For Immediate Release
June 1, 2023
Saskatoon—Supporters of a strong public healthcare system joined SEIU-West members at the Saskatoon Cabinet Office to highlight the need for government investment in the patients, clients, and residents and the people who care for them in this province.
In our most recent update, we had identified to our SEIU-West members that vacation banks, time in lieu banks and stat/pro-stat banks would be posted in your workplaces by the end of March. Unfortunately, it was only recently brought to our attention that this did not happen
For Immediate Release
April 5, 2023
Saskatchewan—In what seems to be an attempt to ignore the legitimate concerns of the largest classification of union members in the health care sector, Minister Everett Hindley declared in a legislative committee that Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) don’t deserve any retention initiatives because they are paid to do the job they do, and that’s retention enough.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and SEIU-West have resolved the outstanding grievances filed in response to the Proof of Vaccination/Monitored Testing Program.
For many, Labour Day is just the last long weekend of summer, enjoyed with little understanding of its origin or relevance. For activists within the labour movement, however, Labour Day is an important opportunity to educate the public about the many workplace protections and benefits they enjoy because of the good work of labour unions; like the 40 hour work week, maternity leave, worker’s compensation benefits, and workplace safety standards.
In my experience as the President of SEIU-West, I have enjoyed many face to face conversations with our members. Some have come to the workplace and inherited their union, while others have fought tirelessly to organize their union in their workplace. These conversations have taught me that our members are the experts. Whether they work in crisis support, health care, education support, community based organizations or addictions recovery, our members share – a constant desire to improve the services they provide in order to make their community better for everyone.
At SEIU-West, we share this perspective. We want to build partnerships to improve the many communities where our members work and live. We offer a network of opportunities to our members; pathways for them to learn, participate and engage. We know that enhancing the involvement of our members in our union enriches both workplace and community health. We do this work because we want the public to better understand the critical role unions play within our society. We have a shared interest in the protection of quality democracy. We believe in and will champion a fair society.
Politically, there has long been an agenda to weaken the role of unions. Driven by the self-interest of the rich and powerful, this ideology attempts to undermine unions’ work on behalf of our members; to under-value the efforts to address social justice issues and create balance in the power dynamic between workers and their bosses. Unions believe that by educating the public and dispelling the myths surrounding our organizations, we can build stronger and better alliances that benefit not just our members, but all working people.
As a consequence, we take a great deal of pride in the celebration of Labour Day and we share with our many members, an energetic interest in strengthening their participation and motivating their engagement whether it be at Labour Day events or the many other opportunities that will build a better and more equal society in our future.
Our SEIU-West/SAHO bargaining committees are returning to the table this week on October 18-19. We are continuing to deliver the message: NO Cuts! NO Rollbacks! Pay us what we’re worth! In order to demonstrate support for this message, we ask that you wear purple this Thursday, October 18! 
Take a picture of you and your fellow SEIU-West members to show your purple pride and support for bargaining a fair deal. You can then post that picture on our Facebook page or email [email protected] for your chance to WIN A PRIZE!
As of October 17, 2018, recreational marijuana use and possession will be legal. SEIU-West encourages all our members to approach this change responsibly.
This legislative change does not mean that it is now permissible to use or have marijuana at the workplace, nor does it mean that we can come to work impaired.
Doing so will mean you may be subject to Employer discipline.
SEIU-West is proud to recognize October 16, 2018 as Pharmacy Technician Day! Members who work as Pharmacy Technicians are essential to our public health care team; they prepare, check and distribute medications and pharmacy supplies to ensure patients are safely supplied their prescribed predications or over the counter medicines. They also help share proper patient information with other health care professionals.
Pharmacy Technicians assist both Pharmacists and patients, residents and clients requiring medications as they demonstrate their valuable contribution to health care outcomes. They work to progress our communities to better health, and we thank them for all their incredible efforts each and every day!
To celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day, SEIU-West asks that you to participate in the Pharmacy Technician Day Contest! Simply tell us how a Pharmacy Technician has helped you/your family – email [email protected] by October 22, 2018 for your chance to win some awesome prizes!
October 15, 2018
JOINT IT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE – SEIU-WEST, SGEU, CUPE
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Ehealth Saskatchewan (eHS) and the health provider unions, CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU, met on October 9 and October 12 to continue negotiating the transfer of Information Technology (IT) employees from the SHA to eHS, expected to take place at the end of the year. The negotiations became necessary because of the Government of Saskatchewan’s instructions to the Ministry of Health for the SHA to abolish IT services in the provincial health authority and turn the service over to eHS.
CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU met with representatives from Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees’ Pension Plan (SHEPP) the morning of October 12 to discuss options for members relating to their pensions.
Each of our three unions polled IT members and, based on their input, presented a document to the employer that proposed the principles that would form the basis of an agreement on the transfer process.
The unions made it clear to the SHA, numerous times, that it was their intent to negotiate with the Employer through this transition but not in an information vacuum. Before any final document could be produced, the unions required information on all aspects of the transition (seniority, wages scales, employment rights, benefits, pensions, etc.) to make informed decisions.
The SHA representatives, when presented with the framework for an agreement abruptly ended negotiations at 4:00 p.m.so they could, “step away to consider other options”. Their chief spokesperson indicated the employer side believed an agreement could not be finalized and signed before their self-imposed deadline of October 15, 2018. Interestingly, both sides agreed they were still waiting for costing information that might have an impact on the terms of any agreement.
CUPE, SEIU-West and SGEU are disappointed in the bad faith actions of the SHA, and while we are hopeful the Employer will see fit to return to the negotiating table, the unions are also reviewing options to best represent our members’ interests and to work to maintain our quality health care system.
In solidarity,
SEIU-West, CUPE and SGEU
SEIU-West is excited to celebrate Facilities and Engineering Week October 14-20, 2018!
Those who work in Facilities and Engineering are an integral part of the health care team. Patients, staff and residents rely on quality heating, water and lighting systems to be functional and well-organized in order to support safe health care environments. Members who work in Facilities and Engineering work in a variety of fields including: Building and Energy Maintenance, Construction, Waste Management, Groundskeeping and Landscaping, and Clinical and Plant Engineering. 
Members like Zoe, who works as a Facility Maintenance Operator, enjoy the new challenges that occur each day in the health care sector.
In recognition of the hardworking people who strive to keep our health care environments safe and operational, we encourage you to participate in the Facilities and Engineering Week contest! We ask that you nominate a member who works within Facilities and Engineering and tell us why they’re important to you. By taking part, you will both be entering to win a number of great prizes including concert tickets, gift cards, and more! Just email [email protected] by October 22, 2018 for your chance to win!
From October 15-21, 2018 SEIU-West is proud to recognize Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) Week! Those who work in MDR are vital to ensuring the safety of patients and residents as their job is to prepare health care equipment so it’s safe and ready to use.
There’s a lot of work behind this job – they must examine, construct, sterilize and decontaminate all used health care equipment. Because patient and staff depend on the cleanliness and functionality of the equipment, our members who work in MDR must be highly focused and thorough in their work.
As we extend our greatest thanks to those who work in MDR, we ask that you participate in our MDR Week Contest! Just complete the word search below and send to [email protected] by October 22, 2018!
Every day, SEIU-West members call or write their Member Resource Centre (MRC) asking questions about their rights at work. The questions range from who their Shop Stewards are, to what path to take if filing a disability appeal. Your MRC Union Reps are able to direct you to the appropriate persons required for your question, and they are always there to help when requiring assistance on your collective agreement. Each week, the MRC helps members find what they’re looking for, and we couldn’t be more proud to offer this unique 24/7 call service to our members. Indeed, SEIU-West is stronger together
Health Care Providers Week is October 22 – 28, 2018!
The Political Action & Education Department would like to offer our members who work tirelessly in the health care sector an opportunity to celebrate Health Care Providers Week as a unit.
We offer your unit leader the following reimbursement so that either snacks/cake can be purchased or a contest (with prizes) can be undertaken. 
The rules are:
1st submit a request to [email protected] by Friday, November 2, 2018 with the following information:
Then we will review your request & agree to reimburse you for your purchase of goodies, draw prize or gift card based on this pre-determined scale that is reflective of the size of the unit:
To receive the reimbursement, we must receive a member expense form (indicating Celebration of Health Care Providers week) with original receipts by November 16, 2018. Please forward all member expense forms and original receipts to PA & E department to the attention of Shawna Colpitts ([email protected]).
Please note that we will cover the cost of cake, snacks or prizes only as our campaign fund is limited… so union leave will not be provided.
Please forward any pictures of your group enjoying the goodies or the draw winner(s) receiving the prize or gift card to [email protected] during Health Care Provider week so we can share the on our social media pages.
Please let us know whether your unit responds favourably or not…and share details with the appropriate Internal Organizer/Union Rep so that they know when the events will be occurring in the workplaces.
Thanks for all that you do!
The Political Action & Education Department would like to offer our members who work tirelessly in the Education sector an opportunity to celebrate Education Week as a workplace group.
We offer your unit/school SEIU-West leaders/contacts the following reimbursement so that either snacks/cake can be purchased or a contest (with prizes) can be undertaken.
The rules are:
1st submit a request to [email protected] by Friday, October 26, 2018 with the following information:
We will review your request and agree to reimburse you for your purchase of goodies, draw prize or gift card based on this pre-determined scale that is reflective of the size of the unit:
To receive the reimbursement, we must receive a member expense form (indicating Celebration of Education week) with original receipts by November 9, 2018. Please forward all member expense forms and original receipts to PA & E Department to the attention of Shawna Colpitts ([email protected]).
Please note that we will cover the cost of cake, snacks or prizes only as our campaign fund is limited… so union leave will not be provided.
Please forward any pictures of your group enjoying the goodies or the draw winner(s) receiving the prize or gift card to [email protected] during Education week so we can share the on our social media pages.
Please let us know whether your unit responds favourably or not…and share details with the appropriate Internal Organizer/Union Rep so that they know when the events will be occurring in your workplace.
Thanks for all that you do!
October 8-14, 2018 is Health Care Security and Safety Week and in recognition, we have an incredibly moving story from one of our proud Security Officers, Teegan Hunter. The whole health care team contributed significantly throughout the Humboldt tragedy, and this member story is a glimpse to the resilience of this amazing community we call home.
We understand the importance of quality, public health care at all times but particularly during heartbreaking events, when communities need it most. We thank the whole health care team for their efforts and would especially like to extend our gratitude for the hardworking Security Officers, like Teegan, who passionately work to ensure our health care environments are safe for all. Please be sure to give your thanks to your local Security Officers this week and support them by adding your voice to ensure strong security services in our care environments. You can also enter our Health Care Security and Safety Week Contest – just email [email protected] and let us know why public Security Officers add value to your care environment. The deadline to enter is October 17, 2018 and there are many great prizes to be won!
By Teegan Hunter, Security Officer
I’ve been a Security Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) since September 2017. Our team handles over 1,000 calls a month at the four Saskatoon facilities where we’re stationed—including more than 700 calls a month at Royal University Hospital (RUH).
Being a Security Officer in the health care sector has many rewards and challenges. Each day brings new and different situations, and you have to adjust the services you provide while always remaining positive. April 6th, 2018 changed the lives of many forever.
The Humboldt Broncos tragedy impacted families, communities, the health sector, and the entire hockey world. Here is my story about my experiences as a Security Officer during this very difficult time.
I was first notified about the bus crash on the evening of April 6th. My heart instantly fell ill as I learned of the seriousness of the accident and the extent of the casualties. I didn’t know what to think—all I wanted to do was help. The next morning I arrived at RUH for my scheduled 7:00 shift. The emotion lay heavy in that large building. Green and yellow displays of support had already
begun forming in the hallways. While sitting at our post in the Emergency Department I saw a young man with blonde hair—one of the players--visibly injured but up and walking. He walked over to use the phone, and seeing me looking at him he did something which would change my entire day: he smiled.
I thought to myself – how unbelievable, how are you smiling on a day like today?
This small gesture was one of the first of many signs I saw of what a remarkable hockey organization the Humboldt Broncos are.
Around this time, local support began pouring in. The Saskatoon Police Chief, Troy Cooper, and some of his fellow officers arrived in full uniform to pay their respects. I thanked them, shook their hands and took them back to our ICU waiting area. The reality of what had happened was really starting to become clear. Very quickly, the media presence in and around the facility grew. This was challenging, because the SHA takes patient confidentiality and safety very seriously. I became stationed in the hallway outside our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit (CCU). My original duty was to ensure that families, friends, players, and organization staff had privacy during this very raw and difficult time. However, my duties very quickly widened as I began to spend time with these families and loved ones.
In the first week after the accident I handed out thousands of visitor tags—there were people everywhere. Donations and messages began pouring in from all over the country and beyond: food, gifts, gift cards, and notes from anonymous people offering to help however they could. The world was starting to come together. We were visited by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team, players and representatives from numerous NHL teams, Don Cherry and Ron McLean, Hayley Wickenheiser, and singer Paul Brandt. Their support truly brightened everyone’s day.
My days quickly changed from being in a rotation with my team to immersing myself for 12-14 hours a day with the affected families. As I met more friends, hugged more billets, and held more parents I just naturally became very protective of everyone down there. I feel so honoured and blessed to have been able to offer my services to these amazing, strong individuals. These
people, who were living through the worst moments of their lives, who may have lost a loved one, often asked me how I was doing, if I was doing okay. This shows just the type of people the Broncos community are. I received a Humboldt Broncos bunny hug and a hockey stick from one of the player’s parents. I will never forget that nor will I ever part with them. That stick is on the bench with my hockey team at every game and hangs in our dressing room. As I sit and write this, almost five months after the tragedy, it still brings tears to my eyes. I cannot begin to explain how truly thankful I am to have met every single one of these people. Doing my job in the midst of this tragedy was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but these have been the most rewarding moments of my life. Growing up as an athlete, playing competitive hockey for 18 years as well as American college softball, this tragedy rocked me to my core. Your team is your everything. Your fans, your families, your billets – it’s one big, tight knit family and you build those core team relationships on your travel bus. In 2012, I experienced an accident in Nebraska when our sister school bus was broad sided. This experience was something I leaned on mentally to help me adjust accordingly and attempt to give these Broncos’ families, billets, players and friends a little extra effort in finding out what they needed. There are so many people I want to salute and thank for the vital roles they played during this crisis:
And last, to my fellow security officers, for offering your hand out in support to me during this time. Knowing I had a team I could talk to and lean on if needed meant a lot to me. People ask, how do you add to the health care team? I have always known our value, but now I know in my heart, that as security, in times of crisis and tragedy we are willing and able to meet the challenge. We are all Bronco strong!