Dispatches February 2006

Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan

February 2006 Inside this issue: President’s Message

2

Matters Arising from New Collective Agreement

4

Contract Interpretation

5

Benefit Update

5

33rd Annual Convention

6

Convention Minutes

7

Upcoming Events

10

Regional Council News

11

Market Supplement Update

13

Executive Council Meeting Highlights

14

New Labour Relations Officer

14

Executive Council

15

Executive Officers

16

Board of Governors

16

Committees

16

Interested in Serving on a Committee?

17

Saskatoon Staff

18

Regina Staff

19

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HSAS Receives Two Favourable Arbitration Decisions First Decision Compensation for Working a Third Weekend Background On February 6, 2004, HSAS filed a grievance over the failure of Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region to compensate HSAS members working any third Saturday or Sunday as required by Article 15.04(b)(ii) of the HSAS/SAHO Collective Agreement (April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2004).

Since no satisfactory resolution was put forward by the Health Region an arbitration hearing chaired by Dan Ish was held May 26, 27 and July 12, 2005 in Regina.

Arguments The position put forward by the Employer was that a Letter of Understanding between the employer and CUPE dated from 1983 superseded the current language in the Collective Agreement. In addition, the employer argued that in order to be eligible for overtime rates for the third Saturday or the third Sunday a member would have to be “required” to work three weekends in a row. Where members “voluntarily” accepted overtime during the first or second weekend, the employer maintained that the member was not “required” to work three weekends and therefore not entitled to premium rates for the third Saturday and/or third Sunday.

Continued on Page 2

February 2006

Page 1

President’s Message Greetings Fellow Members of HSAS: I hope that all of you had a joyful holiday season and as we return to our work of providing high quality health care for the residents of our province, I bring you greetings from your Executive Council and staff.

A successful Annual Convention in November with our Delegate System being established for the first time was followed by the formation of your new Executive Council.

Committees have been struck and we are still looking for Members-at-Large on various Committees to help us with the work at hand. Plans are well underway to continue the solid efforts of last year in improving communication with our membership, raising the public profile of our Association and in administering our Collective Agreement. Many hands make light work so please consider becoming actively involved in the business of your union.

With the ink barely dry on our contract we are already making plans to form a new Bargaining Committee. Recent developments with other health care unions mean that we will have a challenge in maintaining wage and benefit parity for our members in the next round of Collective Bargaining. The Solidarity shown by yourselves over the last few years will support us in this effort. Nevertheless, a great deal of hard work lies before us in ensuring that our membership’s contributions to the health and well-being of our province are respected and valued. We will be selecting members to work on the Bargaining Committee by the end of March, so please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested in serving with us in this worthwhile endeavor. A significant time commitment is required but the knowledge gained about Labor Relations and the opportunity for professional and personal growth is well worth the investment.

In closing, I wish to thank all the activists of our Association for their efforts on our behalf Worksite Contact Persons, members of various committees, Regional Council Members, your Executive Council, Board of Governors and staff. I invite you to join with us in ensuring that the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan continues to thrive and serve as an advocate for the best interests of health care professionals in Saskatchewan.

In Solidarity, Chris Driol President HSAS

Favourable Arbitration Decisions (cont. from page 1) The Union argued that the intent of the language was to compensate a member who had worked a third Saturday and/or Sunday, for the sacrifice to their personal lives. The second argument put forth by the Union was that the word “required” should be given a broad meaning beyond formally scheduled or mandated to work. The Union argued that when an employee voluntarily agrees to work the overtime in these particular circumstances, the employee is now obligated and Page 2

February 2006

required to appear for the work. For example, should an employee not appear for the agreed upon work, the employer may have the right to discipline. In this case, because of limited staffing, there was also an expectation between the parties that this weekend overtime was a regular and ongoing demand that both parties cooperated in filling.

Decision In his December 5, 2005 decision, Arbitrator Ish stated that in these circumstances, the employer is obligated to pay “third weekend” overtime.

HSAS members should be aware that in circumstances similar to what was found here, would give you the right to claim for the third weekend premium pay.

Second Decision Reimbursement For Meal Expenses Background On October 12, 2004, HSAS filed a grievance concerning a Sunrise Health Region Policy which contravened Article 19.03 of the HSAS/SAHO Collective Agreement by requiring HSAS members to justify any meal expense claim which exceeded an arbitrary maximum. Since no satisfactory resolution was put forward by the Health Region, an arbitration hearing, chaired by Beth Bilson, was held October 18 and 19, 2005 in Yorkton.

Arguments The employer, the Sunrise Health Region, was not only attempting to substantiate the expenses incurred, but to also require our members to justify why they had spent beyond an arbitrary limit, in this case, the Public Service Commission guidelines. The Union believed the intent of the employer was to discourage our members from exercising the rights to which they were entitled, that is to be reimbursed for their “actual” expenses, not either arbitrary expense limits nor time frames imposed by the employer.

Decision In her November 28, 2005 decision, Arbitrator Bilson upheld the union’s grievance challenging the policy. As a result, she directed Sunrise Health Region to delete the following parts of its policy; meal maximums, time frames within which meals are to be compensated and the requirement to justify why meal receipts exceeded arbitrary maximums.

HSAS members can take comfort in this decision as it re-enforces their right to: 1. be reimbursed for their actual meal expenses incurred and 2. not be constrained by employer policies which arbitrarily set limits and time frames.

However, this decision does not give members the right to spend exorbitant amounts on meals and expect to be reimbursed.

Congratulations to Mario Kijkowski for his hard work and dedication on both of these files!

February 2006

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Matters Arising From The New HSAS Collective Agreement April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2007 1. Article 11.13 Deferred Salary Leave Plan Pursuant to this article, Executive Council has struck a committee to negotiate a Deferred Salary Leave Plan with SAHO. While no dates have been set to commence negotiations, the HSAS Committee is working on draft language. Upon Executive Council’s approval, the draft will serve as HSAS’s proposal.

Once an agreement with SAHO is reached over a Deferred Salary Leave Plan, it will be sent to the HSAS membership for ratification.

The HSAS Committee is made up of the following: • • • •

JoAnn Walker Johnston - Physical Therapist Doris Grant - Social Worker Sumana Dasgupta - staff Tim Slattery - staff

2. One-Time Only Seniority Appeals [Article 10.05 - Seniority List and Appendix A Seniority Appeal Process] Of Credited Seniority Since An Employee’s Service Commenced On February 1, 2006, employers are required to post a seniority list which delineates each HSAS member’s seniority up to and including December 31, 2005.

HSAS members will have, on a one time basis only ninety (90) calendar days from the date their seniority list is posted in 2006 to appeal the seniority which they have been credited since their service last commenced.

Commencing February 1, 2007, and each year thereafter, seniority appeals will be limited to seniority accrued only in the previous calendar year. Additionally, HSAS members will have thirty (30) calendar days from the date the 2007 seniority list is posted within which to appeal.

HSAS members who wish to appeal their seniority since their service last commenced must do so within ninety (90) calendar days from the date their seniority list is posted in 2006.

Appeals must be in writing and contain reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be sent to the following address: HSAS Provincial Joint Appeal Committee #42—1736 Quebec Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9

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February 2006

Contract Interpretation Article 19.01 Transportation Allowance (b) Employees who are called back to work and require transportation, will use the taxi company designated by the Employer and will charge the return fare to the Employer. Where Employees use their own vehicles, they shall be paid at the rate of thirty-eight point one cents ($.3810) per kilometer with a minimum of four dollars and fifty cents ($4.50) per round trip.

Question How does this language apply to those HSAS members who do not have regularly scheduled shifts but are on standby (for example EMS stand-by workers)?

Answer Both HSAS and SAHO have agreed that when a standby worker is first called into work they would not be entitled to the transportation allowance. However, each subsequent call back to work within the 24 hour period calculated from the time assigned to standby would trigger transportation allowance.

Article 15.12 Call Back (a) Regular Call Back Any Employee who is called back to work after having completed her regular work schedule and having left the worksite shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1 1/2) the regular rate for the first (1st) three (3) hours and thereafter double (2x) the regular rate of pay, but with a minimum of two (2) hours at the rate of time and one-half (1 1/2) the regular rate.

Question If an HSAS member is called into work one (1) hour before her scheduled shift commences what is she entitled to for pay?

Answer In this example, the member would be entitled to the full two hour minimum at the rate of time and one-half (1 1/2) the regular rate.

Benefit Update A. Health and Dental Plan for Retirees Retirees from the unionized healthcare sector in Saskatchewan can currently access health and dental coverage by paying premiums to a plan administered by the Encon Group and underwritten by Maritime Life Assurance Company.

Recently completed comparisons have demonstrated that Group Medical Services offers a superior product at lower premiums. As a result, SAHO and the six (6) healthcare unions are hoping to make the switch sometime this spring.

February 2006

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We will keep you informed of any developments.

B. Regina Civic Pension Plan The preliminary valuation completed by the Plan’s actuaries for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005 have revealed a deficit of approximately 38 million dollars.

As a result, the 4,000 plan members (approximately 75 HSAS members) are considering their options: 1. Increase contribution rates 2. Reduce benefits 3. Request the provincial Superintendent of Pensions to increase the amortization for solvency deficiencies from 5 to 10 years.

Informational meetings for Plan members were conducted prior to Christmas 2005. Additional meetings will likely take place in the Spring of 2006 when decisions will need to be made; whatever’s decided will be implemented effective January 1, 2007.

If you have any questions, please contact either Mary Spurr at ot.hsas@sasktel.net or Tim Slattery, toll-free at 1-888-565-3399.

33rd HSAS Annual Convention (It was history in the making) Delegates to the Annual Convention attended a delegate orientation the morning of the Convention. The 2005 HSAS Annual Convention was held on Saturday November 19 in Regina.

A historic time was had by all who attended. As you will recall, the 2004 Annual Convention saw the adoption of a new Constitution for HSAS. This allowed for the use of a delegate system for representation at the Annual Convention. These delegates included: (1) delegates elected by HSAS members from each Health Region and (2) Executive Council Members elected by the members in the profession(s) they represent on a provincial basis.

Of a possible 33 delegates to be elected from the Health Regions, 25 were elected and of those 19 were in attendance at the Convention. All members were encouraged to attend, however, only delegates were allowed to vote.

The Annual Convention got underway in the afternoon with the introduction and welcome by President Chris Driol. Each year the Annual Convention Committee debates and searches for a guest speaker to the Annual Convention. After all the debating and searching when the dust had settled, the committee had scored guest speaker Dave Wyatt of the Regina Police Service. He spoke with great animation, considerable humour, and sobering statistics. The subject…?

Defusing Hostility in the Workplace. You should have been there.

The afternoon concluded with the business meeting segment of the Annual Convention. Following adjournment of the meeting a social was held for all in attendance.

- Natalie Horejda

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February 2006

Minutes of the 2005 Annual Convention Saturday, November 19, 2005 Hotel Saskatchewan Regina, SK Delegates Present: Brenda Andreas Nicole Bridwell Rupal Bonli Scott Boucher Katherine Brisbin Warren Chykowski Marie Danscock Tamara Dobmeier Terry Dodds Chris Driol Bill Feldbruegge Dave Gibson Rosemary Henrickson Dot Hicks Ian Holton Natalie Horejda Dawn Jacobs Debbie Matties Angie McConnell Alan Morrissette Sharon Murza Troy Olson Maynard Ostafichuk Tina Peyton Murray Potter Anne Robins Kateri Singer Mary Spurr Gale Stonehouse Valerie Stopanski Jo Ann Walker Johnston Rod Watson Karen Wasylenko Murray Wotherspoon Bonnie Yake

February 2006

Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Five Hills Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Sunrise Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Sun Country Health Region Five Hills Health Region Heartland Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Sunrise Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Prairie North Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Prairie North Health Region Heartland Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Sun Country Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

(Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member)

(Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member)

(Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member) (Executive Council Member)

Page 7

Delegates Absent: Jo Brown Sue Burns Rick Felix Bobbie Haynes Ted Makeechak Lori Markwart Marie Stimson

Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Prairie North Health Region Heartland Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Cypress Health Region

(Executive Council Member)

President Chris Driol called the meeting to order at 3:10 pm. and announced 35 of 42 delegates present.

1. Adoption of Agenda Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

Terry Dodds / Scott Boucher Motion Carried 2. Adoption of November 20, 2004 Annual Convention Meeting Minutes Motion to adopt the minutes of the November 20, 2004 Annual Convention as circulated.

Karen Wasylenko / Marie Danscock Motion Carried 3. President’s Annual Report The President’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Chris presented his report.

Motion to accept the President’s Annual Report as circulated and presented.

Rod Watson / Natalie Horejda Motion Carried 4. Executive Director’s Annual Report The Executive Director’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Tim presented his report.

Motion to accept the Executive Director’s Annual Report as circulated and presented.

Rupal Bonli / Bonnie Yake Motion Carried 5. Committee Reports (a) Finance Committee The Audited Financial Statements were made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Treasurer Warren Chykowski presented the reports.

Motion to accept the General Audited Financial Statement as circulated and

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February 2006

presented.

Warren Chykowski / Tina Peyton Motion Carried Motion to accept the Emergency Fund Audited Financial Statement as circulated and presented.

Warren Chykowski / Jo Ann Walker Johnston Motion Carried Motion to continue to use Glen Dean as the HSAS Auditor.

Warren Chykowski / Natalie Horejda Motion Carried (b-j)

Negotiating, Education Fund, Communication, Emergency Fund, Grievance, Regional Council Development, Charitable Donations, Constitutional and Annual Convention The Committees’ reports were made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Chris presented the Committees’ reports.

Motion to accept the Committees’ reports as circulated and presented.

Terry Dodds / Rod Watson Motion Carried

6. Results of Mail-in-Ballots for President and Executive Council Seats Representing Assessor/Coordinators - Glenda Brown - Debra Ginther Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists - Debbie Morton Emergency Medical Technicians/Dispatchers/Paramedics - Ian Holton - Kateri Singer The President’s seat was acclaimed by Chris Driol.

The following Executive Council Seats were acclaimed: Addictions Counsellors/Therapists - Terry Dodds Social Workers - Cathy Dickson Physical Therapists, Prothetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists - Peggy Forsberg - One seat remains vacant Pharmacists - Nicole Bidwell February 2006

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7. Old Business None 8. New Business Roberta Ekberg Award Mary Spurr presented the 2005 Roberta Ekberg Award to Murray Wotherspoon.

9. Members Resolutions None received.

10. Adjournment Motion that the Annual Convention be adjourned.

Karen Wasylenko / Angie McConnell Motion Carried Adjournment time: 4:15 p.m.

Upcoming Events A. Meeting of HSAS Executive Council April 4, 2006 in Davidson.

B. HSAS 34th Annual Convention to be held in Saskatoon on Saturday, November 25, 2006 (a) Resolutions To Be Considered at the Annual Convention In order for resolutions from the membership to be considered at the Annual Convention, the following conditions must be met: (i) (ii)

each resolution must be submitted by ten (10) active members of the union and each resolution must be received by the secretary of the union at the Saskatoon HSAS office no later than September 21, 2006.

(b) Delegates To The Annual Convention Any HSAS member may attend the Annual Convention but only elected delegates will be entitled to vote.

HSAS members in each Health Region can elect delegates to the Annual Convention based on one (1) delegate for every 100 members or portion thereof in their Health Region.

Information on delegate nominations will be mailed to each HSAS member’s home in May 2006. Here is a breakdown of the number of delegates each Health region may send to the Annual Convention.

Health Region Cypress Heartland Kelsey Trail

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Allotted Delegates 1 2 1

Health Region Five Hills Keewatin YatthĂŠ Mamawetan Churchill River

Allotted Delegates 2 1 1

February 2006

Prairie North Regina Qu’Appelle Sun Country

2 8 2

Prince Albert Parkland Saskatoon Sunrise

2 9 2

(c) Continuing Education Fund This Fund was established for the purpose of promoting continuing education in areas directly related to one’s present position.

A lottery system is used to select ten [10] applicants on October 1 and ten [10] on May 15 of each year to receive up to $500.00 each.

Application forms for the Continuing Education draw can be obtained from the Saskatoon HSAS office or by visiting our website at www.hsa-sk.com under Forms and Downloads. (d) 25th Silver Anniversary Scholarship Award Each year, HSAS awards six [6] $500.00 scholarships to an HSAS member’s spouse or dependent who is enrolled in full time studies at a post-secondary educational institution leading to a degree, diploma or certificate in an area of study currently represented by HSAS. Application forms can be obtained from the Saskatoon HSAS office or by visiting our website at www.hsa-sk.com under Forms and Downloads. Completed applications must be received in the Saskatoon HSAS office no later then August 15 each year.

Regional Council News HSAS Regional Council Report, Prince Albert Parkland Health Region We held our annual general meeting on October 12, 2005. There were six members attending, and Chris Driol was our guest. We were pleased to have Crystal Asmussen, who is the HSAS representative on the PAPHR’s Tobacco Reduction Strategy Committee, give a report on the committee’s work. Regional Council meetings have been scheduled for December 1, 2005, March 2, June 1, and September 7, 2006, and will start at 4:30 p.m. We have begun to send out our Regional Council minutes by email to a number of the member’s homes. We continue to mail the minutes to those members that don’t have email access.

We are continuing to attend the Health Region’s Regional Orientation sessions as scheduled, which gives us the opportunity to meet new Health Sciences members. I encourage any interested regional members to contact me if they would like to attend the orientation sessions as our HSAS representative.

We attend the Joint Union Management meetings; and members represent HSAS on the regional EFAP committee, the Representative Workplace Committee, the Human Resources Quality Improvement Committee, and the PAPHR Tobacco Reduction Steering Committee.

Cathy Dickson represents Social Workers on Provincial Executive Council, and she is also our awesome secretary for regional council. She has recently agreed to act as chairperson for the Regional Council Development Committee, which is a provincial committee. Murray Wotherspoon sits February 2006

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as the alternate for the Addiction Workers on Provincial Executive Council.

As part of scheduled meetings with management the newly hired Labor Relations Officer Sumana Dasgupta, attended with Regional Council chairperson Ruby Lafayette and Murray Wotherspoon at the January 23, 2006 HSAS/Management Meeting. One of the highlights of this meeting’s discussion was the report by management that approval was granted by the Health Region's Executive Council on October 3, 2005 to develop a joint HSAS – Management Appeals Committee to follow up/review situations concerning the Health Region’s Conflict of Interest policy. Since the approval and implementation of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region’s Conflict of Interest policy on May 6, 2003, a number of discussions have taken place amongst HSAS members. The policy affected our members more dramatically than perhaps other unions due to the make up of many professionals who have potential to take various contracts and/or work part time with other agencies or programs. The primary concern for our Regional Council was that the immediate supervisor in each work place had the capacity to have final say concerning the interpretation and implementation of the Conflict of Interest policy. In summary, the challenge for HSAS members was that various supervisors may have different interpretations of the Conflict of Interest policy so it was suggested in past HSASManagement meetings that a common forum or committee would allow all parties to attain clarification/resolution.

In past HSAS-Management meetings, Article 9.02 Union/Employer Representation was referenced. Our Regional Council commends the region’s management for patiently hearing our council’s concerns and responding with full approval for the joint HSAS/ Management Appeals Committee. As noted by management and our council this appeals committee does not supercede the grievance process and/or the consultation with the Labor Relation’s Officer.

The details of this committee are outlined below as submitted from management.

Joint HSAS/Management Appeals Committee (as approved by the Health Region's Executive Council, October 3, 2005) Membership: - Two members determined by HSAS membership - Two Employer representatives, including: Chief Human Resources Officer One Vice-President as determined by nature of appeal Appeal Process: - Written request for appeal to be submitted by HSAS member to Chief Human Resources Officer - Request from CHRO to supervisor for details regarding decision Meeting of committee to review issue and determine possible solution. Both HSAS member and supervisor may be asked to attend meeting.

In closing, our Regional Council is vacant for two MAL positions, and the Human Resources Quality Improvement Committee. Arnelle Wishnowski represented the Pine Land Home Care facility and was not able to commit for this year. Thank you Arnelle for your time and commitment to Regional Council. Stephanie Fisher-Dortman is presently away on maternity leave so will not be able to represent the former Parkland Health District. Her daughter, Emery Jay, was born on January 3, 2006. On behalf of our Regional Council I again extend the invitation to our region’s members to participate in the Regional Council meetings.

- Submitted by Ruby Lafayette Chairperson.

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February 2006

Market Supplement Update A. Paramedics and Physical Therapists On March 17, 2005, Adjudicator Beth Bilson released her report recommending a market adjustment for Physical Therapists and Paramedics. Unfortunately, HSAS and SAHO could not agree on the amount of those adjustments. As a result, a hearing was held on November 2, 2005 and on November 17, 2005. Adjudicator Bilson recommended a 6% market adjustment for Paramedics and 4% for Physical Therapists. The parties are scheduled to appear again before Bilson on February 14, 2006 as SAHO is claiming the market adjustments should not apply on top of the economic adjustments recently negotiated by HSAS whereas HSAS is claiming they should.

We will keep you updated on the results of this saga. In the meantime, HSAS Paramedics and Physical Therapists should be vigilant in keeping records of the various labour market review criteria [service delivery impacts, turnover rates, vacancy rates, recruitment issues and salary market conditions] and ensuring this information is given to HSAS Saskatoon Labour Relations Officer Kevin Glass just in case there is sufficient information to justify another market adjustment.

B. October 2005 Market Adjustment Reports The SAHO Provincial Market Supplement Committee issued reports dated October 16, 2005 which recommended that market supplements be maintained for Dental Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Orthotists, Perfusionists, Pharmacists, Prosthetists and Respiratory Therapists.

After discussions with each profession, Kevin Glass filed appeals for those professions thought to have a reasonable chance of convincing the adjudicator they merited another market supplement; namely, Perfusionists, Pharmacists and Respiratory Therapists.

No date has been set for the adjudication of this matter.

C. December 19, 2005 Market Adjustment Reports The SAHO Provincial Market Supplement Committee recently forwarded HSAS market adjustment reports, dated December 19, 2005, which recommended the following: • Public Health Inspectors - maintain the current market supplement • Infection Control Practitioners - increase the Infection Control Practitioner rate to ensure

parity with SUN Level B rates until December 2006 • Psychologist PhD - that a market adjustment not be implemented for this classification.

Kevin Glass has distributed these reports to the HSAS professions impacted. HSAS Public Health Inspectors and Psychologist PhD’s are encouraged to inform Kevin Glass, in the Saskatoon HSAS office, of any information that questions SAHO’s position contained in the reports and which may assist him in appealing SAHO’s decision.

February 2006

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Executive Council Meeting Highlights Since the last edition of Dispatches, the Executive Council met two times, i.e., November 1 and December 14. In addition to regular business, the focus of the first meeting was to gear up for the Annual Convention at the end of November. Executive Council reported on the new delegate election plan and was discouraged to report that some of the delegate seats were not filled. Other highlights of the November meeting are as follows: The Negotiating Committee reported that 97% of our voting membership supported the new collective agreement, resulting in it being officially ratified on October 24. SAHO made the commitment to send out cheques for backpay to HSAS members by Christmas. The Addictions Counsellor vote results were also shared. Council made a decision to destroy the ballots from three separate vote counts. Finally, Council accepted a nomination for the Roberta Ekberg award and the winners of the 10 education awards were announced.

In December, Executive Council met in the Saskatoon office the day after new council members received their orientation. There was some discussion regarding the Deferred Salary Leave Plan. Tim Slattery, JoAnn Walker Johnston and Doris Grant will meet in January to begin that work. The committee chairs and members were elected and encouraged to begin their committee work as soon as possible. Old business included receiving an update on the re-classification of the Addictions Counsellors; i.e. 60 members were moved up in the re-classification and 23 members have appealed. Finally, Chris shared information about the Health Secretariat meeting held in Ottawa. The main speaker was Dr. Brian Postel who spoke on federal wait lists primarily in the areas of rehabilitation and diagnostic services. The Council members were encouraged to talk to the membership about the wait list times for various services to confirm that only surgical wait lists have gone down. Tim also reported that the vacant LRO position has been filled by Sumana Dasgupta. Executive Council meeting dates were set for the spring.

- Rupal Bonli

HSAS Welcomes New Labour Relations Officer Sumana Dasgupta commenced employment November 15, 2005 as a Labour Relations Officer. She replaces Al Shalansky who retired in September 2005. Sumana comes to us from Calgary where she practiced law and specialized in litigation and labour/employment issues. She grew up in Regina and returns to Saskatchewan after a number of years of schooling in both British Columbia and Ontario.

Sumana comes to Saskatoon with her partner, Michael, who is a member of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty of Law.

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February 2006

Executive Council Executive Council is the governing body that conducts the business of the union between Annual Conventions.

Representing Addictions Counsellors/ Therapists

Seats 1

Social Workers

Elected

E-mail Address

Term Ends

Terry Dodds Saskatoon Health Region

addictions.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

Angie McConnell Saskatoon Health Region

sw1.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

Cathy Dickson Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Glenda Brown Saskatoon Health Region

sw2.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

assessor1.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

2 Assessor/Coordinators 2 Speech & Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Orthoptists, Music Therapists Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists

1

1

Emergency Medical Technicians, Dispatchers, Paramedics

Debra Ginther Saskatoon Health Region Karen Wasylenko Saskatoon Health Region (Speech & Language Pathologist)

slp.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007 Nov. 2007

Debbie Morton Saskatoon Health Region (Respiratory Therapist) Ian Holton Heartland Health Region (EMT-A)

respiratory.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

ems1.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

Kateri Singer Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Paramedic) Peggy Forsberg Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Physical Therapist)

ems2.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

pt1.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

2

Physical Therapists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists Public Health Inspectors, Infection Control Practitioners, Dental Hygienists/ Therapists and Health Educators Pharmacists

2

Vacant

phi.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007 Nov. 2006

1

Valerie Stopanski Heartland Health Region (Health Educator)

Nicole Bidwell Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

pharm.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007

1

Mary Spurr Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

ot.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

1

Anne Robins Saskatoon Health Region (Recreation Therapist) Rupal Bonli Saskatoon Health Region (Psychologist) Scott Boucher Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Dietitian)

mt.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

psy.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

diet.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

Occupational Therapists Recreation Therapists, Mental Health Therapists Psychologists, Psychometritians

assessor2.hsas@sasktel.net

1 1

Dietitians, Nutritionists, 1

Messages for Executive Council members may also be left at either of the HSAS offices.

February 2006

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Executive Officers The Executive Officers are elected from and

by Executive Council for a one (1) year term except the President, who is elected for a two (2) year term by the general membership.

President Chris Driol - president.hsas@sasktel.net Mental Health Therapist Vice-President Kateri Singer - ems2.hsas@sasktel.net Paramedic Treasurer Karen Wasylenko - slp.hsas@sasktel.net Speech & Language Pathologist Secretary Mary Spurr - ot.hsas@sasktel.net Ooccupational Therapist

Board of Governors The Board of Governors provide guidance and counsel to Executive Council on all matters regarding administration of the Union. Any member having served at least four (4) years on Executive Council, at least two (2) of which were as an officer, shall be eligible for election to the Board of Governors for a seven year term. The current Governors are: Warren Chykowski Respiratory Therapist gov4.hsas@sasktel.net Natalie Horejda Physical Therapist gov1.hsas@sasktel.net Ted Makeechak Physical Therapist gov2.hsas@sasktel.net

Committees 2005 Annual Convention Rupal Bonli (Chair) Glenda Brown Charitable Donations / Professional Contributions Scott Boucher Peggy Forsberg Communications Rupal Bonli (Chair) Charlene Hebert - staff Ian Holton Natalie Horejda Jim Jeffery - staff Tim Slattery - staff Mary Spurr Education Terry Dodds Ted Makeechak Lynn Regier - staff Page 16

Constitutional Nicole Bidwell Debra Ginther Ian Holton Kateri Singer (Chair) Mary Spurr Emergency Fund Terry Dodds Debbie Morton Tim Slattery - staff Finance Warren Chykowski Jeff Dmytrowich Angie McConnell Ted Makeechak Lynn Regier - staff Tim Slattery - staff Karen Wasylenko (Chair)

February 2006

Grievance Ian Holton (Chair) Debbie Morton Anne Robins Valerie Stopanski (Executive Council Alternate) Provincial Negotiating (Current contract expires March 31, 2007) Chris Driol (Chair) Sumana Dasgupta - staff Jim Jeffery - staff Members to be determined

Ad Hoc Committees Deferred Salary Leave Plan Negotiating Doris Grant JoAnn Walker Johnston Tim Slattery - staff Essential Services To be determined Job Action To be determined

Regional Council Development Cathy Dickson (Chair) Chris Driol Terry Dodds Ian Holton

Attention HSAS Members Interested in Serving on Committees HSAS Committee Chairpersons are looking to fill member-at-large vacancies for the current term which ends November 2006. If selected to serve on a committee, the union will pay your expenses and ensure that you do not lose wages as a result of participating. Additionally, if you attend a Committee meeting on a vacation day, bank day or scheduled day of rest, you will be reimbursed $50.00 per day for meetings up to 4 hours and $75.00 for meetings in excess of 4 hours.

If you are interested in serving on one of the following committees, please write, fax or e-mail the President with which committee you are interested in, no later than March 15, 2006.

Mail: E-Mail:

Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan #42 - 1736 Quebec Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 president.hsas@sasktel.net Fax: (306) 955-3396

1. Communication—ensure HSAS member’s are kept informed about their union.

2. Grievance—ensure that all HSAS members are represented in a fair, consistent and reasonable manner. Hear appeals from members who disagree with the Labour Relations staff not to advance a grievance to arbitration.

3. Annual Convention—make arrangements for the Annual Convention within the budget as established by Executive Council.

4. Provincial Negotiating—This committee will be responsible for negotiating the HSAS provincial contract commencing early 2007. The workload and time commitment for this committee will be significant.

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Saskatoon HSAS Staff #42 - 1736 Quebec Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9

Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: E-mail:

Tim Slattery Executive Director slatteryt.hsas@sasktel.net

Lynn Regier Administrator regierl.hsas@sasktel.net

Kevin Glass Labour Relations Officer glassk.hsas@sasktel.net

Colette Duffee Secretary/Receptionist hsasstoon@sasktel.net

Sumana Dasgupta Labour Relations Officer dasguptas.hsas@sasktel.net

Crystal Larson Secretary/Receptionist larsonc.hsas@sasktel.net

(306) 955-3399 1-888-565-3399 (306) 955-3396 hsasstoon@sasktel.net

Saskatoon Labour Relations Officers’ Assignments We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to their Regional Health Authority/Worksite.

Kevin Glass Phone: 955-5712 E-mail Address: glassk.hsas@sasktel.net Toll-Free: 1-888-565-3399 Heartland Keewatin Yatthé La Ronge EMS Mamawetan Churchill River Prairie North Saskatoon · Idylwyld Health Centre - Public Health Services · Kinsmen Centre · McKerracher · Parkridge · Royal University Hospital · Sherbrooke · Stensrud Lodge · Youth Services Page 18

Sumana Dasgupta Phone: 955-3454 E-mail Address: dasguptas.hsas@sasktel. net Toll-Free: 1-888-565-3399 Kelsey Trail Prince Albert Parkland Saskatoon · Calder Centre · Idylwyld Health Centre - Client/Patient Access Services · Larson House · Nurses Alumnae Wing · Saskatoon City Hospital · St. Paul’s Hospital · Sturdy Stone · rural areas

February 2006

Regina HSAS Staff #180 - 1230 Blackfoot Drive Regina, SK S4S 7G4 Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: E-mail:

(306) 585-7751 1-877-889-4727 (306) 585-7750 hsasregina@sasktel.net

Jim Jeffery Labour Relations Officer jefferyj.hsas@sasktel.net Mario Kijkowski Labour Relations Officer mario.hsas@sasktel.net Charlene Hebert Secretary/Receptionist hsasregina@sasktel.net

Regina Labour Relations Officers’ Assignments We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to their Regional Health Authority/Worksite.

Jim Jeffery Phone: 585-7753 E-mail Address: jefferyj.hsas@sasktel. net Toll-Free: 1-877-889-4727 Cypress Regina Qu’Appelle · Alcohol and Drug Services · Community Health Centres · Hearing Aid Plan · Mental Health Clinics · Public Health Services · Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Sun Country

February 2006

Mario Kijkowski Phone: 585-7754 E-mail Address: mario.hsas@sasktel.net Toll-Free: 1-877-889-4727 Crestvue Ambulance Services Five Hills Regina Qu’Appelle · Cupar and District Nursing Home · Emergency Medical Services · Extendicare · Home Care/SWADD · Lumsden and District Heritage Home · Pasqua Hospital · Regina General Hospital · Regina Lutheran Home · Regina Pioneer Village · Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home Sunrise

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Please return all Canadian undeliverable addresses to: #42 - 1736 Quebec Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 Email: larsonc.hsas@sasktel.net

Note: If any of your colleagues express concern about not receiving their newsletter, please have them call the Saskatoon Office.

Dispatches is published for the information of members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan.

Check out our Web Site ! www.hsa-sk.com

February 2006

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