Win of the Week

Win of the Week! August 18-24

Recently, a member and their SEIU-West Representative (Staff Rep) were in an investigation meeting. It became known that the member was experiencing critical mental health concerns so the Staff Rep shut down the meeting immediately in order to support the member in need. The Staff Rep recommended 211 Saskatchewan (a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to human services in the province by telephone, text, or web chat - visit https://sk.211.ca/ to search for services in your community) to the member and arranged transportation to the help required, ensuring they had a way home. 

A few days later, our Staff Rep received a thank you from the member who was so grateful to their union for providing the support they needed. This win of the week is a reminder to all members that in your union, you are never alone. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, we have protocols in place to support you – please don’t hesitate to contact our Member Resource Centre (MRC)  – as always, we are stronger together.

Win of the Week! August 11-17

This week, our union found out (through the media) that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) was planning to provide a ‘Whistleblower Hotline’ service. With reporting services already in place, this was an unnecessary and costly step that did not address the major issue in health care – understaffing. As a result, SEIU-West also went to the media to share our serious concerns (you can read our media release here) about how the costs associated with this Hotline should be used as resources towards front line care. Later that day, the SHA withdrew the Hotline proposal thanks to our push-back. This week’s win is yet another example demonstrating that when we fight, we win!

Win of the Week! August 4-10

SEIU-West is pleased to share another wonderful win this week! A member was not called in for an overtime shift even though their seniority meant they should have been called. SEIU-West initiated step 1 of the grievance process and almost immediately, that member was made whole. This member is very happy with the outcome and so are we!  

Win of the Week! July 28-August 3

This week a member notified their Shop Steward to an issue regarding their pay. The member’s employer did not recognize their previous experience within and outside the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and rather started the member at Step 1 of the pay scale in their classification. After a first-step grievance meeting with the member’s Steward and Employer, the Employer changed the member’s initial pay to Step 2 due to their work experience, as per the language in our Collective Agreement. This member is delighted and we are also delighted to share the good news!

Win of the Week! July 21-27

SEIU-West members are constantly doing more with less and face workload issues on a daily basis. So for this week’s win, we’re so happy to share a win related to workload. Members who work in a Community Based Organization (CBO) were struggling to ensure the quality of care they wanted to provide for clients due to workload. TLR (transferring, lifting, repositioning) was a particular struggle and they needed to add another shift to properly complete this task. These members therefore called their Union Representative who then called the Employer – these members also met with their Employer soon after to talk about their concerns. As a result of their initiative, the Employer added the requested coverage and this change went into effect just a few days after their meeting. While we struggle to address workload across the province, it’s important that we celebrate wins in order to encourage further action to address workload issues. When we fight back together, we win together!

Win of the Week! July 14-20

In order to support our SEIU-West bargaining team in their negotiations with SAHO, the Provincial Contract Action Team (ProCat) has been engaging with members to support our new campaign about understaffing and the need to ensure fairness for health care providers (www.EndUnderstaffing.ca and www.BeFairToThoseWhoCare.ca).  ProCat members have communicated the high level of community support for our campaign as the public understands the crisis of understaffing in health care and the efforts that must be made to retain and recruit health care providers. At these meetings or BBQs, family members have shared their first-hand views of health care workers doing more with less – they want to see increased staffing levels for both their loved ones and the workers who take good care of their family members. Many have asked for campaign materials to share with their friends and families, and many have said they’ll be sending a letter to their MLA on our campaign websites as well. This is an important win because it is vital for all people – whether a health care provider or a member of the community – to support our health care system and those who work within it. Be sure to share our campaign far and wide – there is strength in numbers!

Win of the Week! July 7-13

SEIU-West is thrilled to share the good news of one of our members! This member was struggling to gain long term disability but as a member of SEIU-West, they were not alone in their struggle. Our SEIU-West Benefits Officer supported this member through several levels of appeal, and we just received word that this member was granted retroactive pay and coverage going forward! We are so happy for this member and are proud to share that SEIU-West is unique in having designated staff person(s) assigned to assist members in three specialty services pertaining to domestic violence, disability appeals, and attendance management. This is a wonderful service for members so we want to make sure you are aware – and to help spread the word!

Win of the Week! June 30-July 6

Members who work in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division have a great win to share! They ratified their latest agreement and have recently received their latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA includes wage increases amounting to 7% over four years as well as the following non-monetary gains:

• 15 minutes for new employees Union Orientation;
• Email and website posting of vacancies during the summer break;
• Clarification of the process for filling vacant bus routes;
• Ability to take a 15 minute rest periods where possible;
• Bus driver monthly cell phone allowance increases;
• Personal Property damage reimbursement increases;
• Completely revamped Occupation Health and Safety language.

Congratulations to our bargaining committee and to the members within these schools – we’re Stronger Together!  

Win of the Week! June 23-29

Last week, we announced our win for Best Website Redesign, awarded by the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM). This week, we particularly proud to announce our Honourable Mention of the Ed Finn Award for Excellence in Writing. This submission was written by member Teegan Hunter, Security Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). She wrote an incredibly moving story, titled ‘Humboldt Strong.’ 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. The CALM judges agreed by awarding this submission its honourable mention and said: “For a heartfelt story that takes us through the heartbreak of supporting families, friends and communities not just because the job requires it, but also reminding us that we are all called to serve each other.” Thank you to Teegan and the entire health care team for your hard work and dedication to our communities. To read Teegan’s submission, click here. 

Win of the Week! June 16-22

SEIU-West is proud to announce a two-part win this week! The Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) hosts an annual CALM Awards presentation and this year, SEIU-West was the recipient of two awards! We received the CALM award for the Best Website Redesign – here’s what the CALM judges said:  “SEIU-West’s website redesign stands out for its consistent and clean design. It is easy to navigate, uncluttered and uses consistent and striking design elements throughout.” We’re proud of our new mobile-friendly site and we look forward to growing our communication methods to better meet our members’ needs. Now stay tuned, our second award will be shared next week!