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.

President Barbara Cape's Message October 14, 2022

SEIU-West Member Update: Extendicare Transition

Barbara Cape – President, Neil Colmin – Vice President, Bob Laurie – Director of Contract Bargaining and Enforcement, Katelyn Thibeault – Staff Representative, and Lynette Pinfold – Staff Representative were present.

On October 12, SEIU-West held a townhall meeting through ZOOM with our members who work at the former Extendicare (now SHA) facilities. The following update was provided and then an opportunity to ask questions was held.

Action Alert: Rally for Respect

You're invited to a Rally for Respect.

We'll be marching from Delta Marriott Downtown (405 20th St. East, Saskatoon) to the Saskatoon Cabinet Office (315 22nd St. East, Saskatoon) at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 19.

Print the poster yourself by clicking here!

 

Food Services Week 2022 - Dorothy

This week is Food Services Week and we are here to celebrate the care and commitment of our Food Services Team. We'd like to introduce you to Dorothy, a Food Services Supervisor in Saskatoon.

October Occupation Extravaganza!

Welcome to our October Occupation Extravaganza!

October is jam packed with recognition days and weeks. Keep an eye on the Purple Works page to see everyone we're able to highlight this month!

And you know SEIU-West loves to celebrate you, our members. And what better way to do that than a massive month-long contest packed full of prizes!

Food Services Week 2022 - Evelyn

Food service workers are vital to the care and well being of clients, patients and residents. Their care and attention to dietary needs are a critical part health care services, which is why we are celebrating Food Services Week! We heard from Evelyn, an Assistant Cook in Saskatoon, about what she loves about being a part of the Food Services Team!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We hope you take this day to pause and reflect on the history of Canada and its relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, as well as working towards a different future that respects and acknowledges the unique and independent role of all First Nations. We encourage you to challenge yourself to find your role in building a harmonious relationship with the original peoples of this land.

Angie is a member of SEIU-West's First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee (FNMIC). Here is her story:

President Barbara Cape's Message September 16, 2022

Statement on September 19 Federal Holiday

As most of us know, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has declared the day of the Queen’s funeral—Monday, September 19—as a day of mourning and has granted federal staff a day off. He has encouraged federally regulated employers to provide a day off and has asked the provinces to do the same. The province of Saskatchewan has decided not to declare September 19 a provincial holiday or to grant provincial employees the day off.

Environmental Services Week 2022- Kendel

There is a lot of work that goes in to keeping a hospital clean, which is why each year we celebrate Environmental Services Week. They are the team behind keeping areas germ-free and tidy—a task even more vital the past few years. We spoke to Kendel, an Environmental Service Worker (ESW) at a rural acute care centre in the middle of Saskatchewan, to tell us what work in her area has been like.

Letter to the Editor - Martin Been August 30

Better uses for resource windfall

The recent announcement by the Saskatchewan Party government to share resource revenue is suspicious. If you recall, Saskatchewan experienced a record resource revenue boom from 2011 to 2014 and no one saw either cheques in the mail or an improvement of public services. We saw squandering.

The decision to dish out a ‘share-the-wealth’ $500 payment this fall won’t even cover the increases for many that the Saskatchewan Party government has quietly imposed, such as a new school fee to make up for a shortfall in funding for our education system, provincial sales tax on children’s clothing and used cars and transportation costs to find health care out of province.

A simple injection of much-needed dollars would go a long way to clear the backlog of surgeries that health care is experiencing right now. An investment in education is investing in the future of this province.

Finance Minister Harpauer insists that investments in our public services are not sustainable, but I argue that if it was a priority, it would be sustainable.

The Saskatchewan Party tells us that they are keeping Saskatchewan strong and on the right track. It appears we are on the track for a two-tiered health-care and education system, much like the United States.

Martin Been

Saskatoon

 

Find the published article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix here.

Our message on the tragic events at James Smith Cree Nation

The tragic events of the past week that began on James Smith Cree Nation have impacted our entire province and have resonated throughout Canada. Though we may never understand the reasons behind the attacks, it’s important for us to grieve for everyone involved. The victims who lost their lives, the survivors recovering from their injuries and coping with living through such horrible events, the families and friends grieving the loss, while supporting their loved ones and communities, the first responders, police, health care providers, and all people in the communities impacted by the horrific events.