SAHO extended as provider unions table comprehensive proposal package
Your SGEU, CUPE and SEIU-West bargaining committees met, both with our coalition partners and individually, from July 24 to July 30 (inclusive) to develop a comprehensive proposal package for SAHO in an effort to accelerate the bargaining process. The package contains common proposals and some individual union proposals.
The committees worked very long hours, and on the morning of Saturday, July 29, the coalition presented a comprehensive package to the SAHO Bargaining Committee. This package includes a proposal to create a bargaining association. Our plan is to work together to create some labour stability within the health care system for our members, patients, clients, residents and employers.
The coalition bargaining committees believe this package may form the basis of an agreement. We are now waiting for a response from SAHO. The coalition bargaining committees continue to be available for negotiations July 31 and August 1.
All three Provider Unions are holding strong, and working collaboratively to try to achieve the best deal possible for our respective memberships.
Thank you to all members for your continued support.