Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan
January 2010
HSAS MEMBER SURVEY Inside this issue:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD HSAS Member Survey
1
Minutes from 2009 Annual Convention
2-5
Photos from Annual Convention
6-7
Report on Annual Convention from Ralph Aman CHR
8
Public Care: Single-Payer System is Both Fair and Sustainable
9
Tips on Winter Driving
10
Canadian Health Professionals Meeting
11
Vacation Leave Entitlement
12-13
The Uprising of the 20,000 and The terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
14-16
Four Steps towards excellent health
16
SHEPP Enrollment
16
President’s Message
17
Executive Council
18
Executive Officers, Board of Governors, Committees
19
HSAS Staff 2009 Grey Cup Game SHEPP Contribution Increase
20-21 22 23
Workplace Injuries in health care
23
Personal Information Changes
24
Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan is continually striving to improve the services we offer to our membership. In order to evaluate the services we provide we are asking members to take a few minutes to complete a member survey. Please rate the services (ie. Labour Relations) according to 5 categories listed (ie. Relevance) a score of #1 Low, #2 Medium and #3 High. While it is possible that certain HSAS services may not have particular relevance or value to particular members we would appreciate if members could take a little extra time to offer comments along with these ratings. An example would be question #3 Home email. If you do not subscribe and therefore find it not relevant please leave a comment to help us better understand your rating. This survey is designed to only accept one survey from any single computer. If you have any concerns or questions about this survey please feel free to direct your inquires to Ashley Wilson in our Saskatoon Office. (306)955-0752 1-888-565-3399 (outside Saskatoon) ashley.hsas@sasktel.net You will note that this survey is hosted on “Survey Monkey”. We strongly encourage all members to help us help you. Feel free to Monkey around.
Survey opens Jan 27 & Closes Feb 22, 2010 January 2010
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Minutes of the 2009 Annual Convention Friday, November 20, 2009 Hotel Saskatchewan – Radisson Plaza Regina, SK Delegates Present: Ralph Aman Gail Beggs-LaRiviere Sheila Bellrose Nicole Bidwell Scott Boucher Warren Chykowski Mary Deren Cathy Dickson Ed Didur Chris Driol Glenda Erickson Tracy Erickson Bill Feldbruegge Megan Ferguson William Fischer Peggy Forsberg Dot Hicks Jason Kaar Sheila Kerr Karen Kinar Ted Makeechak Kade Martin Brad Mee Darcy McKay Allan Morrissette Terry Nordgulen Patricia Pedersen Tina Peyton Anne Robins Joanne Schenn Jennifer Skakun Celine Stolz Valerie Stopanski Dave Tillusz Karen Wasylenko Bonnie Yake
Cypress Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Five Hills Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Sun Country Health Region Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Sunrise Health Region Sunrise Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Five Hills Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Kelsey Trail Health Region Prairie North Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Sunrise Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Heartland Health Region Sunrise Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Delegates Absent: Dwayne Cameron Terry Dodds Katherine Ruiter Page 2
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Saskatoon Health Region Heartland Health Region January 2010
Delegate Regrets: Melissa Koshinsky Nicole Rancourt
Heartland Health Region Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Thirty six (36) voting delegates present. Quorum established as per Article 3.5 of By-Laws. President Chris Driol called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm. 1. Adoption of Agenda Motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Scott Boucher / Gail Beggs-LaRiviere Motion Carried 2. Adoption of November 21, 2008 Annual Convention Meeting Minutes Motion to adopt the minutes of the November 21, 2008 Annual Convention as circulated. Ed Didur / Mary Deren Motion Carried 3. President’s Annual Report The President’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Chris Driol presented his report. Motion to accept the President’s Annual Report as presented. Chris Driol / Darcy McKay Motion Carried 4. Executive Director’s Report The Executive Director’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Bill Craik presented his report. Motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report as presented. Peggy Forsberg / Anne Robins Motion Carried 5. Committee Reports (a) Finance Committee The Audited Financial Statements were circulated to members. Treasurer Karen Wasylenko presented the reports. The 2009/2010 Budget Projection was also circulated and presented. Motion to accept the General Audited Financial Statement as circulated and presented. Karen Wasylenko / Patricia Pedersen Motion Carried Motion to appoint Mr. Allan Ashdown as HSAS Auditor for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year. Karen Wasylenko/ Scott Boucher Motion Carried January 2010
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(b) Provincial Negotiating, Communication, Education Fund, Emergency Fund, Grievance, Charitable Donations/Professional Contributions, Annual Convention and Regional Council Development Committees. The Committees’ reports were made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Chris Driol presented the Committees’ reports. Motion to accept the Committees’ reports as presented. Terry Nordgulen / William Fischer Motion Carried (c) Constitutional Committee The Constitutional Committee report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting. Sheila Kerr presented the report. Motion to accept the Constitutional Committee report as presented and amended. Sheila Kerr / Patricia Pedersen Motion Carried 6. Members Resolutions Motion to approve the Non-Substantive changes to the Constitution and Bylaws as presented. Sheila Kerr / Tracy Erickson Motion Carried Motion to approve the changes to Article 3.1 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Ed Didur Motion Carried Motion to approve the changes to Article 3.10 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Warren Chykowski Motion Carried Motion to approve the changes to Article 4.4 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Scott Boucher Motion Carried Motion to approve the change to Article 14 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Karen Kinar Motion Carried Motion to approve the change to Article 15.2 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Cathy Dickson Motion Carried Motion to approve the change to Article 15.4 of the Bylaws. Sheila Kerr / Darcy McKay Motion Carried Page 4
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7. Old Business None 8. New Business 9. Results of Mail-in-Ballots for Executive Council Seats Representing Addictions Counsellors/Therapists -Dave Tillusz EMT’s, EMT-A’s, Dispatchers, Paramedics -William (Bill) Fischer -Pascal Hins The remaining Executive Council Seats were acclaimed for: Assessor/Coordinator - Seat vacant (one year term) Assessor/Coordinator - Seat vacant (two year term) Pharmacists -Seat vacant (two year term) Physical Therapists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists -Peggy Forsberg Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists -Karen Kinar Social Workers -Cathy Dickson 10. Roberta Ekberg Award Roberta Ekberg Award for 2009 presented by Warren Chykowski to Ted Makeechak.
11. Adjournment Motion that the 2009 Annual Convention be adjourned. Chris Driol / Scott Boucher Motion Carried
Adjournment time: 5:00 p.m. Editor’s Note: The Assessor/Coordinator vacant seats mentioned above have since been filled. See Page 18
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The Honourable Allan Blakeney with EMS Rep Darcy McKay Warren Chykowski presents Ted Makeechak with the Roberta Ekberg Award
2009 Annual Convention
Delegates President Chris Driol welcomes delegates to the 2009 Convention
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January 2010
Sheila Kerr, Karen Wasylenko, Cathy Dickson and Chris Driol prepare to present their reports
Karen Wasylenko presents the Treasurer’s Report
Bill Craik Executive Director, delivers his Report to the Annual Convention Peter Barnacle, Legal Counsel from Saskatoon was a guest speaker.
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HSAS 2009 Annual Convention On November 20, 2009 I was pleased to serve as a delegate for the Cypress Health Region to the 37th Annual HSAS Convention. The day started off with an excellent presentation from Brad Garvey who is the CEO of the Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees Pension Plan (SHEPP). Mr. Garvey acknowledged that the SHEPP plan that serves over 32,000 healthcare workers has been affected by the economic downturn however he demonstrated how the plan is very safe and secure. Throughout his presentation, Mr. Garvey spoke about the importance of defined benefit pension plans like SHEPP. The most striking contrast between defined benefit plans and other pension plans is who assumes the risk. With SHEPP the plan itself assumes the risk whereas with other plans, the individual assumes all the risk. Mr. Garvey noted that many employers are attempting to eliminate defined benefit pension plans. HSAS along with other healthcare unions act as joint trustees with SAHO, which ensures the SHEPP plan cannot be altered without the consent of the unions. Peter Barnacle who acts as legal counsel to HSAS spoke about his international work as a labour lawyer particularly in Uganda. Mr. Barnacle was clear that the struggle of working people to exercise their collective rights is an international issue. He was passionate and reminded members that the right to organize, have a collective voice, to strike, to better oneself, and to have hope as a worker, is a basic human right. All too often the media attempts to portray unions as mere “special interest” groups and that meaningful labour standards are unaffordable said Mr. Barnacle. This has led to an erosion of basic rights and has led to unions being forced to pursue remedy under the Charter of Rights. After lunch, Allan Blakeney former Premier of Saskatchewan gave a moving testimony to the history of labour legislation that has improved the quality of life for many in Saskatchewan and throughout Canada. Mr. Blakeney emphasized that the commitment to shared values for all Canadians is a complex arrangement, but it is one that has made this country what it is. Blakeney also touched on the tendency by some governments and industry to refer to Medicare as being “unsustainable” over the last 37 years and that Medicare can easily be sustained in the future if it is funded and managed effectively. In summing up the convention, our President Chris Driol described the day as “challenging and encouraging”. This years convention will be held in Saskatoon on November 5, 2010. We strongly encourage all members to consider becoming a delegate for your Region at our next convention. Watch for the call for Delegate Nominations coming out in the spring and join us for what will surely be another educational and motivational event. Ralph Aman Cypress Health Region
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January 2010
Public Care: Single-Payer System is Both Fair and Sustainable by Rachel Tutte
Rachael Tuttle, a physiotherapist at Holy Family Hospital and Region 6 Director for the Health Sciences Association of BC(HSABC) is the new labour co-chair of the BC Health Coalition. This article originally appeared in the Globe and Mail national newspaper, and the HSABC Newsletter-The Report, and is reprinted with permission. British Colombians are rightly concerned about Health Minister Kevin Falcon’s decision to deny $360-million in funding to health authorities this year. Coupled with the minister’s recent comments in favour of for-profit health care this summer, they should be. The evidence is clear. A single-payer, public health-care system that covers everyone is the fairest and most cost effective way to provide high –quality care for all British Columbians. The evidence is equally clear that many innovative public solutions are available to address the health authorities’ need to do more with less. It was frustrating, then, to hear the Health Minister suggest that public health is no longer financially sustainable -implying that we should resort to private, for-profit insurance and clinics, despite the evidence that they cost more, are less safe for patients and compromise the public system.
For example, the Canadians Health Services Research Foundation reports that annual overhead costs of public provincial insurance plans are 1.3 per cent, while Canada’s private insurers average 13.2 per cent in administrative costs. And the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that knee replacement surgery in an Alberta public hospital costs on average $8,002, compared with between $14,000 and $18,000 in a private surgical facility. Even the Health Minister claims about Medicare’s “unsustainablity” need a second look. In reality, BC’s health-care spending has remained relatively stable over the past 17 years as a percentage of our overall economic output. The government’s message that health-care spending is taking up a growing proportion of the budget is therefore misleading.
There is simply no health spending-induced fiscal tsunami on the horizon-but there will be if we allow for–profit health care to expand. Health care is high priority for British Columbians, and most agree that it is a worthwhile investment. But Mr. Falcon’s demand for the budget cuts hampers our ability to manage costs over the long run and will have major repercussions on British Columbians’ health. Some health authorities have responded by cutting their diagnostic budgets, for example, making the wait longer for the patients who require an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This means some patients will become sicker, and require more complex and expensive treatment and rehabilitation. Other health authorities have said they will cut elective operations, even though BC has several has several highly successful pilot programs for managing surgical care within the public system that have dramatically increased operating room efficiencies and reduced hospital stays. These programs are team based, viable, and they need to be scaled up now. Those familiar with the provincial government’s history of privatization can’t help but see connections between the health authorities 'cuts to elective surgery and the Health Minister's comments promoting private, for-profit clinics. At the same time, a group of for-profit surgical clinic owners have targeted public health care insurance regulations and protections in the courts. They claim to act on behalf of patients, but this lawsuit is really about giving US-style private health insurance companies access to BC patients. What we see from the United States and from examples at home is that private care costs more and provides less. Montreal is considered one of the hardest places to find a doctor, yet the city has a high density of private “boutique physician clinics. In Alberta the introduction of private cataract surgery clinics was directly linked to increases in waiting list in public hospitals. Experience shows that we will make our public health care system stronger when we invest and expand on proven public solutions. Whether it’s the hip and knee reconstruction project at Richmond Hospital and the North Shore Joint Replacement Access Clinic that reduced waiting times, or BC’s reference-based drug program that increases cost efficiencies we can and must build on the successful innovations in public health care. By adopting and promoting public-sector solutions, we can continue to have one of the world best health care systems in the world. Reprinted with permission MAHCP December 2009 Issue
January 2010
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Winter Driving WINTER WEATHER conditions can be unpredictable, placing extra demands on your car and your driving skills. Be prepared—is your vehicle ready? Get your vehicle winter-ready with a check-up. Have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater, defroster, wipers and ignition system checked. Keep your tank at least half full. Make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and it’s rated a minimum of -40°C. Keep an extra jug in the car. Check your tires. Check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather. Although regular or all-season tires, including wide and highperformance tires, may be adequate in some areas, they may not be suitable for driving in the snowbelt regions. Snow tires provide better traction, braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and icy conditions. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. Winter driving survival kit Recommended items include: ice scraper with snowbrush sand or other traction aid tow rope or chain booster cables road flares or warning lights gas line antifreeze flashlight and batteries first aid kit fire extinguisher small tool kit extra clothing and footwear blanket bottled water non-perishable energy foods like chocolate or granola bars and juice * candle and a small tin can * matches * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Snowy roads Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice. It can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and gullies. Or it can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Look far ahead as you drive, so you can recognize hazards and have plenty of time to respond. Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel and sudden braking and accelerating, which could cause a skid. Ice Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas. Snow and slush spray On snowy, wet and slushy roads, large trucks and buses can blow moisture onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to avoid snow spray. Visibility It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow and white-outs impair visibility. Whenever visibility is poor, turn on the vehicle’s full lighting system.
January 2010
Play it safe Severe winter driving conditions may make you nervous, uncomfortable, or fearful. Stay off the road unless your trip is absolutely necessary. The unexpected If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay in your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive.
Draw attention to your vehicle Use emergency flashers, flares, or a Call Police sign. Run your motor sparingly. Be careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind. Exit your vehicle occasionally to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drifting snow before running the engine. Reprinted with permission. MTO/CALM
Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle when on the shoulder of a busy road. If possible, use the door away from traffic.
Canadian Health Professionals Meeting - October 29 & 30th, 2009 The Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat (CHPS) was formed by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) to create a forum where unions who represent Health Care Professionals could meet to share common concerns and work to raise the profile of health care professionals across Canada. Currently CHPS involves about 60,000 health care professionals from all provinces with the exception of Quebec. Bill Craik, Cathy Dickson and Chris Driol attended the two-day semi-annual meeting held in Ottawa on October 29th and 30th, 2009.
Pandemic Planning and Preparedness was the focus of the first day of this meeting. Health Care Employers’ and Government’s engagement and level of collaboration with Unions vary widely across the country. Alberta, Newfoundland and ourselves have experienced a complete lack of collaboration and consultation around matters related to H1N1. Other jurisdictions have had varying levels of involvement in planning highlighted by Manitoba and Nova Scotia where formal agreements have been struck to protect Collective Agreement rights of workers, around issues like re-deployment of staff, and to ensure provision of services and protection of workers, ie. OH and S Regulations. We also had a presentation from Dr. Danielle Grondin from
January 2010
the Public Health Agency of Canada related to Pandemic Planning especially centered around vaccination programs. We had a presentation from the Executive Director of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association highlighting the work that they do in advocating for the profession. Constituent reports from across the country highlighted difficulties in Collective Bargaining with various jurisdictions reporting settlements in the 1-3% range for annual wage increases. A notable exception was in Newfoundland where they achieved 21.5 % compounded over 4 years although it was interesting that Nurses there got an additional 5%. Worst case scenarios are in New Brunswick – contemplating a 2-year wage freeze – and Alberta where Government is pushing to re-open Collective Agreements to roll back agreed to wage increases of 4 - 5 %. Through our involvement with CHPS, HSAS is better able to keep up with trends from across Canada in regards to issues that affect our health care professionals. This information is invaluable in improving our advocacy efforts on your behalf.
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Vacation Leave Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Carry Over and Entitlement
Vacation Carry Over For all Members, except those who had been previously covered by the CUPE 600 or SGEU/PSC Agreements, it works this way: You are entitled to carry over your full entitlement for the current year plus five days earned in previous years. For example A Member earns vacation at a rate of three weeks per year. That Member is entitled to carry over their full three weeks from the current year into the next. They are as well entitled to carry over an additional five days earned in a previous year. 15 days + 5 days = 20 days carry over. (Article 13.10) For Members who had been previously covered by the CUPE 600 or SGEU/PSC Agreements it works this way: (Appendix A)
Vacation Entitlement Information Article 13 How do I earn vacation credits? You earn credits every month. The amount you earn depends on your current vacation entitlement which is based on years of service or other circumstances which were negotiated / offered / carried over upon your commencement. (Article 13.01 and Article 13.07)
How do I know how much I earn / have accumulated? The employer must post your projected accumulated vacation credits by February 1 each year. In addition, if you are unsure, you can contact your payroll representative. (Article 13.04)
Members are limited to carrying over five days unless they get permission from their employer to carry over more
How do I request vacation time? These provisions are in place to allow you to consistently have the option to take “blocks� of time. By allowing you to carry over your vacation time it ensures that you always have a large enough balance of vacation credit to provide you with flexibility when planning to take your vacation.
Members are not required to provide any explanation to their Employer as to why they want to carry over vacation time.
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You are able to use your vacation credits as they are earned and you are entitled to an unbroken period of vacation if you choose. Most workplaces have their own system for working out vacation schedules amongst colleagues. However, in the case of a disagreement, seniority shall be the deciding factor for your first choice (if you plan to split up your vacation, seniority will only be used as the deciding factor in the first instance). To exercise your seniority rights, you must make your selection by March 1 of each year. (Article 13.05)
January 2010
When is the vacation schedule for my worksite posted? The Employer will post the vacation schedule for the upcoming year (April 1 – March 31) by March 15. If changes are needed, mutual consent between your supervisor and yourself is required. (Article 13.06)
I want to pre-pay some bills before I go on vacation. Can I request a pay-out of vacation credits in advance of the vacation I plan to take? If you choose, you can receive your vacation pay in advance of actually taking your vacation (provided you give the Employer 14 days written notice). (Article 13.09)
What if I get sick while I’m on vacation? If you are on vacation and something unexpected happens (death of a family member, you are hospitalized, you are sick (verified by a doctor) for more than 4 days, you get sick prior to commencing your vacation and it continues into the vacation time, or you are granted some other form of a leave of absence), you can take that time as the appropriate leave (bereavement, sick, unpaid leave of absence). The vacation that was “displaced” can be reinstated as credits, or you can add those days on to your vacation. For example, you start a 3-week vacation on January 1. On January 2, you are hospitalized. You inform your supervisor and provide a medical note verifying that you have been hospitalized and you request that the time you
spend in the hospital be approved as sick leave. You are in the hospital for 5 days and are released on January 7. You continue your approved vacation time until your normally scheduled date of return (January 22). You now have the option of taking an additional 5 days vacation (if mutually agreed between you and your supervisor) returning on January 27 or having those 5 days reinstated as vacation credits (returning on January 22 and taking those 5 days at some other time). (Article 13.11)
What happens to my vacation when I terminated my employment? If you terminate employment with outstanding vacation credits remaining, they will be paid out to you, minus statutory deductions. (Article 13.13)
What happens if I work in more than one health region or I have multiple employers within the same health region? If you work in more than one health region, or for more than one employer covered by our Collective Agreement, you will earn vacation credits in all regions at the highest rate you are accruing. For example, you have worked in the Saskatoon Health Region for 10 years and are earning 4 weeks vacation. You have recently started working in the Heartland Health Region and, under normal circumstances, you would be earning 3 weeks vacation. However, since you work in the Saskatoon Health Region and are accruing vacation at a higher rate, you will accrue vacation in Heartland Health Region at the rate of 4 weeks per year. (Article 13.14)
Don’t forget to complete the HSAS Member Survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD
January 2010
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The Uprising of the 20,000 and the terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire “The Uprising of the 20,000” took place a hundred years ago this past fall. It began in the last week of November 1909 in the garment district of New York City. Twenty thousand needle trades workers – the vast majority of them young, immigrant women – walked out of five hundred clothing factories across the city demanding an end to appalling sweatshop conditions.
r ec ognize and bargain with the union meant many workers lost their jobs or were forced to return to work under the same awful conditions they had known prior to the strike.
Sewing machine operators had the cost of thread, needles, waste material, the electricity they used, and even the chair they sat on deducted from their meager pay.
One of the most notorious antiunion employers was the Triangle S h i r t w a i s t Company, which manufactured fashionable blouses (shirtwaists) in a run-down building on the lower east side of Manhattan.
Garment manufacturers located their factories in run-down, unsafe slum buildings where space was the cheapest. The garment workers were crammed together like canned sardines in these substandard firetrap buildings.
Triangle had fired 150 workers, because they were ILGWU members, even before the 1909 strike began. During the strike the company brought in scabs and paid thugs to start fights with the picketers.
The 1909 strike was an attempt by the fledgling International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) to bring about some improvement in these terrible conditions.
Shortly after the industry-wide strike was called off in February 1910, the Triangle Shirtwaist employees were forced back to work without a contract or employer recognition of the union.
The union was trying to get decent wages, a fifty -four hour work week, adequate fire escapes and unlocked doors to stairwells.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Company was located on the top three floors of the Asch Building, a ten story structure with fireproof façade, but wooden floors, no sprinkler system, rotted fire hoses, extremely narrow stairways and one frail fire escape.
Piecework wages averaged $5.00 for a sixty-six hour week of hard work. Children as young as eight were paid $2.00 a week to trim threads from completed garments.
The locked doors issue was a source of considerable friction between the factory owners and the union. The owners claimed locking exit doors prevented pilfering; the union said it was aimed at denying ILGWU organizers access to the workers, and in any case it was unsafe.
Workers, sewing machines, work benches and fabric were crowded together with scarcely any room left for aisles. Huge amounts of scrap fabric was stored under the work tables.
Some Settle In February 1910 more than three hundred of the struck shops settled with the ILGWU. In the other shops the owners’ hysterical refusal to Page 14
Fire Starts On the afternoon of Saturday, March 25, 1911 five hundred sewing machine operators and January 2010
fabric cutters were at work in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company when a fire of unknown origin broke out on the 8th floor. This wasn’t unusual; it was the company’s eighth fire in nine years, but this one was to be worse than all the others combined. The lightweight cotton used in the blouses was highly flammable and the fire spread quickly. Attempts to smother the flames with scrap fabric and pails of sand failed. The fire hoses were ancient and inoperative. floor Within minutes a large section of the was burning, and sewing machine operators and fabric cutters were scrambling to get out of the few unlocked exits. 8th
A hurried telephone call to the 10th floor warned the workers there, and they lined up to descend the narrow, spiral stairway which was less than three feet wide. In the panic no one contacted the people on the 9th floor. A tank of sewing machine oil exploded in the intense heat, accelerating the blaze. The fire spread to the stairwells. Just moments after smoke was smelled on the 9th floor, the work area was surrounded in flames. The one inadequate fire escape broke loose from the side of the building under the weight of the fleeing workers and sent them crashing to their death. Elevators Stop Two small elevators in the Asch Building operated as long as possible. Each time the elevator doors opened at floors 9 and 10, hundreds of frantic young women desperately tried to get on and be taken out of the roaring inferno. One elevator was put out of operation when the immense heat buckled its track. The other was stopped when it could no longer lift the weight of bodies on top of the car – the result of dozens of women, some with their hair and clothes on fire, jumping into the open shaft as the elevator descended. January 2010
The Fire Department arrived, but was only equipped with ladders that reached the sixth floor. Those workers still on the top two floors were now trapped with no way out. Many climbed out onto narrow window ledges or went up to the roof to get as far a possible from the searing heat and smoke. As the fire advanced they were either burned to death or they jumped. The fire fighters’ canvass nets were of no use in safely catching those who jumped because of the great height of the fall. 62 jump to their death Sixty-two workers jumped to their death from the window ledges or the roof. Two women, who had been life-long friends, jumped together arm in arm. A young couple kissed before plunging onto the pavement below. One brave worker tossed her big wide-brimmed hat out into the breeze before stepping calmly off the edge of the roof. With each of the terrible descents to the street a loud gasp and piercing screams went up from the horrified crowd of co-workers, family members and on-lookers who had gathered around the Asch Building.
A hundred and forty-six garment workers died as a result of the fire.
The owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, Isaac Harris and Max Blanck, took it all in stride. In just days they were back in business, operating in quarters that were even worse than the Asch Building! Harris and Blanck were charged with and tried for manslaughter, but got off on a technicality.
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On April 5, 1911 the labour movement organized a memorial march through the garment district and past the burned out Asch Building. 100,000 working women and men marched in heavy rain. An estimated 400,000 people silently lined the sidewalks despite the downpour. Near the front of the march were the women who had been fired for trying to organize the Triangle Shirtwaist Company – an effort that, if successful, might have saved 146 lives.
SHEPP Enrollment (Temporary and Casual HSAS Members) If you are a Temporary or Casual HSAS Member, you may be eligible for enrollment in SHEPP. If so, you will probably have received notification from your Employer. Temporary and Casual Employees are eligible if they have worked 780 hours in the preceding calendar year or 700 hours in each of the 2 preceding calendar years (January 1 to December 31). HSAS is working hard to find ways to identify the estimated 200-300 HSAS Members who may be eligible to join SHEPP but are not enrolled. We know that there are HSAS Members who are Temporary or Casual for lengthy periods of time and work significant numbers of hours.
Four steps toward excellent health If people would do just four things– 1) engage in regular physical activity, 2) eat a healthy diet, 3)not smoke, and 4) avoid becoming obese-they could reduce their risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and cancer by 80%. A multi-year study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that less than 10% of the more than 23,000 people in the study lived their lives this way. Researchers in the United States and Germany examined the habits of 23,153 male and female participants. About 9% practiced all four lifestyle habits, 4% practiced none, and 35% carried out two of the four healthy behaviors. -The [UK] Guardian. The CCPA Monitor Volume 16 No.16
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What is uncertain for us is whether or not the Employer is notifying these members of their eligibility and if these Members are making an informed choice about whether or not to join SHEPP. While joining SHEPP will result in Employee Contributions of 6.6% being deducted from your pay this contribution also results in 7.39% of pay in Employer Contributions being put into the Pension Plan on your behalf. This resulting net contribution of 13.99% of pay results in a significant defined retirement benefit, which is far superior to what any self-directed savings plan of 6.6% of pay could generate. It is our hope that Temporary and Casual HSAS Members who are not enrolled in SHEPP will consider this choice carefully as you plan for the future. If you believe you are eligible and have not been informed of your choices, please check with Human Resources in your Health Region.
January 2010
President’s Message HSAS staff and elected representatives were extremely busy working with Members on concerns related to H1N1 vaccination programs and the health care needs of Saskatchewan residents during the pandemic. As winter progresses we now find ourselves re-doubling our efforts on matters pertaining to administration of the Collective Agreements and advancing provincial bargaining issues. As you receive this newsletter HSAS is appearing before the Labour Relations Board to argue against the Unfair Labour Practice filed against us by SAHO and to present the 2 Unfair Labour Practices that we filed in turn against SAHO. HSAS is hopeful that the Board will return a decision, which will lead to the parties returning to the table to engage in meaningful negotiations. HSAS presented a complete proposal package to SAHO last April and SAHO has taken us to the Labour Relations Board in order to argue for their right to add more proposals at any point during the bargaining process and to make us an offer at the conclusion of bargaining to address wages, differentials, benefits, other monetary items and all outstanding items. SAHO has insisted on maintaining this practice which has proved completely unproductive through the last 2 rounds of bargaining. We are left to hope that a favorable decision by the Labour relations Board may spark SAHO and government to engage in substantive Collective Bargaining. In the meantime we continue with our public relations efforts on your behalf. We hope that by increasing the public’s understanding of the important work you do in supporting the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan residents that they come to more fully appreciate the professional health care services that you provide. Best Regards - In Solidarity Chris Driol President HSAS
Facilitator Training Heart to Heart™ and Living with Stroke™ are Heart and Stroke Foundation programs created to enhance the recovery and reduce the risk of individuals experiencing subsequent heart and/or stroke events. Both programs address the risk factors for these conditions and provide the education and support necessary for making appropriate lifestyle changes. We are pleased to offer training to Health Care Providers, so you can become familiar with the program content and learn about planning, promoting, and marketing these programs. You will also learn or improve your skills in the art of facilitation. When: March 11th (evening) March 12th (all day) Where: Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert Registration Deadline: February 26, 2010
January 2010
For more information or to register contact: Heather McKnight Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan Phone: 244-6822 ext. 245 Toll free: 1-888-473-4636 E-mail: mcknighth@hsf.sk.ca
Page 17
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
2
Elected Dave Tillusz Sunrise Health Region
E-mail Address
addictions.hsas@sasktel.net
Term Ends Nov. 2011
Joanne Schenn Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
sw1.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2010
Cathy Dickson Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
sw2.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2011
Jeffrey Zwack Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
assessor2.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2011
Megan Ferguson Saskatoon Health Region
assessor1.hsas@sasktel.net
Karen Wasylenko Saskatoon Health Region (Speech & Language Pathologist)
slp.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2010
Karen Kinar Saskatoon Health Region (Respiratory Therapist) Bill Fischer Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Paramedic)
respiratory.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2011
ems1.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2011
Pascal Hins Sun Country Health Region (EMT-A) Patricia Pedersen Sunrise Health Region (Physical Therapist)
ems2.hsas@sasktel.net
Assessor/Coordinators
2
Speech & Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Orthoptists, Music Therapists Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists
1
1
Emergency Medical Technicians, Dispatchers, Paramedics 2
Physical Therapists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists
Public Health Inspectors, Infection Control Practitioners, Dental Hygienists/ Therapists and Health Educators Pharmacists
2
1
Nov. 2010
Nov. 2011
Nov. 2010
pt1.hsas@sasktel.net
Peggy Forsberg Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Physical Therapist)
pt2.hsas@sasktel.net
Valerie Stopanski Heartland Health Region (Health Educator)
phi.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2011 Nov. 2010
VACANT
Nov. 2011
VACANT
Nov. 2010
1 Occupational Therapists 1 Recreation Therapists, Mental Health Therapists Psychologists, Psychometricians
1
Anne Robins Saskatoon Health Region (Recreation Therapist) VACANT
mt.hsas@sasktel.net
Melissa Koshinsky Heartland Health Region (Dietitian)
diet.hsas@sasktel.net
Nov. 2010
Nov. 2010
1
Dietitians, Nutritionists 1
Nov. 2010
Messages for Executive Council members may also be left at either of the HSAS offices. Page 18
January 2010
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
Treasurer Karen Wasylenko - slp.hsas@sasktel.net Speech & Language Pathologist
Vice-President Cathy Dickson - sw2.hsas@sasktel.net Social Worker
Secretary Joanne Schenn - sw1.hsas@sasktel.net Social Worker
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
Committees 2010 Annual Convention Megan Ferguson (Chair) Deb Morton
Constitutional Peggy Forsberg (Chair) Natalie Horejda Joanne Schenn
Communications Chris Driol (Chair) Ralph Aman Natalie Horejda Brad Mee Patricia Pedersen Karen Wasylenko Bill Craik-staff Garnet Dishaw-staff Charlene Hebert-staff
Finance Karen Wasylenko (Chair) Warren Chykowski Bill Feldbruegge Karen Kinar Ted Makeechak Ann Robins Bill Craik - staff Joylene Mora - staff
Emergency Fund Cathy Dickson (Chair)
Grievance Melissa Koshinsky (Chair)
January 2010
Provincial Negotiating Bill Fischer (Chair) Warren Chykowski Cathy Dickson Chris Driol Natalie Horejda Marcel Shevalier Bill Craik - staff Mario Kijkowski - staff Regional Council Development Dave Tillusz (Chair) Ralph Aman Tamara Dobmeier Mary Deren Dot Hicks Nicole Rancourt Lynzie Rindero
Page 19
HSAS Staff Regina
LRO Assignments
#12 - 395 Park Street Regina, SK S4N 5B2 Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: E-mail:
(306) 585-7751 1-877-889-4727 (306) 585-7750 hsasregina@sasktel.net
Bill Craik Executive Director bill.hsas@sasktel.net Garnet Dishaw Labour Relations Officer dishawg.hsas@sasktel.net Mario Kijkowski Labour Relations Officer mario.hsas@sasktel.net Charlene Hebert Administrative Assistant hsasregina@sasktel.net
www.hsa-sk.com
Garnet Dishaw Direct Line: (306) 585-7753 Cell: (306) 539-5634 Canadian Blood Services - Regina Cypress Sun Country Regina Qu’Appelle Alcohol and Drug Services Child and Youth Community Health Centres Hearing Aid Plan Healthline Mental Health Clinics Public Health Services Randall Kinship Centre Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
Mario Kijkowski Direct Line: (306) 585-7754 Cell: (306) 539-9807 Crestvue Ambulance Services Five Hills Sunrise Regina Qu’Appelle Al Ritchie Centre 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
We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to their Regional Health Authority/Worksite.
Page 20
January 2010
Saskatoon
LRO Assignments
#42 - 1736 Quebec Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Kevin Glass Direct Line: (306) 955-5712 Cell: (306) 227-3394
Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: E-mail:
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
(306) 955-3399 1-888-565-3399 (306) 955-3396 hsasstoon@sasktel.net
Kevin Glass Labour Relations Officer glassk.hsas@sasktel.net
**Al Shalansky Labour Relations Officer shalanskyal.hsas@sasktel.net
Kate Robinson Labour Relations Officer robinsonk.hsas@sasktel.net **on leave until March 1, 2010
Joylene Mora Administrator joylene.hsas@sasktel.net Ashley Wilson Administrator’s Assistant ashley.hsas@sasktel.net Colette Duffee Administrative Assistant hsasstoon@sasktel.net
Al Shalansky Direct Line: (306) 955-3454 Cell: (306) 221-6316 Kelsey Trail Prince Albert Parkland Saskatoon Calder Centre Idylwyld Health Centre - Client/Patient Access Services Larson House Mental Health Services (Nurses Alumnae Wing) Saskatoon City Hospital St. Paul’s Hospital Sturdy Stone rural areas
We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to their Regional Health Authority/Worksite.
January 2010
Page 21
Reflections on the 2009 Grey Cup Game As part of the healing process from the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Grey Cup loss, something needs to be done that will help heal the pain. After careful thought I propose that the day November 29th be removed from calendars everywhere. Dropping one out of three hundred and sixty-five days seems like a reasonable solution; it would be just like office buildings that don’t have a thirteenth floor. Sadly, I somehow doubt that we will be able to change the rules of how many days exist in a calendar year. Like football, union-management relations are supposed to be based on a set of rules that at least brings some resemblance of fairness to both sides. It would be unthinkable that the Board of Governors for the CFL would establish game rules that would clearly give a distinct advantage to one team over another. The bargaining process between management and unions also needs to be fair or one side can easily impose its position on the other. With the imposition of the Essential Services Act, the government has effectively altered the rules giving SAHO a significant advantage in the bargaining process. We are currently witnessing how SAHO is using this unlevel playing field to play hard-ball with HSAS and the other healthcare unions, all the while knowing that the unions can do little to defend against these new unfair labour relations rules. For the Roughriders, there will be another season and if the rules of the game are altered, it will be done in a democratic manner, one that is transparent and openly discussed before the rules are changed. The Board of Governors of the League would never alter rules giving one team an unfair advantage. Perhaps the Government of Saskatchewan (our Premier is a football fan) could learn something from the CFL. Despite an unfair set of rules, we can be proud of how our bargaining team is putting forward a strong game. When does the next season begin?
Page 22
January 2010
SHEPP Contribution Rate Increase HSAS Members are reminded that the plan actuary has recommended and the Board of Trustees has approved the following member and employer contribution rate increase, effective the first pay period in April 2010.
Member Contribution Rate <YMPE*
Member Contribution Rate >YMPE
Employer Contribution Rate <YMPE
Workplace injuries in health care remain the highest in the province In 2008, there were 5,438 Workers Compensation Board (WCB) claims accepted for injuries which incurred in health care.
Employer Contribution Rate >YMPE
This statistic represents only the accepted and reported claims, and illustrates that safety and prevention is still not a culture in health care.
Current Rates
6.6%
9.00%
7.392%
10.08%
There are many workplace injuries that are either not reported or accepted by WCB.
Rate Effective First Pay Period in April 2010
7.20%
9.60%
8.064%
10.752%
If you or any of your co-workers have suffered from a workplace injury, submit a claim to WCB and if the claim is denied, appeal this denial.
Please contact SHEPP with any questions or concerns. 1-306-751-8300 Toll Free 1-888-394-4440 sheppinfo@shepp.ca
Safety and prevention of workplace injuries should be the culture in health care. All safety concerns and work place injuries must be reported. Only by identifying and resolving safety concerns will health care injuries be prevented. Health care cannot lose any more workers due to workplace injuries. Report all safety concerns and injuries. Marg Romanow SUN Benefits Officer Reprinted with permission. SUN Spots
January 2010
Page 23
We Need Your Assistance In order to keep our database as up-to-date as possible, we need your help. If you change your name, address, home e-mail address, telephone number, work site, etc., please let us know. Complete the information below and send or fax to the address below: Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan #12 - 395 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 5B2 Fax: (306) 585-7751
Member Name
Previous Name (if changed)
Home Address
City/Town: Home Phone Number
Postal Code Home E-mail Address
Place of Employment Work Fax Number Status
Work Phone Number Work E-mail Address (eg. Full Time, Part-Time, Temporary, Casual, etc.)
Classification Job Group Date Changes In Effect
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
Don’t forget to complete the HSAS Member Survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD
Page 24
January 2010