The SEIU-West Convention will be held in Saskatoon May 2025. Delegates at that Convention will select the SEIU-West President, Treasurer, one Trustee, and at least 7 additional members of the Executive Board.
We are looking for at least three SEIU-West members who would be interested in serving on the Elections Committee.
Pinned
Caring for the Future: Frontline Workers on the Challenges in Saskatchewan's Long-Term Care Sector
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives have published Caring for the Future: Frontline Workers on the Challenges in Saskatchewan's Long-Term Care Sector.
SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update Member Meetings
PAWS: Safety
PAWS: Safety
President’s Message: Meet Your SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Team!
October 20, 2016
Earlier this year, notifications and applications were posted on www.seiuwest.ca for the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Conference and Bargaining Committee. On October 2-3, 2016, roughly 110+ SEIU-West health care members engaged in a highly productive and informative two days. At the Conference, we were also pleased to announce who will make up our SAHO and Extendicare Bargaining Committee teams – and I’m happy to share this information with you now:
- Celeste Dixon – Extendicare Sunset
- Tanya Ziffle – Extendicare Elmview
- Lynette Pinfold – Extendicare Moose Jaw
- Teresa Roux – Extendicare Preston
- Rick Brown – SHR
- Simone Corriveau – SHR
- Colleen Denniss – HHR
- Brenda Berry – FHHR
- Donna Gallant – FHHR
- Judy Denniss – SHR
- Kim Wyatt – SHR
- Kim Deitner – SHR
- Janice Platzke – CHR/SEIU-West Treasurer
- Russel Doell – Deputy Director, Collective Bargaining and Enforcement (Staff)
- Kerry Barrett – Negotiations Officer (Staff)
- Bob Laurie – Director, Collective Bargaining and Enforcement (Staff)
- Barb Cape – SEIU-West President
The time commitment for the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Committee is substantial, and I want to thank each and every single committee member who agreed to taking on such a large undertaking – it certainly was a hard decision to make!
I believe that this group of members, leaders and staff is truly committed to ensuring the best possible collective agreement for all SAHO and Extendicare members – I look forward to working with this great team!
In the meantime, we ask that all our health care members engage in current government initiatives that will affect our public health care system.
Transformational Change in Health Care:
Our provincial government has set out on a path of “Transformational Change” in our Saskatchewan health care system, yet it is riddled with mystery.
“Transformational Change” within health care in Saskatchewan must be questioned and explained – why the lack of clear definitions? Why is there not meaningful consultation? Why is the mandate solely to reduce the number of Regional Health Authorities? Has my government considered other means to ensure efficiency in quality health care?
Members of the public and frontline health care workers deserve transparency – we urge you to send a letter questioning the purpose of health care reform:
Click “Participate” to send a letter through our campaign page to the Minister of Health Jim Reiter!
In Solidarity,
Barb Cape
Letter of Support for the Camp of Sacred Stones
Letter of Support for the Camp of Sacred Stones
Letter of Solidarity – Colonialism No More Regina Camp
SEIU-West sent a letter of support and solidarity to our brothers and sisters holding the line at the Colonialism No More Camp in Regina.
Jackie – Addictions Counsellor
"The work we do brings meaning to my life" - Jackie.
2016 SEIU-West Scholarship – Apply Now!
SEIU-West offers 20 scholarships of up to $750 every year:
- 10 for members
- 10 for children of members.
Criteria:
SEIU-West members who are in good standing (dues paying members) and/or their
children are eligible to apply.
The applicant must be taking a class in a College, University or recognized Tech or
Vocational Post Secondary School for the year they are applying in.
Applicants must submit a 250-500 word essay on the topic:
How do unions contribute to a fair and just society?
Applicants must include, with their application, a copy of their registration and receipt of costs.
Applicants must fill out the attached form and include all items listed above.
In order to ensure as many people benefit from this program as possible, if you have won a
scholarship through SEIU-West within the past 3 years, your application will not be considered.
How to Apply:
Applicants must fill out the Scholarship Application Form and must include all the items listed under “Criteria” to be considered.
Incomplete or late applicants will not be considered.
Complete applications must be received in the SEIU-West Saskatoon office by November 15 and Sent to:
Brenda Coben & Colleen Denniss
Co-Chairs, SEIU-West Education Committee
#200 – 747 46th Street W.
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1
Related Documents:
SEIU-West Virtual Bulletin Board! What’s It All About?
Whether you’re a new member to SEIU-West, or if you’re just curious about the many ways you can get involved and learn more about your union, this is the place for you!
On our interactive SEIU-West Bulletin Board, you can ‘touch’ the board to be connected to tons of information! In ‘Unionism 101’, you’ll find helpful tips and tools regarding your union membership. In the ‘Communication’ section, you’ll be connected to the many ways to stay up-to-date and involved with SEIU-West! And in the ‘YOUR Union’ section, you’ll find out about SEIU history, who makes up SEIU-West, as well as many opportunities to learn more!
You’ll also be connected to your collective agreement, upcoming events, and so much more! It’s a one-stop-shop for all your information needs!
With SEIU-West, we would like to remind all MEMBERS that they ARE the union! So get involved and find out how union engagement can contribute to more just and fair societies!
Cheryl Lynn – Care Staff at Elmwood Manor
"I take pleasure in the important communication that is involved with Care Aide work" - Cheryl.
SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Conference October 3, 2016 - October 4, 2016
NOTE: The deadline to submit your feedback through the bargaining survey has passed.
Want to be a part of the SAHO/Extendicare bargaining conference?
Register Now!
Complete and return your Bargaining Conference Registration Form by September 12, 2016.
Want to be a part of the SAHO Bargaining team?
Complete and return this Expression of Interest form by August 31, 2016.
Click to download the SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Conference poster.
Iron and Earth: Oil Sands Workers for Renewable Energy!
A Report from the Political Action and Awareness Committee Co-Chair, Dennel Pickering
Devin Tepleski from Iron and Earth presented about an initiative led by oil sands workers to retrain workers to transition into renewable energy development. This project started as a documentary film. Since then, 600 workers have signed up. These oil sands workers are grateful for the opportunities oil sands have offered but see renewable energy development as the next step to ensuring a sustainable future – it’s also where great opportunities await.
Iron and Earth is in its infancy right now, but the concept is solid and it is quickly building momentum. It has created 4 pillars for success: collaboration, research, training and advocacy. Training is scheduled to start next summer.
The federal government is holding town hall meetings asking public for climate change strategy as a result of the Paris agreement. Saskatoon West is the only constituency in Saskatchewan that has held one, but members can request their MP hold a meeting or they can give feedback directly to the government.
Iron and Earth has a solar skills campaign coming out soon. This is an initiative where the goal is to have 1000 electricians implement 100 solar projects (such as solar panels on high schools that they are partnering with or EV charging stations) by offering some training for transference of skills and hands on work to build ability to transition into renewable. They will also provide curriculum materials to the high schools in order to get future workers interested in the renewable trade.
Iron and Earth has created a workers climate plan found at www.workersclimateplan.ca. This includes a survey consultation, video testimonials, worker interviews, ability to participate in town halls, digital town halls, or the ability to submit directly to the government at www.letstalkclimate.ca. So far, solar and wind technology is leading the growth in renewable energy. $32.9 billion has been invested globally since 2004 into renewable energy. It is estimated that $7.4 trillion will be invested globally by 2040 in renewable energy. Electricians can transition their skills into solar jobs, geothermal jobs can be done by boilermakers.
They still need funding for this project and have recently applied to the Alberta government. They are also looking for sponsors. Companies like Enbridge and Suncor are investing in renewable energies. There is expected funding this fall in the AB government fall budget and with the targets agreed to by the federal government, hopefully federal funding will become available to projects like this as well.
Saskatchewan and Alberta are the hot spots for solar energy, yet other provinces seem to be leading the way. Other provinces are generating more renewable energy and investing more into renewable energy research – we must take part in the transition to renewable energies.
To get further involved, you can text WCP to 1-778-771-0852 and check out their website www.ironandearth.org. They also have an AGM on October 29 in Edmonton.
Environment Week: Reports From The Peoples’ Climate Plan!
Members of the Political Action and Awareness Committee (PAAC) attended a Saskatoon Climate Change Town Hall on May 24th, 2016. The Federal Government has encouraged its MPs to attend their local Town Halls in order to listen to the public concerns and ideas around Canada’s plan to address climate change. It was a hugely successful event in Saskatoon; people were spilling into the hallways in order to have their say! The people of Saskatchewan recognize the need for climate action, and SEIU-West was proud to help sponsor the event.
The four topics of discussion included:
Mitigation – How and where to reduce emissions
Carbon Pricing – What is the best way to put a price on carbon emissions?
Adaptation and Resilience – Preparing for the impacts of climate change
Clean Technology, Innovation and Jobs – Ideas for new technology and job creation
In celebration of Environment Week, SEIU-West is proud to share the reports from members of the PAAC – we also invite you to attend an Iron and Earth Presentation in Saskatoon shortly after Environment Week so you can learn more about green jobs!
Sharon
It was exciting to see so many people taking time out of their day to come and exchange ideas about climate change. Approximately 170 packed into the Town Hall to discuss climate change in round table groups. In Canada, Saskatchewan is the worst province for emissions per capita followed closely by Alberta. This is not something we can be proud of.
One message came out loud and clear: when it comes to climate change, people are starting to get their heads out of the sand. Except those hardheads who will never get their heads out of the sand.
We discussed four themes at our round tables. Here are some of the ideas that came from our group:
Adaptation –
- Continue discussions around climate change (more town hall meetings like this)
- Look to Indigenous communities for guidance and strong leadership
- Bring in youth involvement
- Use multi-level plans for action change
- Look to other countries who have taken large renewable steps as models
Reducing Emissions –
- Transition to renewables
- Use green roof technology
- Improve alternative and public transportation
- Improve city planning to increase energy efficiency
- Improve building codes and waste reduction
- Invest in rail
Carbon Pricing –
- Put the burden on the biggest fossil fuel producers
- Say no to more pipelines
- Use carbon taxes to fund a just transition to renewables
- Stop further oil and gas exploration
- Phase out fossil fuel subsidies,
Jobs and the Economy –
- The environment is not separate from the economy – shifting to renewables creates long-term jobs
- Create local power solutions
- Create more jobs in renewables than in the carbon industry
- Make sure new power sources are publicly owned with good unionized jobs
- Have incentives for community-owned solar and wind solutions
- Ensure a just transition for affected workers: retraining, relocation and a strong social safety net
I heard two very important themes being repeated during each round table report. The first was that codes for homes and buildings need to be improved and enforced. The second theme was Education, Education, Education! It was stated many times how important it is to educate the public. This would be the key to making any inroad on climate change.
Dennel
On May 25, people in Saskatoon gathered to talk about climate change. Similar meetings were held across the country to come up with ideas to present to our government about how we can enact real change to save our planet. The focus was on reducing emissions, carbon prices, jobs and growth, and adaptation to climate change.
Mark Bigland-Prichard spoke about the impact as temperatures go up, such as droughts, death of coral reefs, forest fires, and heat waves. We are already 2.5 degrees higher than the pre-industrial average. The target from Paris Summit was 2 degree commitment with an ambition at 1.5 degrees.
The question is how do we stay under 1.5 or 2 degrees? What is our carbon budget? The best estimate gives us a 2/3 chance of staying under 2 degrees, which is 880 tons of carbon emission. The claim on reserves is 3000 tons. We can afford less than 0.3 million barrels of oil a day but currently, we use 2.4.
Cat Gendron spoke about how we must confront the false idea that we have to choose between jobs and the environment. We need to shift the conversation from “but we need those jobs” to “we need to transition to green jobs”. In fact, pipeline jobs are more likely to be temporary and there are more jobs created with green energy. We have seen over 50,000 layoffs in Alberta and roughly 7000 in Saskatchewan – this boom and bust effect on workers is not good for anyone. Why not ensure affected workers attain work within the renewable sector? Their existing skills are often applicable.
Coleen from Fond-du-Lac spoke of her people on the reserve and the effects uranium had. The tailing ponds go to Lake Athabasca and straight to her community. Government puts communities in a vulnerable state by offering short term money and long term problems.
We broke out into groups that then reported back, and we will then take these reports to Ottawa. Attending was NDP MP Sheri Benson who heard loud and clear from approximately 170 people that we need legislative change to save our planet.
Vanessa
In the first hour of the Town Hall Meeting, attendees were invited to a primer where small groups were asked to discuss the 4 key issues. Within an hour, there were tons of people coming in and by 7:30pm, it was standing room only.
The event started with a welcome from the organizers, followed by an Indigenous prayer. Sheri Benson, MP for Saskatoon West, thanked everyone for coming and was glad to be there to listen. Colleen from Fond-du-Lac was next to speak, and she discussed the impact of Uranium City affecting her community. She also stated that Indigenous people must be included, moving forward because they bring knowledge to the table.
The next presentation was about Tackling Climate Change where we discussed how Canada was one of 195 signatories at the COP 21 Paris Summit where we agreed to limit the average temperature rise to less than 2.0 degrees Celsius and strive to keep the increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius. It is important to reach this goal as many people are already experiencing the effects of climate change such us : more extreme weather events, longer, hotter heat waves, thawing permafrost and loss of Arctic ice, and threats to local food sources for Indigenous people in the north.
Other facts presented was Saskatchewan’s provincial emissions per capita: between 2009-2013, Saskatchewan was the highest emitter, followed by Alberta. The areas in which climate change is especially impacted are through oil and gas, which leads at 26%, followed by transportation at 23%.
During the next hour, the objective of the meeting was to have our say and to share ideas on how to address climate change. We were divided into groups to talk about the 4 key issues and come up with ideas about how we can address them. Most of the groups had similar ideas, here are some examples:
On reducing emissions – build infrastructure with climate change in mind; have better public transportation and city planning; create partnerships with municipalities; improve composting/recycling programs; and increase renewable energy.
On carbon pricing – ensure a carbon tax is federally mandated; create rebates on income tax; ensure the effectiveness (i.e. no loopholes) in carbon pricing.
On jobs and growth – educate people in order to confront inaccuracies within green energy; invest in a just transition; ensure affected workers have retraining and relocation; fund a strong social safety net.
On adaptation and resilience – build solidarity; choose to do what is right (climate justice); consult with Indigenous people; include municipalities in global planning.
Every group had a note taker and presenter -it was such a large crowd there was not enough time to really expand the ideas. However, organizers are collecting all the information and sending out our group ideas to the federal government.
It was a good meeting with great turnout, and SEIU West made a presence with its big purple banner on the wall!
2017 Bargaining Survey: SAHO/Extendicare
Update: New Deadline! Send us your survey by August 21, 2016 to be entered into the draw for a $250 Visa gift card!
In advance of our next rounds of SAHO and Extendicare bargaining, we would like to invite SEIU-West members who are covered under the SAHO or Extendicare collective bargaining agreements to take the time (15 to 20 minutes) to provide us with your thoughts on how to improve your collective agreement.
You can use your computer, laptop, table or your mobile phone to fill out your bargaining questionnaire.
All SAHO/Extendicare SEIU-West members who complete the survey online will be entered into a draw for one of three fabulous prizes (first prize is a $250 Visa gift card)! Be sure to provide your name and valid personal email address or mobile number so we can contact you if you win!
The results of this questionnaire (except for identification) will be shared with SEIU-West delegates at our October 2016 SAHO/Extendicare bargaining conference to assist us in developing our 2017 proposal packages. Your input is important to your bargaining team.
As always, if you have any questions please contact us or call the Member Resource Centre (MRC) at 1-888-999 SEIU (7348).
Don’t forget to check the SAHO and Extendicare bargaining pages in order to keep up to date on the latest bargaining news and events.
UPDATE: You can now complete a paper copy of the survey!
Click to download the printable PDF of the 2017 SEIU-West SAHO/Extendicare Bargaining Survey.