SEIU-West is thrilled for our members at Luthercare Riverside Terrace as they recently ratified their latest collective agreement. SEIU-West members and their representatives worked hard to achieve a 8.5% increase over four years – this is an incredible win and we thank the members and the bargaining team for their solidarity in achieving this goal! The latest collective agreement also included premiums for working on the weekend, new access to 12 hours of paid medical leave, displacement of vacation for bereavement and certain sick leaves, and an increase to their now permanent sick bank. SEIU-West also strengthened the work of the bargaining unit language and added a provision for greater interdepartmental mobility. Another weekly example of why we’re Stronger Together!
Win of the Week! June 2-8
Over the past two weeks, SEIU-West members across the province participated in our introduction course, ‘Unionism 101’. They learned what it means to be a member of SEIU-West and how they are a part of a movement much larger than their workplace. They engaged on issues such as union representation, anti-harassment, domestic violence and work, strength in diversity, and many other social justice efforts the members of this union fight for every day. Education is a crucial part of our union’s strength and we couldn’t be more proud of these newly engaged members getting active in their union!
Win of the Week! May 26-June 1
Members who work in Chinook School Division are celebrating after ratifying their latest collected agreement! The agreement includes general wage increases totaling 4% over 3 years, as well as a signing bonus of up to $675 for all employees. In a climate where we’re hearing rollbacks are inevitable for public sector workers, our union’s strength demonstrates our ability to resist and achieve gains. We’re stronger together!
Win of the Week! May 19-25
This week, we saw SEIU-West members join MLAs for their summer BBQs in order to speak with them about the negative impact of government decisions to their everyday lives. They shared their frustration at feeling devalued by this government, and explained their experiences of doing more with less within the health care system. They made clear that zeroes are unacceptable and that they expect their elected representatives to treat their constituents as they treat themselves. If cost of living is increasing for one, then it’s increasing for all. We’re proud of the many members who have taken an active role in democracy – it is vital for our government to hear from the people they represent and we encourage you to write letters, set up meetings, and visit your MLA at community events in order to share your concerns and demand better. If you need any assistance, please email [email protected]
Win of the Week! May 12-18
This week we saw nearly 200 members, staff, and special guests come together for our bi-annual SEIU-West convention. Our theme this year was SEIU-WEST – Together Strong, Together Safe. This theme carried throughout the two days as members shared ideas, listened to one another, asked questions, held debates, and all the while learned steps to build a stronger SEIU-West and a vigorous labour movement here in Saskatchewan and across borders. We had guests and staff share their informative expertise around safety issues, and took part in workshops to enhance our shop floor skills around OH&S. We also held elections and wish to congratulate the members who were elected, and a give special thanks to all members who put their name forward for election – the fact that we have so many members interested in leadership positions is a true sentiment to the vast skillset and power that shapes our union. This week was yet another demonstration that we are Stronger Together!
Win of the Week! May 5-11
Members who work in Chinook School Division are celebrating after ratifying their latest collected agreement! The agreement includes general wage increases totaling 4% over 3 years, as well as a signing bonus of up to $675 for all employees. In a climate where we’re hearing rollbacks are inevitable for public sector workers, our union’s strength demonstrates our ability to resist and achieve gains. We’re stronger together!
Win of the Week! April 28 - May 4
In anticipation for Nursing Week next week, we have a great win to share! We’ve had an awesome level of response for our Nursing Week celebrations – Unit Executives were asked to complete this survey in order to receive some financial help in recognizing the amazing Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who work in their facilities. We’re excited to see the celebrations that await! And if you’re a part of your facility’s Unit Executive, there’s still time to request funding! We ask that you submit requests by May 13, 2019.
Win of the Week! April 21-27
Members of SEIU-West are reporting that a fellow member has stepped up to assist Biggar during their community's time in need. This member is a volunteer fire fighter and has been active in this duty to combat the fires blazing in Biggar. Their willingness to help demonstrates the leadership and care that runs through the veins of our members. It is clear that SEIU-West members not only take a stand for their communities at work, but outside of work as well. Thanks to our members for showing that purple cares!
Win of the Week! April 14-20
SEIU-West is thrilled to share exciting news alongside Community-Based Organization (CBO) workers who work at Southwest Homes Inc. in Swift Current: close to 100 workers from this facility are now members of SEIU-West! These new members voted overwhelmingly in favour to join our union, and we couldn’t be more happy to welcome them to our SEIU-West family. They recognized the power of the motto we live by, “Strength in Numbers”, and we’re so proud of the work our organizers and the new members did to achieve this big win. Way to go!
Win of the Week! April 7-13
This win of the week is a great reminder as to why it’s important to investigate and ensure safety in the workplace! SEIU-West found that an Employer failed to provide proper safety-related training after a member was unfairly disciplined. SEIU-West was able to get the discipline heavily reduced in the first stages. When it was found that not only was there a lack of training, there was also improper equipment and a general disregard to safety in the workplace, SEIU-West went back to the Employer and had the discipline removed entirely from the member’s records. Luckily, no one was injured and since then, we have been questioning the Employer and aiming to ensure safety improves at this workplace – an important win for us all.