Dispatches June 2006

Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan

June 2006 Inside this issue: President’s Message

2

SHEA Awards Executive Council Vacancy

3 3

CHPS Market Supplement Update

4 4

Mandatory Testing & Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Act

6

Benefits Update Upcoming Events

7 10

Silver Anniversary Scholarships

12

Continuing Education Fund

13

Grievance Corner

14

HSAS Loses Staff Member

14

Executive Council Highlights

15

Retirements

16

Golf Shirts

16

Executive Council

17

Executive Officers

18

Board of Governors Committees

18 18

Regional Councils

19

Regional Council News

21

Saskatoon Staff

22

Regina Staff

23

Bargaining Update Many thanks to the members who expressed interest in serving on the Provincial Negotiating Committee. The Committee has been selected and consists of the following HSAS members and staff: Chris Driol

Mental Health Therapist (Chair) Saskatoon Health Region

Morag Lyon

Public Health Inspector Cypress Health Region

Deb Morton

Respiratory Therapist Saskatoon Health Region

Marcel Shevalier

Addictions Counsellor (Grenfell) Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

Debra Ginther

Assessor Coordinator Saskatoon Health Region

Mary Spurr

Occupational Therapist Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

Jim Jeffery

Labour Relations Officer HSAS – Regina

Sumana Dasgupta Labour Relations Officer HSAS – Saskatoon Enjo y you r Sum mer

To date, your Committee has met on 2 occasions to orientate themselves to the bargaining process and to put together a bargaining survey which has been mailed out to the See Bargaining on Page 2

June 2006

Page 1

President’s Message It has been a great pleasure over the last several months to serve with HSAS members and staff on a number of important initiatives. Your Executive Council, it’s sub-committees, Regional Councils and staff have been working hard in a united manner to raise the public profile of our Association and to prepare for the soon approaching next round of collective bargaining.

At time of writing I am in the midst of meeting with the members of existing Regional Councils across the province. I have welcomed the opportunity to listen to members share about problems and successes they have experienced at the local level and to share about efforts being made to address these issues on a province-wide basis. I have been working actively over the last 6 months with the Regional Council Development Committee to support their efforts in establishing more Regional Councils.

I have also been meeting regularly with other sub-committees of your Executive Council such as Constitutional, Communications and Grievance Committees. All these Committees are to be commended for the focused and diligent manner in which they have been working to advance your interests.

As we move into the last year of our current Collective Agreement, it is vital that we work together in a coordinated fashion and I encourage all of our membership to seriously consider getting involved at the local or provincial level in ensuring that HSAS continues to be a strong and effective voice for all.

In solidarity, Chris Driol President

Bargaining (cont. from page 1) membership. It is vital that members send in their bargaining survey by June 28, 2006 so that your Negotiating Committee can formulate bargaining objectives which reflect your needs.

Results of the bargaining survey will be shared with you during meetings to be held across the province starting in October 2006. It is clear to us that the next round of bargaining will be extremely challenging as we negotiate to maintain competitive wages and benefits for our members.

Recruitment and retention issues linked to ever increasing workloads for health care professionals continue to be a problem across Canada. Health care professionals from other unions both within Saskatchewan and across the country continue to make significant gains in collective bargaining. Your Committee is resolved to achieve results which will ensure that our members are compensated adequately for the vital services they provide.

Page 2

June 2006

HSAS Members Recognized For Excellence In Their Professions The Saskatchewan Healthcare Excellence Awards (SHEA) honour the hard work of individuals or teams nominated by colleagues and members of the public. The awards provide a venue to promote successes in healthcare provision in Saskatchewan.

This year, two more HSAS members received awards: 1. Amy Gantefoer - a Speech and Language Pathologist in the Saskatoon Health Region, developed a Laryngectomy Support Group for patients and their families.

2. Curtis Issel - a Certified Prosthetist from the Regina Qu’Appellle Health Region was recognized for his work with Saskatchewan amputees.

Congratulations Amy and Curtis !

Executive Council Vacancy Kateri Singer, one of two Executive Council representatives for our EMS members, recently resigned in order to accept a new out-of-scope position with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region as a Pandemic Coordinator.

Because of Kateri’s resignation, a call for nominations to fill the vacant seat was mailed to each EMS member’s home on April 11, 2006, with a May 5, 2006 deadline for nominations to be received.

Two nominations were put forward, namely: Marian Blain an EMT with Prairie North Health Region and Darcy McKay a Paramedic with Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.

Ballots were mailed to our EMS members the week of May 8, 2006 with a May 31, 2006 deadline for ballots to be received.

Congratulations to Marian Blain who was the successful candidate.

June 2006

Page 3

Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat The Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat (CHPS) Annual Meeting was held in Ottawa on May 1 & 2, 2006. The Secretariat was formed by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) to address the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare professionals across the country and to enhance recognition of the integral contributions we make to quality healthcare. HSAS has been involved in CHPS since its inception as an independent union not affiliated with NUPGE. Representatives from all provinces were on hand to share their experiences, discuss better ways to raise the public profile of healthcare professionals, offer each other up-to-date information on collective bargaining and talk about efforts made toward improving worker safety and quality of healthcare delivery. HSAS was represented by Chris Driol, Rupal Bonli and Sumana Dasgupta.

The keynote presentation at this meeting was delivered by Michael M. Rachlis, MD, a leading health policy analyst. His most recent book “Prescription for Excellence: How Innovation is Saving Canada’s Healthcare System”, highlights many of the new ideas that are coming forward to re-vitalize Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system and also gives evidence based research to show how healthcare in Canada is delivered in a most effective, efficient manner. More information about his work can be found on his website www.michaelrachlis.com.

The Secretariat meeting also featured reports from the 12 participating unions regarding the challenges that they face in representing their members across the country. We returned from this meeting with several new ideas which your Executive Council will review and move to implement. This will assist us in our efforts to better raise the public profile of the important service our members perform as well as enhance our efforts in collective bargaining on your behalf. Participation in CHPS is proving to be very beneficial to HSAS in terms of gaining a better understanding of the issues faced by healthcare professionals across the country and in finding solutions which will work in Saskatchewan to address our members’ issues.

Market Supplement Update A. Paramedics and Physical Therapists October 4, 2004 - The SAHO Provincial Market Supplement Committee issued reports that recommended no further market supplements for Dental Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Prosthethists, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Orthotists, Perfusionists, Physical Therapists and Respiratory Therapists.

February 23, 2005 - HSAS appealed the no further market supplement decision on behalf of Dental Therapists, Orthotists, Pharmacists, Prosthetists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics and Physical Therapists at a hearing before Beth Bilson.

March 17, 2005 - Beth Bilson decided that only Paramedics and Physical Therapists required a market supplement.

November 2, 2005 - Since HSAS and SAHO couldn’t agree on the amount of market Page 4

June 2006

supplement, Beth Bilson heard arguments from both parties regarding the question of quantum.

November 17, 2005 - Beth Bilson decided the market supplements would be 6% for the Paramedics and 4% for the Physical Therapists.

February 14, 2006 - Since HSAS and SAHO could not agree on how to apply the market supplements for Paramedics and Physical Therapists, the parties returned the matter to Beth Bilson for decision.

March 3, 2006 - Beth Bilson decided the market supplements would be applied before the recently negotiated economic increases took effect which was SAHO’s position. HSAS took the view that the market supplement should be applied after the recently negotiated economic increases were implemented.

B. Dental Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Orthotists, Perfusionists Pharmacists and Respiratory Therapists October 16, 2005 - The SAHO Provincial Market Supplement Committee issued reports which recommended the market supplements for these groups be maintained and that no new market supplements were warranted.

April 11, 2006 - HSAS appealed SAHO’s decision to not grant a further market supplement for Perfusionists and Respiratory Therapists.

May 3, 2006 - Beth Bilson decided no further market supplement was needed for Perfusionists or Respiratory Therapists.

NOTE: HSAS notified SAHO we were going to appeal the October 16, 2005 decision to maintain the market supplement for Pharmacists. In response, SAHO stated they would be issuing another market supplement report for this group. We are still waiting for this report.

C. Public Health Inspectors, Infection Control Practitioners and Psychologist PhDs December 19, 2005—The SAHO Provincial Market Supplement Committee issued reports that stated the following: •

Public Health Inspectors - maintain the current market supplement

•

Infection Control Practitioners - increase the market supplement to ensure parity with SUN Level B hourly rates

•

Psychologist PhDs—no market supplement

April 11, 2006 - HSAS appealed SAHO’s decisions on the Public Health Inspectors and Psychologists PhDs before Adjudicator Beth Bilson.

June 2006

Page 5

May 3, 2006 - Beth Bilson issued her decision which confirmed SAHO’s decision on the Psychologist PhDs (no market supplement). However, she decided Public Health Inspectors merited a market supplement.

As a result, HSAS and SAHO will be meeting to negotiate the amount of the supplement. If the parties cannot agree, the matter will be returned to Beth Bilson for a decision.

The full text of Beth Bilson’s decisions can be viewed on our website at www.hsa-sk.com

Mandatory Testing And Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Act On October 17, 2005, the Saskatchewan NDP government proclaimed the Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Act. The legislation was introduced to address situations where an emergency service worker, good Samaritan or victim of crime is exposed to another person’s blood or bodily fluid and believes that person may have an infectious disease and that person refuses to be tested voluntarily. The legislation sets out a court guided process for the source person to be tested on a confidential basis. This allows the person exposed to know if they are at risk.

Problem The legislation does not apply to all health care workers during the normal course of their duties.

In other words, unless an HSAS member is assaulted or spat upon at work, they are not covered.

If you accidentally come into contact with a patient’s bodily substances, you are not covered.

Who does the Act apply to?

1. The Act applies for all Saskatchewan residents in circumstances where the source individual refuses to supply a sample voluntarily and where the exposed individual came into contact with a potentially infectious bodily substance of the source individual either as a victim or crime or when providing emergency services to that individual, and 2. EMS personnel, firefighters and police officers while providing emergency healthcare services or emergency first aid.

Why Aren’t All Health Care Workers Protected?

It is obvious the government overlooked the women and men who save and sustain lives in the health care system. They have addressed some of the concerns of EMS personnel, firefighters and police officers but they need to take the next step.

What Can You Do? Write, fax or e-mail the Minister of Justice and let him know you want the Act amended to

Page 6

June 2006

ensure all health care workers are protected while they carry out their normal duties.

Frank Quennell Minister of Justice Room 355, Legislative Building 2405 Legislative Drive Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B3 Fax: (306) 787-1232 Email: minister@justice.gov.sk.ca

Benefits Update I. Positive Enrolment For HSAS Members Covered By The SAHO Extended Health/ Enhanced Dental Plan What Is Positive Enrolment?

Positive enrolment refers to our Plan requesting employees to provide information about themselves and their family to ensure claims are paid to only those who are eligible.

Why Positive Enrolment?

When a benefit plan is not administered as positively enrolled, claims can sometimes be inadvertently paid through the benefit plan for the following reasons: 1. The Employee is submitting claims for a spouse and/or child through their Employee plan first, rather than coordinating benefits with the spouse’s plan; 2. The Employee is submitting claims for someone that is not an eligible dependent under the terms of their benefit plan; 3. The Employee is submitting claims with a fraudulent intent.

As a result of positive enrolment, the Plan is expected to save 2% of claims or approximately $720,000. The consultant to the Plan feels we could realize closer to 5% in annual savings.

Important Dates April 2006 Positive enrolment forms were mailed to members’ homes in late April. If the information on the form is all correct, the plan member will not be required to respond. If the information on the form is incomplete or requires updating, the plan member will have three choices to provide SAHO with their dependent information:

June 2006

Page 7

1. Complete the blank side of the Positive Enrolment Form with the correct information and return it by mail to SAHO. 2. Contact SAHO by telephone on a designated 24-hour toll-free line and provide them with the correct information.

3. Complete the form on line at the SAHO website (www.saho.org).

June 2006 SAHO plans to mail out members’ annual statements in early June. Included with the statement will be a reminder to update their dependent information.

July 2006 Commencing July 1, Great West Life will administer claims on a positive enrolment basis. The biggest implication of positive enrolment is that Great West Life will not pay a claim for any spouse or child that has not been registered through SAHO. This includes claims made using the pay direct card.

After July 1, 2006 It will be extremely important when an employee has a life event, such as getting married or having a baby, that the dependent information be given to SAHO as soon as possible. Dependent claims will not be paid until the dependent information is received by SAHO and Great West Life.

After July 1, 2006, employees will be required to complete an Employee Changing Information Form to update their dependent information. This form can be obtained from your Human Resources Department.

II. HSAS and Saskatchewan Union of Nurses Join Forces In Suing SAHO On March 30, 2006, HSAS and SUN filed a claim in the Court of Queen’s Bench against SAHO. The claim alleges that commencing April 1, 2000 SAHO did not use HSAS and SUN Extended Health/Enhanced Dental contributions for the sole benefit of HSAS and SUN members.

HSAS and SUN allege that SAHO used the two unions’ surplus contributions to support the Extended Health/Enhanced Dental Plans for other employees.

We will keep you informed of any developments in this case.

III. Regina Civic Pension Plan The Regina Civic Pension Board of Trustees is recommending cuts to pension benefits on a going forward basis commencing January 1, 2007. HSAS has approximately 70 members that are members of this pension plan.

Page 8

June 2006

Why Pension Benefit Cuts?

The preliminary valuation completed by the Pension Plan’s actuaries for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005 have revealed a deficit.

In order to deal with the deficit, employees’ contributions will need to increase from 10.165% to 12.29% of their income effective January 1, 2007. This amount is matched by the employer.

The Board of Trustees feels this level of contributions is not sustainable for either the employer or employees.

What Options Do Members Of The Regina Civic Pension Plan Have?

Members have three (3) main options to choose from: 1. Maintain the current pension benefit and accept the higher contribution rates of 12.29% of income effective January 1, 2007. or 2. Maintain the current contribution levels of 10.165% by cutting pension benefits effective January 1, 2007 provided the cuts realize a savings of 2.125% for employees and 2.125% for employers. or 3. Reduce current contribution levels for employees and the employers to 7.65% each by cutting benefits effective January 1, 2007. The cuts would realize a savings of 4.64% for employees and 4.64% for the employer.

Options #2 and #3 above would require one or a combination of the following amendments to the pension plan: •

• • • •

That earnings for purposes of pension contributions and benefit payments for all future service be based on basic earnings, rather than on earnings that include overtime and other extra pay items.

That the final averaging period for earnings for benefit payments for all future service be increased from 3 years to 5 years.

That eligibility for an unreduced early retirement pension for all future service be based on age plus service adding to 85 and minimum age being 55, or 35 years of service at any age.

That the annual cost of living adjustments (COLA) for all future service be on an ad hoc basis, when funding is available and the Board agrees to a cost of living adjustment.

That the grow-in provision on termination of employment be eliminated for all terminations that occur after December 31, 2006.

What’s Next?

The Board of Trustees has requested the Civic Pension and Benefits Committee to provide a recommendation on what option to pursue.

HSAS has three (3) seats on the Committee, two (2) of which are filled. HSAS members who participate in the Regina Civic Pension Plan are encouraged to contact their representatives on June 2006

Page 9

the Committee: Mary Spurr an Occupational Therapist at Pasqua Hospital - phone: 766-2114 Erwin Zinger a Public Health Inspector for Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region - phone: 766-7757 to let them know how we should proceed. Additionally, plan to attend an informational meeting for HSAS members only, on June 13, 2006 commencing at 5:15 p.m. in Meeting Room 9 at the Regina General Hospital.

The Board of Trustees require a recommendation from the Civic Pension & Benefits Committee in June 2006 so call your HSAS representative as soon as possible or attend the meeting on June 13, 2006.

IV. Health and Dental Plan For Retirees And Those Losing Health Coverage After 2 Years And 119 Calendar Days Of Disability The six (6) healthcare unions and SAHO have decided to move from the Encon Plan to a plan offered through Group Medical Services effective June 1, 2006. The major reason for the move is a lower premium rate for similar benefits. No medical is required if you meet one (1) of the following criteria: 1. If you apply within ninety (90) days of retiring and you were covered by a Health Plan prior to retiring.

2. If you retired anytime during the twenty-four (24) months prior to June 1, 2006 and were covered by a Health Plan.

3. If you lose coverage by virtue of being disabled longer than 2 years and 119 calendar days (own occupation period).

For further information, please contact your Human Resources Department or Group Medical Services Plan at 1-800-667-3699.

Upcoming Events A. Meeting of Executive Council The next HSAS Executive Council meeting will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2006 in Davidson.

B. Silver Anniversary Scholarship Fund The deadline for applications to be received by the Saskatoon HSAS office for the Silver Anniversary Scholarship fund is August 15.

C. HSAS Annual Convention The 34th HSAS Annual Convention will be held Saturday, November 18th at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Saskatoon commencing 1:00 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Michael Rachlis, a leading Canadian health policy analyst. Dr. Rachlis has made presentations to committees of the Canadian House of Commons and Senate and the United States House of Representatives and Page 10

June 2006

Senate. He has authored three best sellers about Canada’s health care system. His most recent book “Prescription for Excellence: How Innovation Is Saving Canada’s Health Care System” highlights new ideas that are coming forward to revitalize Canada public health care system and provides evidence based research to show how health care is delivered in a most effective, efficient manner. (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) each resolution must be submitted by ten (10) active members of the union and (ii) each resolution must be received by the Secretary of the union at the Saskatoon HSAS office no later than September 14, 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 was mailed to each HSAS member’s home the end of April. Nominations were to be received in the Saskatoon HSAS office no later than May 26, 2006. Here is a breakdown on the number of delegates each Health region may send to the Annual Convention and who has been nominated.

Health Region

Allotted Delegates

Nominations Received As of May 26/06

Elected By Acclamation

Prairie North

2

Barbara Beckman

√

Prince Albert Parkland

2

Ruby Lafayette

√

Regina Qu’Appelle

8

Gail Beggs-LaRiviere Marie Danscok Natalie Horejda Kateri Singer

√ √ √ √

Saskatoon

9

Warren Chykowski Jeff Dmytrowich Michelle Dyck Bill Feldbrugge Barbara Harris Don Johannesson Ted Makeechak

√ √ √ √ √ √ √

June 2006

Page 11

Health Region

Allotted Delegates

Nominations Received As of May 26/06

Elected By Acclamation

Sun Country

2

Rosemary Henricksen Rod Watson

√ √

Sunrise

2

Maynard Ostafichuk

√

Nominations for the following vacant delegates seats will be accepted up to and including July 27, 2006. In the event more nominations are received than there are vacancies, ballots will be mailed out the first week of August.

Nomination forms can be obtained by calling the HSAS Saskatoon office at 955-3399 or toll-free at 1-888-565-3399.

Health Region Cypress Five Hills Heartland Keewatin Yatthé Kelsey Trail Mamawetan Churchill River Prairie North Prince Albert Parkland Regina Qu’Appelle Saskatoon Sunrise

Vacancies 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 5 2 1

Responsibilities of Delegates: 1. Required to attend the entire Annual Convention.

2. Read material sent out prior to the convention.

HSAS Supports Education A. Silver Anniversary Scholarship Awards Every year HSAS awards six (6) $500.00 scholarships to a spouse or dependent of an HSAS member enrolled in full-time studies at a post-secondary educational institution leading to a degree, diploma or certificate in an area of study represented by HSAS. Three scholarships are awarded to HSAS applicants employed by Saskatoon and Regina Health Regions and three to applicants employed by the other Health Regions.

These scholarships were established in 1997 to mark the 25th anniversary of our union.

Completed applications must be received in the Saskatoon HSAS office no later than August 15 each year.

Page 12

June 2006

B. Continuing Education Fund The Continuing Education Fund was established at the October 1990 Annual General Meeting with the purpose of promoting continuing education in areas directly related to one’s present position.

A lottery system is used to select applicants with ten (10) names drawn on October 1st and ten (10) names on May 15th of each year. Successful applicants are eligible for a maximum of $500.00.

It is the position of HSAS that the responsibility for assuming costs associated with continuing job related education resides with the employer. To ensure our fund is not treated as a primary source, the Education Fund Committee requires members to apply to their employer or other sources prior to making application to the HSAS Education Fund. Failure to do so will result in the disqualification of the applicant.

For the October 1, 2005 draw, we had 20 applicants. Those chosen were: Name Nicole Bidwell Jennifer Burgess Bill Feldbruegge Karlee Grigg Nicole Kehrig Michael McCann Roseann Nasser Harriett Novak-Galgan Ryan Philipation Vanessa Ripley

Profession Pharmacist Physical Therapist Speech & Language Pathologist Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapist Public Health Inspector Dietitian Psycholoagist Public Health Inspector Assessor/Coordinator

Health Region Regina Qu’Appelle Saskatoon Saskatoon Regina Qu’Appelle Regina Qu’Appelle Regina Qu’Appelle Regina Qu’Appelle Regina Qu’Appelle Kelsey Trail Saskatoon

For the May 15, 2006 draw, we had 28 applicants. Those chosen were: Name

Profession

Health Region

Michael Chan Allison Christiansen Karin Diedrich-Closson Natalie Ferrara Michelle Friesen Sandra Gibney-Long Bonnie Kane Karen Kinar Carla Moreau Bonnie Quiring Gallen

Dietitian Dental Therapist Occupational Therapist Dietitian Social Worker Physical Therapist Social Worker Respiratory Therpaist Dietitian Speech Language Pathologist

Regina Qu’Appelle Mamawetan Churchill River Saskatoon Regina Qu’Appelle Saskatoon Saskatoon Prairie North Saskatoon Saskatoon Saskatoon

Application forms for both the Silver Anniversary Scholarships and Continuing Education Fund can be obtained from the Saskatoon HSAS office or downloaded from our website at www.hsa-sk. com.

June 2006

Page 13

Grievance Corner Reclassification Grievance The union filed a grievance over a Health Region’s refusal to reclassify two (2) Health Educators to the Senior level based on the three (3) year experiential requirement contained in the now expired November 2003 Senior Letter of Understanding.

The grievance eventually ended up at an arbitration hearing held May 10 and 11, 2006 in Weyburn before arbitrator Phil Johnson. No decision has been issued to date.

Key Element At Arbitration The only job description on file for these two (2) positions was the one in effect at the time these positions were devolved from government in the late 1990’s. As a result, the union was relying on the three (3) year experiential requirement contained in the job description. The Health Region was claiming the document on file was not a job description and further that the Health Region no longer saw the need to require three (3) years experience for these positions.

Termination Grievance The union filed a grievance over a Health Region’s termination of an HSAS EMS employee.

The Health Region alleges the HSAS EMS employee provided assistance to a patient that was outside an EMS worker’s scope of practice and therefore has just cause. The union argues our member was directed by a physician to perform the intervention and therefore was only following a bonafide directive.

Note: The care given resulted in no harm to the patient.

No date has been set for the arbitration over this mater. HSAS and the Health Region have agreed to have arbitrator Ted Priel hear the case.

HSAS Loses 16 1/2 Year Employee HSAS Administrator Lynn Regier, has decided to terminate her employment with us in order to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing the Grandma Lee’s outlet in Lawson Heights Mall in Saskatoon.

Lynn commenced her employment with HSAS January 1, 1990 and has never strayed from either her strong work ethic or dedicated and loyal service. Lynn’s contribution to HSAS and our membership will be greatly missed.

Many thanks Lynn for your time with us!

Page 14

June 2006

Executive Council Meeting Highlights Since the beginning of 2006, the HSAS Executive Council has met on two occasions, ie., in February and April. The new council has worked hard at updating all the committees Terms of Reference as well as participating in the regular business at hand. Much of this work is detailed within other sections of Dispatches. Some of the highlights of the February meeting included an unveiling of the communications strategy for the upcoming year, the preliminary work by the Regional Council Development Committee to establish more regional councils and an update of the Addictions Counsellors appeals. In April, the negotiating committee reported on their newly appointed members as well as preliminary plans for the next round of negotiations. It was also at the April meeting that Kateri Singer announced that she would have to step down as Vice President of HSAS due to her appointment as the Pandemic Coordinator for the southern part of the province. Kateri’s resignation is a huge loss to the executive council, however, we are pleased that the government has been proactive in planning for the pandemic and we wish Kateri the best of luck in the very important role that she will play in the province.

Congratulations to Angie McConnell who was elected to the Vice President’s role.

In addition to the provincial executive council meetings, I had the opportunity to accompany Chris Driol and our new labour relations officer, Sumana Dasgupta, to the Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat (CPHS) meeting in Ottawa in early May. The meeting helped highlight the serious shortage of many health care professionals across the country. James Clancy, the current NUPGE president, was able to update all of the union delegates on the climate in Ottawa as well as the work done on a national level to express to the minister of health that the health human resources shortages extend well beyond doctors and nurses, and that solving shortages of health science professionals is integral to solving wait times. The meeting solidified for me the importance of having a well thought out communications strategy to continue to educate our membership as well as the general public about health care issues in the province as well as on a national stage.

In provinces where P-3 hospitals (Public, private partnerships) are being established, there has been a strong presence of health care unions as well as the national organization (NUPGE). In Ontario, for example, OPSEU has planned lobbies and mass rallies in hopes of giving government the message that they want to keep hospitals publicly funded and administered. At the CPHS meeting, Dr. Michael Rachlis, who is one of Canada’s foremost experts on health policy issues, made a very convincing presentation that, even though the wait lists are too long at publicly funded hospitals, there are excellent public sector solutions to the wait-time problems. These solutions, in the end, cost much less than funding private hospitals. Dr. Rachlis also made convincing arguments that there are often systemic reasons why for-profit care tends to be more expensive and of poorer quality than publicly funded care. We have secured Dr. Rachlis to speak to our membership at the Annual General Meeting on November 18th so that all of you have an opportunity to hear his solutions to our health care woes. Finally, over the next few months, we will continue the work of the council including providing our membership with updates of our ad campaign to highlight important health care issues in the province. Have a great summer!

- Rupal Bonli

June 2006

Page 15

Retirements Did you that HSAS is not informed of upcoming retirements, so we need your help in gathering this information.

If you know of an HSAS member who is retiring, please let Charlene in our Regina office know the particulars and we will arrange for a Certificate of Appreciation to be presented.

You can contact Charlene at: Toll-Free: In Regina: E-mail:

1-877-889-4727 585-7751 hsasregina@sasktel.net

Golf Shirts The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan still has a few golf shirts available for sale. Both men’s and women’s styles are embroidered with the HSAS logo on the upper left chest. The shirts are being sold at the union’s cost of $36.00 which includes shipping.

If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact Charlene in the Regina office at 1-877-8894727. She will have a list of sizes and colours available.

Tongue Twister A duel was fought between Alexander Shott and John Nott in June 1849. Nott was shot and Shott was not. In this case it is better to be Shott than Nott. Some said that Nott was not shot.

But Shott says that he shot Nott. It may be that the shot Shott shot, shot Nott, or it may be possible that the shot Shott shot, shot Shott himself. We think, however, that the shot Shott shot, shot not Shott, but Nott. Anyway it is hard to tell which was shot and which was not.

Page 16

June 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

Marian Blain Prairie North Health Region (Emergency Medical Technician) Peggy Forsberg Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (Physical Therapist)

ems2.hsas@sasktel.net

2

Physical Therapists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists

assessor2.hsas@sasktel.net

pt1.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2006

Valerie Stopanski Heartland Health Region (Health Educator)

phi.hsas@sasktel.net

Nov. 2007 Nov. 2006

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

2 Vacant

Public Health Inspectors, Infection Control Practitioners, Dental Hygienists/ Therapists and Health Educators Pharmacists

1

Occupational Therapists Recreation Therapists, Mental Health Therapists Psychologists, Psychometritians

Nov. 2007

1 1

Dietitians, Nutritionists, 1

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

June 2006

Page 17

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 Angie McConnell - sw1.hsas@sasktel.net Social Worker 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 18

Constitutional Nicole Bidwell Debra Ginther Ian Holton Natalie Horejda 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)

June 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 Debra Ginther Jim Jeffery - staff Morag Lyon Debbie Morton Marcel Shevalier Mary Spurr

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

Regional Councils Upon approval of Executive Council, the HSAS By-Laws provide for members in each Health Region to organize themselves into an HSAS Regional Council Regional Councils serve as the eyes and ears of the union.

Active Regional Councils and their Chairpersons are as follows: Sunrise—Tamara Dobmeier Fine Hills—Dot Hicks Prince Albert Parkland—Ruby Lafayette Sun Country—Rod Watson

Regional Council Development Committee - Appearing Soon in your Region Do you ever feel out of touch with other HSAS members? Isolated? Out of the loop? Up the creek without a paddle? Do you find yourself thinking “I pay union dues, but no one seems to be there to help me.” Well, you are not alone! In this vast under populated province we live in it can be a challenge to keep connected and feel supported.

HSAS Executive Council, the Labour Relations Officers and staff members do care about you and your situation. But we cannot help you if we are not made aware of the issues you are facing.

June 2006

Page 19

Hey, our crystal ball is being repaired. However, we would like to offer a solution until we get it back – local Regional Councils.

What do Regional Councils do?

Regional Councils are mandated: ▪ To enhance the working relationships amongst members, other employees, and management toward a healthy workplace environment ▪

To facilitate the education, the awareness, and the advocacy of members about their rights and responsibilities within their employment

▪

To monitor and appraise the application of the Collective Agreement and report discrepancies to the Labour Relations Officer

▪

To appraise and monitor policies, directives and protocols that are issued by the employer that impact on members and report concerns to the Labour Relations Officer

Regional Council Members are not: ▪

shop stewards

▪

experts on Labour Laws or the Collective Agreement

▪

required to solve union/management situations - that’s what the Labour Relations Officers get paid to do.

In other words, Regional Councils act as the eyes and ears of the union.

For instance: ▪

the qualifications or job duties on a posting appear to have been changed or downgraded

▪

months have gone by where a vacant position has not been filled causing stress to the workers in that department

▪

workers have been asked to work outside normal hours without compensation or are expected to perform duties outside of their job description.

A Regional Council member may notice or hear of situations like these and be able to inform the worker of his or her rights and/or encourage the worker to alert the Labour Relations Officers. As well, Regional Councils greatly improve communication among members in their region. This is especially important during times of bargaining when accurate information sharing is crucial.

At this time there are four active Regional Councils in the province, Five Hills, Sun Country, Sunrise and Prince Albert Parkland. Our committee members are keen to spread the news of the

Page 20

June 2006

benefits of having an active Regional Council in every health region. So, members of the Regional Council Development Committee (RCDC) will be traveling to the health regions that do not already have established Regional Councils. We will present a short PowerPoint presentation and answer any questions members might have.

Our committee is committed to promoting and supporting new Regional Councils and we will be there to help you through the development process and beyond. If you would be interested in hearing more about setting up a Regional Council in your region please feel free to contact one of the Regional Council Development Committee members.

Tamara Dobmeier (Sunrise 786-0732) Dot Hicks (Five Hills 694-0212), Rod Watson (Sun Country 842-8678), Ian Holton (Heartland 463-1000 ext 234) Terry Dodds (Saskatoon 655-4108) Chris Driol HSAS President (Saskatoon 655-4500) Murray Wotherspoon (P.A. Parkland 765-6565) Cathy Dickson – Chairperson (P.A. Parkland 765-6565)

Regional Council News Update from Prince Albert Parkland Regional Council The Project Hope monies have brought several changes to our Health Region. We welcome the new HSAS staff members who have been hired to work at the temporary adolescent in-patient centre located at Pineview Terrace in Prince Albert.

Originally the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) was given money to develop and manage an in-patient centre for youth. However, the Grand Council asked the Health Region to assist with the establishment of the program in the interim for one year to give them time to build a facility.

Early on there was concern and Regional Council support for the employees of this interim facility to be HSAS members. This was appraised and later accepted by PAGC and the employer.

There is now appraisal being made to recognize certain in-patient staff for senior classification.

The challenge for the future will be to ensure HSAS membership for these employees after the transfer to the Grand Council. However, there have been assurances that academic credentials of staff be in accordance with HSAS standards after the transfer. These standards will be contingent upon annual provincial funding.

We have noticed that our HSAS positions are being posted with changes in job classifications. At this time, we are bringing our concerns for discussion at the Joint Union Management meetings.

As well, Tim Slattery has provided a strong letter of support in regard to Article 21 to assist us.

We have also noticed that for some of us our job duties and titles are being changed without consultation with the staff member or HSAS. Consultation with our LRO will be taking place to define the response to the employer.

On a closing note, the recent arbitration hearing in regard to Article 10.03 (Reimbursement for meal expense) has assisted some of us in ensuring that we are reimbursed for our meals.

June 2006

Page 21

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 22

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 · Mental Health Services (Nurses Alumnae Wing) · Saskatoon City Hospital · St. Paul’s Hospital · Sturdy Stone · rural areas

June 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

June 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

Page 23

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

June 2006

Page 24