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.

2022 Year In Review

2022 was a big year! We slowly and cautiously returned to in person events, committees were active and engaged with SEIU-West members, we spoke out about the issues that matter to our members and work continued at the bargaining table. We've put together some highlights for you, please take a moment and click through to look back on 2022.

MMC Stories: Coming to Canada Evelyn

Congrats to Evelyn, the winner of SEIU-West's Multicultural Mentorship Committee Contest International Migrants Day: Coming to Canada.

This is her story:

Member Notice: Request to Sign Letter of Discipline or Letter of Expectation

It has come to the Union's attention that a few of our members have been requested by the employer to sign a Letter of Discipline or Letter of Expectation they received. The signing line states that the member has read and understands the contents of the letter. Please note that signing such a letter is strictly voluntary and is not a requirement. Members are not obligated to sign. If you are uncomfortable with signing the letter or if you do not understand or agree with the contents of the letter, you may refuse to sign it. In the event that you feel pressured to sign, despite your discomfort, you may simply mark the letter with the words "Refuse to sign."

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding a Letter of Discipline or Letter of Expectation, please contact the Member Resource Centre by calling 1.888.999.7348 ext. 2298, by emailing [email protected], or by completing the Contact Form on our website.

Happy Holidays from SEIU-West

Dear Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,

These past few years have seen incredible upheaval in what we take for granted that it has left us questioning, anxious, and wondering "what next?". We seek moments of calm and wish for the predictability of a life before a global upheaval in health and services.

THREADS Cultural Conversations 2023

The Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) will be sponsoring up to four delegates to attend the THREADS Cultural Conversations 2023 Virtual Conference, hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society. This is a virtual conference. The MMC will reimburse lost wages for those who are selected to attend according to our policies.

International Migrants Day 2022

SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 1

Date: December 16, 2022

Sisters, Brothers and Comrades,

This is our first update for the upcoming SEIU-West/SAHO 2023 round of bargaining. We’ve been busy already!

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

SEIU-West President, Barbara Cape, was one of the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) in recognition of her tireless work in the labour sector. 

MEPP Stakeholder Report

The Municipal Employees’ Pension Commission Report to Stakeholders for October 2022 has been posted to the Plan website. Mandatory and voluntary reports for the plan can be found here. This information is applicable to SEIU-West members who work at Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division, Chinook School Division, and Holy Family schools. 

Media Release: Parking Issues Create Safety Hazard for Sask. Healthcare Facilities

Saskatoon – A recent assault on a health care provider walking to Royal University Hospital (RUH) from their car located off-site has shone a bright light on the lack of parking for hospital staff and safety of our streets.

Stop Privatization

The provincial auditor has reported that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) needs to find more than 2,000 workers in hard to recruit positions over the next five years. While the provincial government has announced a $60 million dollar Health Human Resources Plan, it is simply too little, too late. This bandaid solution is further eroded by the ongoing privatization of healthcare agencies who are able to recruit healthcare workers from the public system.

Member Info Sessions: SHEPP Pension Plan & Inflation Protection

The linked SHEPP Pension Bulletin outlines some of the basics of pension indexation, or protection against inflation, for pension plans. It also provides a summary of SHEPP’s past indexation and an update on the current funding status of the plan. Finally, the bulletin concludes with an important proposal for benefit improvements that has been agreed upon by all five of the Unions (SEIU-West, CUPE, SGEU, SUN, and HSAS) representing SHEPP members.

There is an urgent need for a key improvement to the plan's benefits to protect current and future retirees from the impact of inflation.