News

Media Release: Agreement for Out-of-Province Surgeries a Bad Move

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2023

Saskatchewan—In a misguided effort to cut wait times for certain orthopedic surgeries in Saskatchewan, the SaskParty government has signed a $6 million contract with a Calgary-based private clinic to perform hip and knee replacements. The deal with Canadian Surgical Solutions Ltd., represented by former SaskParty Finance Minister Kevin Doherty, was announced on March 28^th. SEIU-West believes the most effective way to reduce surgical wait times is to invest in the public health care system in our own province.

Extendicare - SHA Transition: March 28, 2023

We met with the SHA on March 17, 2023 to discuss several outstanding issues that must be addressed in the transition to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

Tri-Union Media Release: Provincial Budget Fails Community-Based Organizations and Those They Support

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2023

REGINA, Sask.—Three unions representing workers at over 70 community-based organizations (CBOs) across the province are condemning the provincial budget for yet again failing to meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable residents.

Media Release: Saskatchewan People Not a Priority in SaskParty Budget

For Immediate Release
March 23, 2023

Regina—In release of the 2023-2024 provincial budget, it was made abundantly clear that the SaskParty doesn’t care about the struggles faced by regular working people and the most vulnerable populations in our province.

Nominations: Shelly Banks Above & Beyond Award 2023

This award has been established to honour Shelly Banks who led by example and served as SEIU-West vice-president from 2008-2015.

Her invaluable and outstanding contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on our members and our union.

April 30th Claims Submission Deadline

All extended health care and dental expenses incurred in 2022 must be submitted to Canada Life before April 30, 2023.

Saskatchewan Health Authority Testing Program Reimbursement

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and SEIU-West have resolved the outstanding grievances filed in response to the Proof of Vaccination/Monitored Testing Program.

REMINDER! Executive Board Vacancy: Extendicare

Do you want to be more involved in the governance of your Union? Do you have a unique voice to lend to the Executive Board? Here's your chance!

Media Release: Increased Federal Healthcare Funds Must be Invested in the Public System

For Immediate Release - February 13, 2023

Saskatchewan—Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the provincial and territorial Premiers to discuss commitments to increase healthcare funding provided to the provinces by $46 billion over the next ten years. These funds include an immediate $2 billion top-up to the previously provided transfer payments.

Stop Racism 2023: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. Since that day the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled, racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries; however far too many people continue to experience racial discrimination.

MMC Citizenship Information

The SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) is highlighting some information by the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association on how to apply for Canadian Citizenship.

Letter to the Editor: Martin Been February 4, 2023

Liquor Stores Show Saskatchewan Party Pursuing Privatization

March 31 will mark the end of all publicly owned liquor stores in this province and the dismantling of another crown corporation. In September 2007, the Saskatchewan Party said they would not privatize Crown corporations. Since then, they have sold, closed and chipped away at a variety of Crowns.

Media Release: A Safe Spot Means A Lot

Saskatoon—In response to the increased number of incidents and assaults reported by healthcare workers in Saskatoon, SEIU-West has launched their A Safe Spot Means A Lot campaign. The lack of parking available for staff coupled with the expansion of residential parking permit zones has resulted in healthcare workers walking for up to 20 minutes, alone in the dark, on streets which may not be shoveled, or even have sidewalks.

Media Release: Standardized Long-Term Care Across Country Necessary

Saskatchewan—The Health Standards Organization (HSO) has released their highly anticipated Long-Term Care (LTC) standards. SEIU-West strongly supports these standards and encourages that they be made mandatory across Canada.

SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 4

Date: January 27, 2023

Sisters, Brothers and Comrades,

Your SEIU-West Bargaining Committee met January 25 and 26, to conclude our review of the SEIU-West proposal package.  We also reviewed a package of “common proposal”, where SEIU-West, SGEU Health Providers and CUPE have the same language, to identify improvements our members have identified in their replies to the bargaining updates, in their calls and emails to the Member Resource Center and in their responses and comments in the bargaining survey that our members completed.

Family Literacy Day 2023

We asked and you delivered! We loved to read all of your submissions with your favourite book! In case you are looking for your next read, here is the list of what your co-workers love to read!

Pink Shirt Day 2023

In 2007 a high school student in Berwick Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Two grade 12 students bought 50 pink shirts and encouraged their classmates to wear pink. The next day, they went to distribute the shirts and to their surprise the majority of students had arrived to school wearing pink. That beautiful act of solidarity and kindness prompted Pink Shirt Day. This important day raises awareness about the prevention of bullying and promoting kindness and inclusion and will take place on February 22, 2023.

SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 3

Date: January 20, 2023

Sisters, Brothers and Comrades,

Your SEIU-West Bargaining Committee dug in to review several past and present documents that would guide the development of our proposal package.

Expression of Interest: After Stonewall Conference 2023 with the Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee

The SEIU-West Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee (GSDC) invites you to apply to attend their 2023 Conference. This event will focus on understanding, supporting, and celebrating the needs/concerns/perspectives of 2SLGBTIQ+ persons.