HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATIONOF SASKATCHEWAN NEWSLEI I ER
Dispatches
OCTOBER 1994
NOTICE OF THE 1994 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHO: WHAT: WHERE:
WHEN:
WHY:
All HSAS Members Are Invited To Attend HSAS Annual General Meeting Terrace Room [Convention Level] Bessborough Hotel 601 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon [parking available in the Avard Towers Parkade across the street from the Bessborough] Saturday, October 22, 1994 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The traditional Wine and Cheese which takes place at the conclusion of the Business Meeting will be held to welcome Alice Robert. Alice was hired effective October 3, 1994 to fill our vacant Labour Relations Officer position. 1. Hear Larry Haiven; a Professor in Industrial Relations at the U of S, speak on the topic "Total Quality Management and Team Concept - The Challenge For Unions". 2. Find out what your union has been involved with over the past year. 3. Discuss a suggestion to change our union's name. 4. Meet and socialize with fellow HSAS Members. 5. Be eligible to win one of two cash prizes of one hundred dollars $100.00 each.
Bring This Copy Of Dispatches With You To The Annual General Meeting
4. Executive Director's Annual Report 5. Committee Reports: [a] Finance - presentation of the Auditor's Report. Copies available from Executive Council Members, District Council Chairpersons or the HSAS office from October 19, 1994 [b] Negotiating [c] Communication [d] Grievance [e] Education [f] Emergency 6. Election of HSAS Members to the following Executive Council positions: Executive CouncilPosition
Incumbent/Hospital Nominations/Hospital
[a] Dietitians Michael Chan/RGH Michael Chan/RGH [bl Laboratory Technologists/ Students Karen Giesbrecht/RUHKaren Giesbrecht/RUH [c] Occupational Therapists Jason Hancock/SPH None Recieved [d] Psychologists Nahid Ahmad/RUH None Recieved [e] Social Workers Elliott PausJenssen/RUH Lorraine Marquis/RUH [ij Speech Language Pathologists & Orthoptists Laura Carney/RUH Pam Ridgway/RUH
7. New Business [a] Discuss a proposal from an HSAS member to change the name of our organization to reflect the fact we are a union. continued on page 2
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA 1:00 -1:20 1:20 -1:30 1:30 - 3:00 3:00- 3:30 3:30- 5:30 5:30- 6:30 7:30
Registration Introduction and Welcome by President Roberta Ekberg Guest Speaker - Larry Haiven Refreshment Break Business Meeting (see agenda] Social to welcome Alice Robert to our union Annual Presictent's Dinner for Executive Council [current, outgoing and incoming], Board of Governors and District Council Chairpersons.
BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Content Highlites Annual General Meeting ..... ... ......... page 1 Health District Happenings .... . ... . .... page 3 Labour Relations Board Matters ...... page 5 Spot-Light On Pulmonary Function Technologists . .................................
page 5
Committee Reports . ..... .... .... .... .... ... page 6 Grievances ................ ...... ...............
page 7
Executive Council Highlites ............. page 8 1. Adoption of Agenda 2. Adoption of the October 23, 1993 Annual General Meeting Minutes 3. President's Annual Report
Executive Director's Corner ................ page 9
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8. Members' Resolutions 9. Adjournment 10. Lottery to select winners of two cash prizes of $100.00 each [only those who are HSAS members and present at the draw will be eligible]
ATTENTION HSAS MEMBERS IN REGINA AND PRINCE ALBERT The union will provide transportation to and from the Annual General Meeting. If you are interested in this offer please contact: Roberta Ekberg, Regina, home 781-2367 Bonnie Reed, Prince Albert, home 764-1338
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN HELD OCTOBER 23, 1993 Call To Order:
The Annual General Meeting of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan was held in the Terrace Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon on Saturday, October 23, 1993. The meeting was called to order by President , Ted Makeechak at 1:35 p.m. He welcomed everyone and introduced the following: Executive Council Members: Nahid Ahmad - Psychologists Laura Carney - Speech Language Pathologists & Orthoptists Michael Chan - Dietitians Roberta Ekberg - Pharmacists Colleen Hancharuk - Occupational Therapists Ted Makeechak - Physical Therapists Elliott PausJenssen - Social Workers Bernard Schaan - Laboratory Technologists Board of Governors: Ron Currie District Council Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons Bonnie Reed - Victoria Union Hospital Shannon Wilde Saskatoon City Hospital He then introduced the Executive Director , Tim Slattery, who introduced the guest speakers. Guest Speakers:
The guest speakers were: 1. Norm Bulmer who is employed at Sas katoon Chemicals Ltd . and serves as the Unit Chairperson of the Communication , Energy and Pape r Workers Union and 2 . Mike Rushby who is the Saskatchewan Division Manager of Human Resources and Organization Development for Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. They spoke on how union and management at Saskatoon Chemicals Ltd. have worked together over the past four years to implement a more democratic workplace.
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At the conclusion of their talk they answered questions from the floor. Adoption of the Agenda:
Following the speaker, a refreshment break was taken. At 3:45 p.m., Ted Makeechak, serving as Chairperson, called the Business meeting to order and requested a motion to adopt the agenda. Moved by: Lesley Chlopan Seconded by: Joan Stewart Motion Carried Adoption of the October 24, 1992 Annual General Meeting Minutes:
The Chairperson called for adoption of the October 24, 1992 A.G.M. Minutes. Moved by: Laura Carney Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried President's Annual Report:
Ted Makeechak presented his report and moved its adoption. Seconded by: Nahid Ahmad Motion Carried Quorum:
As there was less than 10% of the membership present the Chairperson called for a motion to proceed with the meeting. Moved by: Karen Giesbrecht Seconded by: Roberta Ekberg A show of hands indicated the motion carried by more than two thirds of those present. 路 Auditor's Report:
Secretaryffreasurer Bernard Schaan thanked: [1) Members of the Finance Committee (Ed Dewhurst , Karen Giesbrecht, Elliott PausJenssen and Tim Slattery) and [2) Lynn Regier, Office Assistant for their assistance over the past year in preparing the budget, completing the Statements of Receipts and Disbursements and maintaining the Synoptic Journal. Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the general Audited Statement Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Ron Walsh Motion Carried Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the Audited Emergency Fund Account. Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Shelley Hamilton Motion Carried Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the Audited Scholarship Foundation Inc. Account. Moved by: June Rodych Seconded by: Nahid Ahmad Motion Carried
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Bernard Schaan called for a motion to have Glen Dean appointed as the H.S.A.S. Auditor for the period October 1, 1993 to September 30, 1994. Moved by: Ron Walsh Seconded by: Karen Giesbrecht Motion Carried Executive Director's Report:
Tim Slattery presented his report and called for a motion to adopt it as presented Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Kathy Brown Motion Carried Committee Reports: Communication, Emergency, Education, Grievance and Selection
Tim Slattery presented reports on behalf of each of the above noted committees and called for adoption of the reports as presented. Moved by: Laura Carney Seconded by: Frank Bertoia Motion Carried Contract
On behalf of the Negotiating Committee, Roberta Ekberg presented an oral report on provincial negotiations with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations. During her report she requested feedback on the following issues: [1] All vacancies being posted for H.S.A.S. members within the District where the vacancy occurs. There was general consensus that this was the correct approach. [2] Who should receive casual and temporary work while H.S.A.S. members are on lay off. There was general consensus that it is difficult to satisfy everyone's concerns in this area. At the conclusion of her report Roberta Ekberg, moved her report be adopted as presented. Seconded by: June Rodych Motion Carried Election of Executive Council Members:
Secretaryffreasurer , Bernard Schaan, reported that: [1] One nomination had been received for five vacant Executive Council seats. As a result the following are elected by acclamation: Name/Hospital
Laura Carney/RUH
Executive Council Seat
Term of Office
Speech Language Oct./93 - Oct./95 Pathologists & Orthoptists Roberta Ekberg/Pas Pharmacists Oct./93 - Oct./95 Jason Hancock/SPH Occupational Oct./93 - Oct./95 Therapists Ted Makeechak/SPH Physical Therapists Oct./93 - Oct./95 Dawn Senko/RUH Radiology Oct./93 - Oct./95 Technologists /Students & Nuclear Medicine Technologists [2] Three nominations (Spencer Hanson, Carrie Mulligan
and Mark Rosin) had been received for the newly created Council Seat representing Cardiology Technologists, Orthopedic Technologists, E.E .G. Technologists and Trainees, E.M.G. Technologists, Perfusionists , Pulmonary Function Technologists and Trainees, Cardio-Vascular Technologists and Trainees and Respiratory Therapists. As a result.a secret ballot election was held among those attending the A.G.M. employed in these professions. From this process Mark Rosin emerged as the representative on Executive Council. His term of office will be October, 1993 to October, 1995 or until the matter of representation on Council is decided, which ever occurs first. At the conclusion of the election Ron Currie moved the ballots be destroyed. Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried New Business:
Lesley Chlopan raised a concern that the various reports handed out were not double sided. Tim Slattery explained that since our copying machine at the H.S.A.S. office: [1J Was not designed for double sided copying and [2] Has been mal functioning of late it was not possible to copy double sided this year. Members' Resolutions:
Karen Giesbrecht moved that the A.G .M. approve all actions undertaken by Executive Council over the past year (October 24, 1992 to October 23, 1993). Seconded by: Freda Toffolo-Frost Motion Carried Adjournment:
There being no further business, Nahid Ahmad moved adjournment at 5:20 p.m. Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried Lottery Draw:
The winners of the two $100.00 door prizes were: [1] Freda Toffolo-Frost, Speech Language Pathologist at R.U.H. [2] Mary-Lane Clark, Respiratory Therapist at R.U.H.
END OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HEALTH DISTRICT HAPPENINGS Prince Albert:
At its meeting held on July 8, 1994 the P.A. District Health Board ratified the memorandum of agreement between SAHO and HSAS. The P.A. District Health Board recently invited tenders from all local retail pharmacists to supply the following long term care facilities with pharmacy services; Mont. St. Joseph Home Inc., Pineview Terrace and Herb Bassett Home. On July 1, 1994 the contract was awarded to Superstore. With the awarding of this contract the cost of filling prescriptions will be reduced to $1.98/perscription with an overall potential savings of
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approximately $150,000 to residents over the next two years. Regina: [a] Employee and Physician Survey The Reg ina Health District hired Hay Manage ment Consultants Ltd to design an employee physician survey which was distributed in May , 1994. In September the results of the survey were announced. The following areas were rated as below average by those completing the survey; downward communication, opportunities to communicate upward, opportunities for advancement, training and development opportunities, salaries and benefits, pride , sense of accomplishment , opportunity to have ideas adopted, ability and visibility of management.
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ager positions one HSAS Chief and two Section Chiefs were issued lay off notices. Of those laid off one took early retirement while the remaining two maintained employment by exercising their seniority into lower paid classifications. [b) Reclassification RUH
of Radiology Technologist
Ills at
At the beginning of August, 1994 the union was informed that the SDHB planned to reclassify four [4] of the seven [7] Radiology Technologist Ills to the Technologist I level. Pursuant to 路Article 16 of our contract the SDHB and the union negotiated a settlement that will see the reclassified Technologists maintained at their Ill salaries until the top step of the Technologist I scale equals or exceeds it. The agreement also requires the SDHB to ensure these reclassified Technologists are not required to perform Ill duties. [c] Rehabilitation Outreach Services - RUH
Editors Note - Given the number of areas that were rated as below average you would think job satisfaction would also be rated similarly. Wrong! Hay Management Consultants translated this discontent into the following statement. "Employees show a high degree of job satisfaction". Now we know why the Regina Health District hired these people. [b] Retreat On Continuing Quality Improvement The Health District has planned a retreat October 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Echo Valley Conference Centre to develop a quality improvement plan. Participants will include representatives from Executive Management, Board of Governors, Medical Staff, Unions and Directors. [c] Union - Management Meeting A meeting was held June 22, 1994 at Wa sca na Rehabilitation Centre. Fred Stir and Judy Bell represented the ADHB. Roberta Ekberg and Tim Slattery represented HSAS. Here is a brief summary of what transpired: [i] The union agreed to a proposal to create a new out-of-scope classification entitled Clinical/Educational Specialist provided the duties of the position are managerial and the total number of Pharmacist out-of-scope positions currently permitted by agreement with HSAS [6] would not be exceeded. [ii] Negotiations were concluded over title and rates of pay for two [2] new in-scope Pharmacist classifications; namely.Clinical Coordinator and DUE/DI Pharmacist. [iii] Discussion over staffing concerns in the Pharmacy Department at the Plains Health Centre. Although some of the concerns have been addressed others are being monitored and will be dealt with as required.
In February , 1994 the SDHB established several clinical working groups. HSAS has representatives on nine [9] of those groups. In June, 1994 the Board established a Task Force with HSAS representation to implement a plan that HSAS members had no involvement in putting together. The plan called for an end to the program model and a move to a professional model. It also called for the three [3] HSAS Rehab Assessor /C oord inators to be moved to CAU/Home Care, an SGEU bargaining unit. The target date for the move was September 6, 1994. As per usual; however, the people affected had many unanswered questions as did the union. One of the main stumbling blocks is the refusal of SGEU to recognize the seniority of our 3 members if they move with their service. [This is S.G.E.U.'s way of punishing HSAS for our Wascana application]. Because the Health Board has taken the position that employees being involuntarily transferred should not be negatively impacted they moved the target date for transferring the HSAS Assessor/Coordinators back to October 7, 1994. They had hoped the two unions could meet and resolve the seniority issue. In a meeting on September 22, 1994 SGEU representative s made it clear that HSAS Assessor/ Coordinator s moving to GAU/ Home CAr e on October 7, 1994 could not bring their seniority with them. They did state; however, that they would sit down with HSAS after the Labour Relations Board issued its decision on our Wascana application to discuss the seniority question. In the meantime, HSAS has: 1J requested the SDHB bargain a satisfactory solution to this problem and 2] consulted legal counsel regarding other options available to the union. [d) Itinerant Movement of HSAS Members Within The Health District
[a] Lay Offs - Laboratory
HSAS has begun negotiations over an agreement with the SDHB that will govern the movement of HSAS members moving between SDHB sites.
In April, 1994 HSAS was informed that the SDHB was creating District wide out-of-scope management positions for each laboratory section. As a result, effective the beginning of June, the out-of-scope section manager positions at SCH and SPH were abolished as were the HSAS in-scope Chief and Section Chief classif ications at RUH . Although two HSAS Section Chiefs were successful in bidding into man-
Until an agreement is negotiated HSAS and the SDHB have agreed that in the SCH and RUH laboratories , Technologists can be moved between sites for short term orientation purposes. H.S.A.S.'s agreement to this is contingent on no loss of hours for Technologists at either site. For Technologists moving between sites their terms and condi-
Saskatoon:
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tions of employment will be as per their home site collective agreement.
[e] Laboratory Services On September 27, 1994 the SDHB announced that a Laboratory Steering Committee will be meeting October 11, 1994 to begin the process of deciding in which hospital[s] the high volume lab will be located. This five member Committee has no front line health care worker representation. It is made up of John Malcom, the CEO for MOS and three Physicians.
LABOUR RELATIONS BOARD MATTERS Wascana Rehabilitat ion Centre - Regina:
In response to a request from a majority of the ninety [90] paramedical employees at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. HSAS filed an application to represent them. Hearings took place March 10, April 14, May 24 and 27, 1994. No decision has been issued to date. Saskatoon District Health Board:
HSAS filed an unfair labour practice application with the Labour Relations Board against the Saskatoon District Health Board on April 15, 1994 for their failure to place Social Workers, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in our bargaining unit at SCH after transferring them from Parkridge on March 28, 1994. The following applications were heard by the Labour Relations Board July 11, 12 and 13 in Saskatoon. The decisions are as follows: 1.
2.
3.
Saskatoon City Hospital - HSAS application to represent Psychologists, Orthoptists, Recreation Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists. HSAS was awarded the groups applied for with the exception of the Recreation Therapists . Royal University Hospital - SEIU application to represent all of the Technologist groups awarded to HSAS by the LRB in August, 1993 excluding the Laboratory and Radiology Students . The Board dismissed S.E.I.U.'s application. Parkridge Centre - SEIU application to represent paramedical employees at Parkridge . HSAS did not object to this application. S.E.1.U.'s application was granted.
SPOT-LIGHT ON PULMONARY FUNCTION TECHNOLOGISTS By Vic Hannah, a Pulmonary Function Technologist II at Royal University Hospital The Pulmonary Function Laboratory at the Royal University Hospital employs three full-time and one part-time Technologist, all of whom are members of HSAS. Pulmonary Function Technologists are certified by the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists .
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Pre-requisites for certification is a diploma or degree in a bio-medical field [eg. nursing, respiratory therapy, physiology, etc.] followed by a minimum of one year on-site training. Upon passing the National Registry Examination, the candidate becomes a Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologist in the Pulmonary Medicine field [R.C.P.T.(P)]. The Pulmonary Function Laboratory makes use of computerized and electronic analyzers to make accurate measurements of lung functions. These measurements are of use not only in the diagnosis of cardio-pulmonary dysfunction, but also in the assessment and maintenance of drug therapy. Routine testing involves such measurements as: flowvolume loops, lung volumes with subdivision, gas transfer, inspiratory and expiratory muscle pressures and allergy testing. Methacholine Challenge Testing [M.C.T.] is a more involved procedure involving controlled dose inhalation of methacholine to provoke broncho-constriction . This test is very useful in the diagnosing of asthma in patients who demonstrate only mild symptoms of this disease. The MCT is also an essential component in the measurement and diagnosis of occupational asthma. At RUH, this procedure is used to help quantify the degree of airway responsiveness to various inhaled agents, such as isocyanates , which are commonly found in automobile painting shops. More recently , our laboratory has begun Respiratory Exercise Testing. This procedure involves on-line measurement of certain physiological parameters while a patient is exercising on a computer controlled ergonometer [bicycle]. Some of these parameters include: work rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production , oxygen saturation, respiratory exchange rate and heart rate . Usually the patient begins the test at rest followed by periodic increments in the workload until maximum exercise is achieved. This procedure is useful in detecting certain physiological abnormalities that may not be discernable under normal resting conditions. Although some pulmonary function testing is required on an urgent basis, most testing is performed on an outpatient basis which helps to keep health care costs to a minimum.
TWO HSAS MEMBERS GRADUATE FROM THE U OF S LABOUR STUDIES PROGRAM HSAS is proud to announce that Karen Giesbrecht and Terry Akister, Laboratory Technologists at RUH, have successfully completed the Labour Studies Program at the U of S. Karen and Terry convocated on May 29, 1994. The keynote speaker at the convocation was Bob White; President of the Canadian Labour Congress. The U of S Labour Studies Program is the only university based program officially recognized by the Canadian Labour Congress . The program combines academic subjects with a labour perspective . The goal is to encourage activists to participate more fully in their union's struggle. The HSAS Industrial Relations Education Fund provided Karen and Terry financial assistance to complete their program.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS Educat ion Fund [Nahid Ahmad , Ted Makeechak, Elliott PausJenssen and Tim Slattery]
[al 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 five (5) names drawn on October 1 and five (5) names on May 15 of each year. Successful applicants are eligible for a maximum of $500.00.' It is the position of H.S.A.S . 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 funding source the Education Fund Committee requires members to apply to their employers or other sources prior to making application to the H.S.A.S. Education Fund. The successful applicants in the October 1, 1994 lottery were as follows: Name Cindy Anderson Helen Erasmus Sylvia Keall Helene Machnee Lynne Salamon
Hospital RUH RUH Plains RUH RUH
Profession Occupational Therapist Dietition Social Worker Dietitian Occupational Therapist
[b] Industrial Relations Education Fund This fund was establi shed by Executive Council at it 's February 19, 1992 meeting . Its purpose is to encourage H.S.A.S. members to increase their knowledge of industrial relations. The sum of $1200.00 per fiscal year is available to members . Moneys are distributed on a first come first served basis to a maximum of $400.00 per member per year.
During the summer the three Health Boards; Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina also ratified the memorandum. The official signing of the ratified document by HSAS and SAHO took place September 21, 1994 in Saskatoon. Retroactivity should be paid out to HSAS Members by the end of October . Once new contracts are printed each member will be provided a copy. [2] Local Negotiations It is hoped negotiations with each Hospital over local issues will begin in October, 1994. Selection{Nahid Ahmad , Ron Currie, Ed Dewhurst ,Roberta Ekberg and Tim Slattery]
In May, 1993 Executive Council passed a motion to recruit a Labour Relations Officer to work with the Executive Director on a temporary one (1) year term basis. A Selection Committee was struck and directed by Council to recruit for this position. The Committee is pleased to announce that Alice Robert has accepted an offer to fill the position . Alice began her duties effective October, 1994. She will be involved in all aspects of labour relations including: interpretation and administration of the collective agreement, servicing bargaining units, assisting in negotiations and Labour Relations Board and matters, conducting educational programs for the membership, research and committee work. Alice has a long history of interest and involvement in labour relations matters . She worked with the Saskatchewan Department of Labour for over 10 years between 1972-83. As part of her duties as Program Coordinator for the Occupational health and Safety Branch she developed educational programs and informational materials for workers on occupational health committees.
This fiscal year the following individuals were granted funding :Terry Akister / Royal University Hospital / Laboratory Technologist and Karen Giesbrecht / Royal University Hospital/Laboratory Technologist.
Following graduation from the University of Saskatchewan Law School in 1986, she has been involved in teaching as well as the practice of law - including employment and labour law. In addition to a general law practice Alice has conducted arbitrations for various unions and has maintained an interest in labour education.
Negotiating[Ron Currie, Roberta Ekberg , Karen Giesbrecht ,Lorraine Marquis , Yvonne Dunsworth and Tim Slattery]
Most recently she worked for two years with the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission, representing clients in the areas of criminal and labour law.
[1] Provincial Negotiations SAHO and HSAS signed a memorandum of agreement June 17, 1994. At its June 28, 1994 meeting the HSAS Executive Council voted to accept the terms of the memorandum and directed it be sent to the membership for ratification. Ratification votes were held as follows: Prince Albert - July 19, 1994 Regina - July 20, 1994 Saskatoon - July 21, 1994 100% of those voting voted to accept the memorandum.
Alice and her husband have two grown children and a 5 year old grandson, Nathan. Their son, Sean is completing law school and their daughter, Jennifer is completing a doctorate in science anatomy at the University of Saskatchewan. Our organization has consulted with Alice in the past concerning labour issues and she is looking forward to working with the Executive Council and Executive Director and meeting with our members to discuss concerns and needs.
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Tim Slattery welcoming Alice Robert to HSAS
LABOUR CANADA GRANT In response to an application from HSAS the federal government 's Department of Labour provided HSAS with a $604.00 grant. These money s are to be used in the area of labour education .
Royal University/Laboratory Hospital denied a laid off Technologist right to bump into a position held by another Technologist with less seniority in breach of Article 20
Greivance withd rawn on a without prejudice basis .
Royal University/ Radiology Hospital: [1] improperly laid off Radiology Technolog ist by denying him the right to exercise seniority . Articles breached 5.01 , 20 and 24.01 .
SDHB and HSAS arrived at a compromise settlement that was satisfactory to the Grievor . Grievance withdrawn.
Plains Health Centre/ Pharmacy Hospital failed to: [1) negotiate title and rate of pay for new classification entitled Clinical Assistant [2] Post the vacancy for Clinical Assistant. Article breached 3 .01 and 16
Grievance withdrawn on a without prejudice basis as this new position was a temporary one for 3 months and it ended .
OTHER CONCERNS H.S.A.S. GRIEVANCES Nature of Grievance
Status
Royal University/ Nuclear Medicine Hospital. [1J not remitting dues for Radiopharmacist who is performing bargaining unit work and [2) is contracting out bargaining unit work.Articles breached 2.01, 3.01, 4.02 and 14.01, 16.05
Without prejudice settlement arrived at that will see the SDHB pay to HSAS all outstanding dues. Grievance withdrawn
Royal University/Laboratory Hospital placed a disciplinary letter on Technologist's personnel file. The union contends the disciplinary letter is unwarranted and the individual concerned has been singled out and treated differently from other Technologist who have been involved in equivalently serious and/or potentially more serious incidents.
SDHB has agreed to remove the letter from the employee's file . Grievance withdrawn
Royal University/Laboratory Hospital unilaterally changed the educational and experiential requirements for the Technologist I and II class ifications in the Cytogenetics Lab. Article breached 3.01 and 16.01.
SDHB and HSAS arrived at compromise settlement. Grievance withdrawn
Nature of Grievance
Status
Saskatoon City/Opthamology Negotiations over this will Duties and responsibilities take place during local for in scope Administrative negotiations at SCH. Orthoptist altered .Saskatoon District Health Board has obligation under Articles 3.01 and 16.01 to negotiate title and rate of pay. Saskatoon City/ Laboratory HSAS has requested the Hospital plans to unilaterally SDHB to negotiate such reduce hours of work for changes with the union. some Technologist s working evenings and weekends . Royal University/ Patient Education Hospital unilaterally changed educational and experiential requirements for Staff Dietitians working in Diabetes Education in breach of Article 3.01 and 16.01.
Concern addressed as Hospital has agreed to change the educational and experiential requirements so they are in line with what is required of a Staff Dietitian
Royal University/Rehab Negotiations between the Outreach Services SDHB and HSAS resulted in the SDHB agreeing to Two [2] HSAS members are being involuntarily recognize HSAS seniority at transferred to Home Home Care and permit the Care, an SGEU bargaining two (2) HSAS member s to unit. Since SGEU refuses bridge back to RUH in the event their seniority is to recognize HSAS seniority we have requested negatively impacted . the SDHB to negotiate terms that ensure HSAS members are not harmed in the move .
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Royal University/Kinsmen Children Centre Hospital unilaterally changed job description for the Senior Occupational Therapist at the Kinsmen Children's Centre. As written it would seem an Occupational Therapist with a diploma would not qualify to work in the position.
Concern addressed as SDHB provided the union with written assurance that qualified diploma O.T.s would be considered to fill Senior O.T. positions.
Royal University/ Laboratory HSAS has requested the SDHB to negotiate terms and conditions of employment for the Student Laboratory and Radiology Students.
No dates have been established to begin negotiations
Royal University/Laboratory HSAS has expressed concern over the unilateral reclassification of Technologist Ill teaching duties to a lower paid classification in two of the laboratory sections.
The SDHB has been requested to negotiate this reclassification .
Royal University/Laboratory Saskatoon District Health Board plans to eliminate Chief and Section Chief classifications but has not discussed plan with the union.
Concern addressed when SDHB agreed to provide sufficient notice to those laid off as a result of classification being abolished.
bumping ; however , they were paid vacation pay based on their new lower paid classification , in breach of Article 11 of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Standards Act. St. Paul's/Occupational Therapy Hospital is: [1] not remitting dues for an O.T. who is performing bargaining unit work and [2] is contracting in bargaining unit work. Articles breached 2.01, 3.01 , 4.02, 14.01, 16.05. Regina General/Food and Nutrition Services Intern Coordinator vacancy was posted as full time but filled on a part time basis without being posted as part time.
Concern resolved as succes sful candidate was the only qualified HSAS candidate in the Health District.
Regina General Letter of discipline placed on employee's personnel file without holding a disciplinary meeting or informing the union.
Concern resolved when RDHB agreed to remove letter from employee's file.
UP-COMING EVENTS The 23rd. lnterprovinc ial Meeting will be held June 7, 8 and 9, 1995 in Saskatoon . HSAS will be hosting the event. This is an annual meeting of our sister unions from across Canada. The HSAS Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday, October 22, 1994 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. All HSAS members are invited. HSAS Executive Council will hold its next meeting Saturday, October 22, 1994 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Saskatchewan Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon .
HSAS has informed both Royal University/Laboratory the SDHB and the manager A manager in the lab is that to date HSAS is attempting to unilaterally implement a system of peer opposed to peer review and if implemented without review. being properly negotiated will be grieved . SDHB has been informed of Royal University/Perfussion Perfusionists being required the Perfusionists ' concerns and we are waiting a to work excessive hours response. and not being paid standby according to a local agreement. Royal University/Pharmacy Pharmacist[s] being paid additional moneys to perform managerial work but no "responsibility pay" language in the collective agreement.
Negotiations are currently taking place over language governing responsibility pay.
SDHB Because of being laid off some HSAS members have had to exercise seniority into lower paid classifications .They earned vacation based on their formerly held higher paid classification.When taking their vacation after
The SDHB has agreed to pay vacation pay based on the rate it was accrued
Discussions are currently taking place with the Hospital to resolve this issue.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HIGHLITES May 25, 1994: 1J
Tim Slattery reported that: the Saskatoon District Health Board made application to the provincial Human Rights Commission to exclude male Radiology Technologists from performing work in the RUH Mammography Clinic.
In response Council decided that HSAS should contact the Commission and question whether being female is a bonafide occupational requirement to work in the mammorgraphy clinic. 2] the SDHB signed an agreement with SEIU just prior to the consolidation of Rehab Services at SCH to recognize SEIU as the bargaining agent for employees transferring to SCH from Parkridge. This agreement contraves a Labour Relations Board certification order at SCH which assigns Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Physical Therapists to the HSAS bargaining unit
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June 28, 1994:
Counsel voted unanimously to accept the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the HSAS Negotiating Team and SAHO. Elliott PausJenssen informed Council that the Geriatric Assessment Unit at RUH is planned to be moved to SCH in the summer of 1995. September 20, 1994
Tim Slattery reported the following: 1J
the Human Rights Commission has made no decision on the SDHB application to exclude males from working in the RUH mammography clinic.
2]
the HSAS office computer ceased to operate in July, 1994 and with Council's approval he and Lynn Regier, the Administrative Assistant, undertook the task of finding a replacement. The system chosen was an IBM package. Given that unions are under attack across Canada and that the Saskatoon City Common Front Workers have walked the picket line for seven weeks; Council voted unanimously to donate a per capita amount of $1.00 to the Front. On September 28, 1994 a cheque in the amount of $650.00 was handed to the Common Front on behalf of the members of HSAS as a small token of support for their historic show of solidarity in an effort to obtain a just and fair collective agreement.
A friendly challenge has been extended to unions representing Saskatchewan health care workers [SUN, SEIU, SGEU, CUPE] to meet or beat H.S.A.S.'s per capita contribution.
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Health Care Professionals, The Association of Allied Health Professionals:Ontario, The Association Professionalle Des Technologistes Medicaux Du Quebec, Centrale des Professionel [le] s de la Sante' and the Association of Allied Health Professionals: Newfoundland and Labrador. A joint statement was issued to the press on the restructuring of Canada's health care system. What follows are excerpts from that statement. "While the principles articulated in Health Reform initiatives are supported, the reality falls short of meeting those stated objectives. While Canadians have enjoyed and expected a system of health care historically secured by the government, the quality of Medicare is taking second place to fiscal expediency. The shift in health delivery from acute care institutions to the community is proving to be a cut in service. Promised community delivery models are slow to materialize while the speed of reform [read: cut] accelerates across the country. The assurances of the politicians are ringing hollow as health workers cite examples of regressive changes under the guise of health reform. The values expressed in the Canada Health Act - universal, accessible, non profit, comprehensive and publicly administered health insurance are at risk. Health care is becoming a business as the private sector takes over where the government has failed to meet its commitments. The individual will be expected to meet the shortfall, paying the cost out of their own pocket. Canada will have a health system approaching that of the United States. Health care professionals agree with health reform experts who say that the biggest contributor to the cost of our health system is the ''fee for service" structure and physician practices. Reform initiatives have refused to tackle this issue effectively as doctors maintain their power in the system." HSAS was represented at this meeting by Roberta Ekberg, Karen Giesbrecht and Tim Slattery.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER As you may be aware the Saskatoon District Health Board [SDHBJ has decided to transfer three HSAS positions [Assessor Coordinators] from our bargaining unit at the Royal University Hospital [RUH] to the Central Assessment Unit at Home Care, represented by SGEU. Representing the Common Front, Arlene Rey [on the left] is shown accepting the HSAS donation from Karen Giesbrecht, Secretaryrrreasurer of HSAS
INTERPROVINCIAL MEETING HELD JUNE 2-3, 1994 IN TORONTO The Association of Allied Health Professionals: Ontario hosted the 22nd annual lnterprovincial. Our sister unions from across Canada representing over 30,000 health care professionals met for two days to discuss various topics. Representatives from the following unions were in attendance: Health Sciences Association of British Columbia, Health Sciences Association of Alberta, Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan, The Manitoba Association of
In a separate agreement with HSAS to govern this transfer the SDHB is prepared to recognize rights of individual members affected; and, significantly, Employees involuntarily transferred will carry with them accumulated service and seniority. SGEU has taken the position that after the involuntary transfers take effect it will not recognize the seniority of our members absorbed into SGEU. We do not and cannot oppose losing three members to SGEU but we cannot stand by while SGEU sacrifices and punishes members who are still in HSAS. SGEU takes the crass view that because we are "raiding" at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina they are entitled to deny our members seniority rights [As you are aware HSAS has applied to the Labour Relations Board to represent the paramedicals, who are presently in SGEU and who
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have over-whelmingly expressed their wish to join HSAS as their union of choice]. The actions of SGEU are the type of anti-union activity by some unions that discredit all unions as anti-democratic by putting their institutional and organizational interests first before the interests of the working members - the rank and file. SGEU is breaking a fundamental principle among unions - workers should not be victimized or harmed by a union. This is vitally important since we know that sometimes the interests of a union as an organization may be in conflict with workers as members. In HSAS we put the needs and protection of our members first, not second. We believe that the interests of the trade union movement in the long run are promoted best if the rank and file members know their protection comes first. Bob White from the Canadian Auto Workers, now President of the CLC, has taken this view and recognized that democratic choice in unions strengthens the labour movement. [As you know there was a dispute between the auto workers and the fishermen's union in the Maritimes]. HSAS does not "raid" other unions as SGEU claims. The term "raiding" is a pejorative term suggesting that one union is trying illicitly to steal another union's members. Unlike other large health care Unions we do not have full time organizers nor do we have any interest in seeking members of other unions. The real problem is that of disaffected rank and file workers who are unhappy with present unions and as a matter of last resort go to another union for help. Is it better to have members say all unions are no good and undemocratic and that they are locked in forever with no freedom to choose which union can best represent them? This fundamental right of free choice is supposed to be guaranteed by Section 3 of the Saskatchewan Trade Union Act: "Employees have the right to organize in and to form, join or assist trade unions and to bargain collectively through a trade union of their own choosing; and the trade union designated or selected for the purpose of bargaining collectively by the majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for that purpose shall be the exclusive representative of all employees in that unit for the purpose of bargaining collectively." SGEU's position is in callous disregard for the HSAS members being transferred from RUH to Home Care. Of the three persons involved - one casual employees has resigned because of the stress and the other two are now in stress sick leave. SGEU's position is so extreme as to deny the very principle of seniority which every union knows is fundamental to every union's and every member's interests. A very dangerous precedent and an anti-union action by a union.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The Executive Council is the governing body that conducts the business of the Union between Annual General Meetings. The current Council members are:
Name/Hospital
Executive
GroupRepresented
RobertaEkberg/ Pasqua MarkRosin/RUH
President FirstVice President
Pharmacists
Cardiology Technologists, Cardiovascular Technologists andTrainees, E.E.G.Technologists and Trainees, E.M.G.Technologists, Orthopedic Technologists, PulmonaryFunction Technologists and Trainees, Perfusionists, Respiratory Therapists * KarenGiesbrecht/CouncilMember LaboratoryTechnologists RUH andStudents NahidAhmad/RUH CouncilMember Psychologists **LauraCarney/SCH CouncilMember SpeechLanguage Pathologists & Orthoptists MichaelChan/RGH CouncilMember Dietitians **JasonHancock/ CouncilMember Occupational Therapists SPH TedMakeechak/SPH CouncilMember PhysicalTherapists ElliottPausJenssen/CouncilMember SocialWorkers RUH DawnSenko/RUH CouncilMember NuclearMedicine Technologists, RadiologyTechnologists andStudents * Karen Giesbrecht will complete the term (October 92 October 94) of Bernard Schaan who resigned February 4, 1994. •• Both Laura and Jason have recently resigned their Council Seats. As a result both positions are up for election at our Annual General Meeting, October 22, 1994.
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DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIR AND CO-CHAIRPERSONS To ensure an H.S.A.S. physical presence in all Hospitals, the Union provides for District Council Chairpersons who serve as liaisons between members of the District Council and the Executive Council and Executive Director. The current District Council Chairpersons and CoChairpersons are:
PrinceAlbert: VictoriaUnionHospital
BonnieReed
PhysicalTherapist
Saskatoon: St. Paul'sHospital TedMakeechak SaskatoonCityHospital ShannonWilde RenateDlesko
PhysicalTherapist PhysicalTherapist Laboratory Technologist RoyalUniversityHospital *KarenGiesbrecht Laboratory Technologist
Regina: Pharmacist(Plains) Plains& PasquaHospitalsDonKuntz ReginaGeneralHospital YvonneDunsworthPhysicalTherapist • Until an election is held Karen Giesbrecht has agreed to replace Terry Akister who resigned October 20, 1993.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS The Board of Governors provide guidance and counsel to the Executive Council on all matters within the administration of the Union. Any member having served more than one full term of two years on the Executive Council and having held either the office of President, First Vice President or Secretaryffreasurer for at least one full term of two years in such office elected by the Executive Council shall be eligible for election to the Board of Governors for a term of seven years. The current Governors are: Name RonCurrie Ed Dewhurst
Profession Hospital Pharmacist RoyalUniversityHospital RadiologyTechnologist RoyalUniversityHospital
H.S.A.S. STAFF Lynn Regier - Administrative Assistant Alice Robert - Labour Relations Officer Tim Slattery - Executive Director
H.S.A.S. REPRESENTATIVES ON HOSPITAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH COMMITTEES PrinceAlbert: VictoriaUnionHospital
BonnieReed
Saskatoon: St. Paul's Hospital TedMakeechak SaskatoonCityHospital MaureenArthur RoyalUniversityHospital Iris Natyshak RonCurrie
PhysicalTherapist PhysicalTherapist Laboratory Technologist Laboratory Technologist Pharmacist
Regina: PasquaHospital LeahEichorst Pharmacist PlainsHealthCentre VaughnJohnson Pharmacist ReginaGeneralHospital YvonneDunsworthPhysicalTherapist Please make your health and safety concerns known to your Occupational Health Committee Representative.
H.S.A.S. COMMITTEES Communication: Tim Slattery - editor Ted Makeechak Education Fund : Nahid Ahmad Ted Makeechak Elliott PausJenssen Tim Slattery Emergency Fund: Nahid Ahmad - Chairperson Ted Makeechak Tim Slattery Finance: Ed Dewhurst Karen Giesbrecht Elliott PausJenssen Tim Slattery
Member at large Member at large Executive Council Member Executive Director
Grievance : Karen Giesbrecht Ted Makeechak Mark Rosin Dawn Senko Joanne Walker Tim Slattery
Member at large Executive Council Member Executive Council Member Executive Cou'ncil Member Member at large Executive Director
Negotiating Team: Roberta Ekberg - Chairperson Ron Currie Karen Giesbrecht Lorraine Marquis Yvonne Ounsworth Tim Slattery Provincial Job Action Steering : Nahid Ahmad Michael Chan Ted Makeechak Elliott PausJenssen Mark Rosin Dawn Senko NOTE - Should you wish to participate on any of the above noted committees, please contact the H.S.A.S. office.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We would like to provide space in future editions of Dispatches for members' comments. If you have something you would like to see printed, please write to: Tim Slattery H.S.A.S. #2-3002 Louise Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7J 3L8 Dispatches is published for the info rmation of members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan, a union of health care professionals .
Please Note: As of September 30, 1994 HSAS's fax number is 955-3396. The phone number remains unchanged at 955-3399.
HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, CLASSIFICATION (Technologist II, Ill, Senior, M.A. etc.) OR STATUS (Full-time, Part-time, LO.A. etc .)? If you have, please let us know by clipping out the "change of informati on " form and forward it to the H.S.A.S. office .
CHANGE OF INFORMATION FORM PLEASE LIST BOTH OLD INFORMATION AND NEW INFORMATION NAME:
ADDRESS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PHONE NUMBER: ~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT :
~~~~~~~~~-
CLASSIFICATION: ~~~~~~~~~~~~
STATUS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If undelivered please return to: Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan #2-3002 Louise Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7J 3L8 Phone: 955-3399 ~
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