Win of the Week

Win of the Week! January 5- January 11

Member denied 3s Health Disability Benefits gets EI Sickness Benefits

 

A member was on medical leave in August 2019 but was recently denied 3s Health Disability Benefits and the member was left with absolutely no financial support. SEIU-West intervened and the member was successful in retroactively applying for EI Sickness Benefits.

Members should remember that when applying for Disability Benefits, they should also apply for EI Sickness Benefits and Canada Pension Disability Benefits. Also do not hesitate to call MRC for assistance or clarification. SEIU-West is always here for our members.

Win of the Week! December 30 - January 3

MEMBER HELPS TRANSLATE FLYER

PROCats have been asking UCats to come out and engage with the community to talk about our chronic understaffing issues. We recently had a UCat who asked if she could work with us to translate our end understaffing flyer into Tagalog (a Filipino dialect).  The Political Action and Education Department worked with her to get the flyer into her hands so she could continue the great work in reaching out to communities so that everyone is aware of the short staffing crisis in healthcare.

Win of the Week! December 22-28

Workers Granted Official Certification Order!

Back in May 2019, the organizing department of SEIU-West filed to certify the workers at Saskatoon Twin Charities-City Centre Bingo.

The union vote occurred and the ballot box was sealed pending the outcome of several disagreements between SEIU-West and the Employer.

On December 12, 2019, we received notice that the Employer’s Objection to the Conduct of the Vote was dismissed and that these workers were finally granted their official Certification Order! Our newest members voted in favour of joining SEIU-West and now they will begin to experience the benefits of certification!

A great first step in the journey towards securing a first collective agreement!

Win of the Week! December 15-21

SEIU-West/SAHO Votes for Job Action!

Members of the SEIU-West/SAHO have voted to take a stand through a very strong YES vote in favour of a Job Action Mandate. Since the last collective agreement expired in March 2017, this move puts members in a stronger bargaining position.

Responses from members on Facebook included;

“Beyond Excited. Let's do this.”

“So proud of my co-workers across the province for standing up for themselves. Thank you to the Bargaining Committee for hanging in there to protect our rights.”

“About time we can finally get something done! Way to go everyone! We came together!!”

SEIU-West will continue to fight for a fair and reasonable tentative agreement that is satisfactory to our members.

 

Win of the Week! December 8-14

Members Seniority Re-Instated after SEIU-West Files Grievance

 

A member had all of their 18 years of seniority removed from the recent seniority list. The Employer did not respond when member advised them of the situation. A grievance was filed and the Employer corrected the seniority list right after receiving the grievance. This is a good reminder to not be silent. Speak up! You have the strength of SEIU-West behind you!

Win of the Week! December 1 - 7

Member Awarded Position Denied due to Pregnancy

 

An Employer denied a member from taking a temp position because the member was pregnant and expecting in January. This employer had a past practice – if a pregnant employee couldn’t work 50% of the temp, they would not be awarded the position. Prior to filing a grievance, the Union raised both discriminatory action and Human Rights issue as arguments for the employer to stop this action. The employer agreed and awarded the position to the expectant mom – what a great win!

Win of the Week! November 24 - 30

SEIU-West helps member that was passed over despite seniority

 

A member who works as a casual housekeeper was denied a posted position they were qualified for and found out that a less senior person was awarded the position. Their Unit Chair and Rep met with employer. The employer argued that this person wasn’t senior because of the last seniority list but the Rep insisted that the employer look at day of seniority and based on that, the employer agreed to give the position to the member who brought forward the issue. It was a win that the employer listened as we described the problem and agreed to fix it.

Win of the Week! November 17 - 23

SEIU-West Education Program Helps Tackle Bullying and Harassment in the Work Place!

SEIU-West has an extensive education program designed for member needs. Recently, we received thanks from a workplace that participated in our Anti-Bullying and Harassment course because since the course, there has been a noticeable and positive shift in the workplace culture. We are proud to see the results of our educational programs result in a constructive impact – way to go!  

Win of the Week! November 10 - 16

SEIU-West helps Member win Disability Income Benefits Claim!

An SEIU-West member from the health care sector was unable to work due to a disability. In June 2017, the disability application for benefits was denied and resulted in no income and benefits from 2017 until 2019. The decision was challenged by the member and they were provided representation and assistance by SEIU-West. 

This November, the claim was won and the member was awarded full back pay!

You might be wondering why this claim took so long to resolve? The answer is, this claim had to go through several levels of appeal. But SEIU-West was by this members side every step of the way and the claim was won at final adjudication. 

SEIU-West works hard to ensure that every member is fairly represented!

 

WIN OF THE WEEK! NOVEMBER 3 - 9

A member who works in the education sector was on an approved disability claim.  After two years he was denied his disability benefits. Since October 2018,  he went without any benefits. The Union submitted an appeal on his behalf and it was successful. The members’ benefits have now been reinstated and he was paid retroactive benefits for the past year. A win for the member, a win for us all.