Dispatches January 2010
description
Transcript of Dispatches January 2010
Page 3 January 2010
Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan
HSAS Member Survey 1
Minutes from 2009 Annual Convention 2-5
Photos from Annual Convention 6-7
Report on Annual Convention from Ralph Aman CHR
8
Public Care: Single-Payer System is Both Fair and Sustainable
9
Tips on Winter Driving Canadian Health Professionals Meeting
10 11
Vacation Leave Entitlement 12-13
The Uprising of the 20,000 and The terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
14-16
Four Steps towards excellent health SHEPP Enrollment
16 16
President’s Message 17
Executive Officers, Board of Governors, Committees
19
HSAS Staff 2009 Grey Cup Game
20-21 22
SHEPP Contribution Increase 23
Workplace Injuries in health care 23
Personal Information Changes 24
Executive Council 18
Inside this issue:
January 2010
HSAS MEMBER SURVEYHSAS MEMBER SURVEYHSAS MEMBER SURVEYHSAS MEMBER SURVEY
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan is continually striving to improve the services we offer to our membership. In order to evaluate the services we provide we are asking members to take a few minutes to complete a member survey. Please rate the services (ie. Labour Relations) according to 5 categories listed (ie. Relevance) a score of #1 Low, #2 Medium and #3 High. While it is possible that certain HSAS services may not have particular relevance or value to particular members we would appreciate if members could take a little extra time to offer comments along with these ratings. An example would be question #3 Home email. If you do not subscribe and therefore find it not relevant please leave a comment to help us better understand your rating. This survey is designed to only accept one survey from any single computer. If you have any concerns or questions about this survey please feel free to direct your inquires to Ashley Wilson in our Saskatoon Office.
(306)955-0752 1-888-565-3399 (outside Saskatoon)
You will note that this survey is hosted on “Survey Monkey”. We strongly encourage all members to help us help you.
Feel free to Monkey around.
Survey opens Jan 27 & Closes Feb 22, 2010
Page 2 January 2010
Delegates Present:
Ralph Aman Cypress Health Region
Gail Beggs-LaRiviere Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Sheila Bellrose Five Hills Health Region
Nicole Bidwell Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Scott Boucher Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Warren Chykowski Saskatoon Health Region
Mary Deren Sun Country Health Region
Cathy Dickson Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Ed Didur Saskatoon Health Region
Chris Driol Saskatoon Health Region
Glenda Erickson Sunrise Health Region
Tracy Erickson Sunrise Health Region
Bill Feldbruegge Saskatoon Health Region
Megan Ferguson Saskatoon Health Region
William Fischer Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Peggy Forsberg Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Dot Hicks Five Hills Health Region
Jason Kaar Saskatoon Health Region
Sheila Kerr Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Karen Kinar Saskatoon Health Region
Ted Makeechak Saskatoon Health Region
Kade Martin Kelsey Trail Health Region
Brad Mee Prairie North Health Region
Darcy McKay Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Allan Morrissette Saskatoon Health Region
Terry Nordgulen Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Patricia Pedersen Sunrise Health Region
Tina Peyton Saskatoon Health Region
Anne Robins Saskatoon Health Region
Joanne Schenn Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Jennifer Skakun Saskatoon Health Region
Celine Stolz Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Valerie Stopanski Heartland Health Region
Dave Tillusz Sunrise Health Region
Karen Wasylenko Saskatoon Health Region
Bonnie Yake Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Delegates Absent:
Dwayne Cameron Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Terry Dodds Saskatoon Health Region
Katherine Ruiter Heartland Health Region
Minutes of the 2009 Annual Convention
Friday, November 20, 2009
Hotel Saskatchewan – Radisson Plaza
Regina, SK
Page 3 January 2010
Delegate Regrets:
Melissa Koshinsky Heartland Health Region
Nicole Rancourt Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Thirty six (36) voting delegates present. Quorum established as per Article 3.5 of By-Laws.
President Chris Driol called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm.
1. Adoption of Agenda
Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.
Scott Boucher / Gail Beggs-LaRiviere
Motion Carried
2. Adoption of November 21, 2008 Annual Convention Meeting Minutes
Motion to adopt the minutes of the November 21, 2008 Annual Convention as circulated.
Ed Didur / Mary Deren
Motion Carried
3. President’s Annual Report
The President’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Chris Driol presented his report.
Motion to accept the President’s Annual Report as presented.
Chris Driol / Darcy McKay
Motion Carried
4. Executive Director’s Report
The Executive Director’s report was made available to members prior to the commencement of the
meeting.
Bill Craik presented his report.
Motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report as presented.
Peggy Forsberg / Anne Robins
Motion Carried
5. Committee Reports
(a) Finance Committee
The Audited Financial Statements were circulated to members.
Treasurer Karen Wasylenko presented the reports. The 2009/2010 Budget Projection was also
circulated and presented.
Motion to accept the General Audited Financial Statement as circulated and presented.
Karen Wasylenko / Patricia Pedersen
Motion Carried
Motion to appoint Mr. Allan Ashdown as HSAS Auditor for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year.
Karen Wasylenko/ Scott Boucher
Motion Carried
Page 4 January 2010
(b) Provincial Negotiating, Communication, Education Fund, Emergency Fund, Grievance, Chari-
table Donations/Professional Contributions, Annual Convention and Regional Council Develop-
ment Committees.
The Committees’ reports were made available to members prior to the commencement of the
meeting.
Chris Driol presented the Committees’ reports.
Motion to accept the Committees’ reports as presented.
Terry Nordgulen / William Fischer
Motion Carried
(c) Constitutional Committee
The Constitutional Committee report was made available to members prior to the commence-
ment of the meeting.
Sheila Kerr presented the report.
Motion to accept the Constitutional Committee report as presented and amended.
Sheila Kerr / Patricia Pedersen
Motion Carried
6. Members Resolutions
Motion to approve the Non-Substantive changes to the Constitution and Bylaws as presented.
Sheila Kerr / Tracy Erickson
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the changes to Article 3.1 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Ed Didur
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the changes to Article 3.10 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Warren Chykowski
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the changes to Article 4.4 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Scott Boucher
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the change to Article 14 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Karen Kinar
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the change to Article 15.2 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Cathy Dickson
Motion Carried
Motion to approve the change to Article 15.4 of the Bylaws.
Sheila Kerr / Darcy McKay
Motion Carried
Page 5 January 2010
7. Old Business
None
8. New Business
9. Results of Mail-in-Ballots for Executive Council Seats Representing
Addictions Counsellors/Therapists
-Dave Tillusz
EMT’s, EMT-A’s, Dispatchers, Paramedics
-William (Bill) Fischer
-Pascal Hins
The remaining Executive Council Seats were acclaimed for:
Assessor/Coordinator
- Seat vacant (one year term)
Assessor/Coordinator
- Seat vacant (two year term)
Pharmacists
-Seat vacant (two year term)
Physical Therapists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Exercise/Conditioning Therapists
-Peggy Forsberg
Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists
-Karen Kinar
Social Workers
-Cathy Dickson
10. Roberta Ekberg Award
Roberta Ekberg Award for 2009 presented by Warren Chykowski to Ted Makeechak.
11. Adjournment
Motion that the 2009 Annual Convention be adjourned.
Chris Driol / Scott Boucher
Motion Carried
Adjournment time: 5:00 p.m.
Editor’s Note: The Assessor/Coordinator vacant seats mentioned
above have since been filled. See Page 18
Page 6 January 2010
2009 Annual Convention2009 Annual Convention2009 Annual Convention2009 Annual Convention
Warren Chykowski presents Ted Makeechak with the Roberta Ekberg
Award
The Honourable Allan Blakeney with EMS Rep Darcy McKay
President Chris Driol welcomes delegates to the 2009 Convention
Delegates
Page 7 January 2010
Karen Wasylenko presents the Treasurer’s Report
Sheila Kerr, Karen Wasylenko, Cathy Dickson and Chris Driol prepare to present
their reports
Bill Craik Executive Director, delivers his Report to the Annual Convention
Peter Barnacle, Legal Counsel from Saskatoon was a guest speaker.
Page 8 January 2010
On November 20, 2009 I was pleased to serve as a delegate for the Cypress Health Region to the 37th Annual HSAS Convention. The day started off with an excellent presentation from Brad Garvey who is the CEO of the Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees Pension Plan (SHEPP). Mr. Garvey acknowledged that the SHEPP plan that serves over 32,000 healthcare workers has been affected by the economic downturn however he demonstrated how the plan is very safe and secure. Throughout his presentation, Mr. Garvey spoke about the importance of defined benefit pension plans like SHEPP. The most striking contrast between defined benefit plans and other pension plans is who assumes the risk. With SHEPP the plan itself assumes the risk whereas with other plans, the individual assumes all the risk. Mr. Garvey noted that many employers are attempting to eliminate defined benefit pension plans. HSAS along with other healthcare unions act as joint trustees with SAHO, which ensures the SHEPP plan cannot be altered without the consent of the unions. Peter Barnacle who acts as legal counsel to HSAS spoke about his international work as a labour lawyer particularly in Uganda. Mr. Barnacle was clear that the struggle of working people to exercise their collective rights is an international issue. He was passionate and reminded members that the right to organize, have a collective voice, to strike, to better oneself, and to have hope as a worker, is a basic human right. All too often the media attempts to portray unions as mere “special interest” groups and that meaningful labour standards are unaffordable said Mr. Barnacle. This has led to an erosion of basic rights and has led to unions being forced to pursue remedy under the Charter of Rights. After lunch, Allan Blakeney former Premier of Saskatchewan gave a moving testimony to the history of labour legislation that has improved the quality of life for many in Saskatchewan and throughout Canada. Mr. Blakeney emphasized that the commitment to shared values for all Canadians is a complex arrangement, but it is one that has made this country what it is. Blakeney also touched on the tendency by some governments and industry to refer to Medicare as being “unsustainable” over the last 37 years and that Medicare can easily be sustained in the future if it is funded and managed effectively. In summing up the convention, our President Chris Driol described the day as “challenging and encouraging”. This years convention will be held in Saskatoon on November 5, 2010. We strongly encourage all members to consider becoming a delegate for your Region at our next convention. Watch for the call for Delegate Nominations coming out in the spring and join us for what will surely be another educational and motivational event. Ralph Aman Cypress Health Region
HSAS 2009 Annual Convention
Page 9 January 2010
Public Care: Single-Payer System is Both Fair and Sustainable
by Rachel Tutte
Rachael Tuttle, a physiotherapist at Holy Fam-ily Hospital and Region 6 Director for the Health Sciences Association of BC(HSABC) is the new labour co-chair of the BC Health Coa-lition. This article originally appeared in the Globe and Mail national newspaper, and the HSABC Newsletter-The Report, and is re-printed with permission. British Colombians are rightly concerned about Health Minister Kevin Falcon’s decision to deny $360-million in funding to health authorities this year. Coupled with the minister’s recent comments in favour of for-profit health care this summer, they should be. The evidence is clear. A single-payer, public health-care system that covers everyone is the fairest and most cost effective way to provide high –quality care for all British Columbians. The evidence is equally clear that many innovative pub-lic solutions are available to address the health au-thorities’ need to do more with less.
It was frustrating, then, to hear the Health Minister suggest that public health is no longer
financially sustainable -implying that we should resort to private, for-profit insurance
and clinics, despite the evidence that they cost more, are less safe for patients and
compromise the public system.
For example, the Canadians Health Services Re-search Foundation reports that annual overhead costs of public provincial insurance plans are 1.3 per cent, while Canada’s private insurers average 13.2 per cent in administrative costs. And the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that knee replacement surgery in an Alberta public hospital costs on average $8,002, compared with between $14,000 and $18,000 in a private surgical facility. Even the Health Minister claims about Medicare’s “unsustainablity” need a second look. In reality, BC’s health-care spending has remained relatively stable over the past 17 years as a percentage of our overall economic output. The government’s message that health-care spending is taking up a growing proportion of the budget is therefore misleading.
There is simply no health spending-induced fiscal tsunami on the horizon-but there will be if we allow for–profit health care to expand. Health care is high priority for British Columbians, and most agree that it is a worthwhile investment. But Mr. Falcon’s demand for the budget cuts hampers our ability to manage costs over the long run and will have major repercussions on British Columbians’ health. Some health authorities have responded by cutting their diagnostic budgets, for example, making the wait longer for the patients who require an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This means some patients will become sicker, and require more complex and expensive treatment and rehabilitation. Other health authorities have said they will cut elective operations, even though BC has several has several highly successful pilot pro-grams for managing surgical care within the public system that have dramatically increased operating room efficiencies and reduced hos-pital stays. These programs are team based, viable, and they need to be scaled up now. Those familiar with the provincial government’s history of privatization can’t help but see connections between the health authorities 'cuts to elective surgery and the Health Minister's comments promoting private, for-profit clinics. At the same time, a group of for-profit surgical clinic owners have targeted public health care insurance regulations and protections in the courts. They claim to act on behalf of patients, but this lawsuit is really about giving US-style private health insurance companies access to BC patients. What we see from the United States and from examples at home is that private care costs more and provides less. Montreal is considered one of the hardest places to find a doctor, yet the city has a high density of private “boutique physician clinics. In Alberta the introduction of private cataract surgery clinics was directly linked to increases in waiting list in public hospitals. Experience shows that we will make our public health care system stronger when we invest and expand on proven public solutions. Whether it’s the hip and knee reconstruction project at Richmond Hospital and the North Shore Joint Replacement Access Clinic that reduced waiting times, or BC’s reference-based drug program that increases cost efficiencies we can and must build on the successful innovations in public health care.
By adopting and promoting public-sector solutions, we can
continue to have one of the world best health care systems in the world.
Reprinted with permission
MAHCP December 2009 Issue
Page 10 January 2010
Winter driving survival kit
Recommended items include:
* ice scraper with snowbrush
* sand or other traction aid
* tow rope or chain
* booster cables
* road flares or warning lights
* gas line antifreeze
* flashlight and batteries
* first aid kit
* fire extinguisher
* small tool kit
* extra clothing and footwear
* blanket
* bottled water
* non-perishable energy foods like chocolate
or granola bars and juice
* candle and a small tin can
* matches
WINTER WEATHER conditions can be
unpredictable, placing extra demands on your
car and your driving skills.
Be prepared—is your vehicle ready?
Get your vehicle winter-ready with a check-up.
Have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil,
lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater,
defroster, wipers and ignition system checked.
Keep your tank at least half full.
Make sure you have enough windshield washer
fluid in the reservoir and it’s rated a minimum
of -40°C. Keep an extra jug in the car.
Check your tires.
Check tire air pressure frequently, as it
decreases in cold weather. Although regular or
all-season tires, including wide and high-
performance tires, may be adequate in some
areas, they may not be suitable for driving in
the snowbelt regions. Snow tires provide better
traction, braking and handling during frost,
snow, slush, and icy conditions. Installing four
winter tires provides greater control and
stability.
Winter Driving Winter Driving Winter Driving Winter Driving
Snowy roads
Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slip-
pery as ice. It can also be rutted and full of hard
tracks and gullies. Or it can be smooth and soft.
Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy
slush can build up in the wheel wells of your
vehicle and can affect your ability to steer.
Look far ahead as you drive, so you can
recognize hazards and have plenty of time to
respond. Adjust your driving to the road and
weather conditions. Slow down and avoid
sudden turns of the steering wheel and sudden
braking and accelerating, which could cause a
skid.
Ice
Be careful when approaching shaded areas,
bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of
road freeze much sooner and stay frozen long
after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost,
areas of the road that appear black and shiny,
as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose
traction.
Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be
ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as
your vehicle crosses these areas.
Snow and slush spray
On snowy, wet and slushy roads, large trucks
and buses can blow moisture onto your wind-
shield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility.
Always drive defensively and leave enough
space to avoid snow spray.
Visibility
It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low
light conditions, and when blowing snow and
white-outs impair visibility. Whenever visibility
is poor, turn on the vehicle’s full lighting
system.
Page 11 January 2010
Play it safe
Severe winter driving conditions
may make you nervous, uncomfortable, or
fearful. Stay off the road unless your trip is
absolutely necessary.
The unexpected
If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay in
your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for
help to arrive.
Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle
when on the shoulder of a busy road. If possible,
use the door away from traffic.
the Public Health Agency of Canada related to
Pandemic Planning especially centered around
vaccination programs.
We had a presentation from the Executive
Director of the Canadian Physiotherapy
Association highlighting the work that they do
in advocating for the profession.
Constituent reports from across the country
highlighted difficulties in Collective Bargaining
with various jurisdictions reporting settlements
in the 1-3% range for annual wage increases. A
notable exception was in Newfoundland where
they achieved 21.5 % compounded over 4 years
although it was interesting that Nurses there
got an additional 5%. Worst case scenarios are
in New Brunswick – contemplating a 2-year
wage freeze – and Alberta where Government is
pushing to re-open Collective Agreements to roll
back agreed to wage increases of 4 - 5 %.
Through our involvement with CHPS, HSAS is
better able to keep up with trends from across
Canada in regards to issues that affect our
health care professionals. This information is
invaluable in improving our advocacy efforts on
your behalf.
The Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat
(CHPS) was formed by the National Union of
Public and General Employees (NUPGE) to create
a forum where unions who represent Health Care
Professionals could meet to share common
concerns and work to raise the profile of health
care professionals across Canada. Currently
CHPS involves about 60,000 health care
professionals from all provinces with the exception
of Quebec. Bill Craik, Cathy Dickson and Chris
Driol attended the two-day semi-annual meeting
held in Ottawa on October 29th and 30th, 2009.
Pandemic Planning and Preparedness was the
focus of the first day of this meeting. Health
Care Employers’ and Government’s engagement
and level of collaboration with Unions vary
widely across the country. Alberta,
Newfoundland and ourselves have experienced a
complete lack of collaboration and consultation
around matters related to H1N1. Other
jurisdictions have had varying levels of
involvement in planning highlighted by
Manitoba and Nova Scotia where formal
agreements have been struck to protect
Collective Agreement rights of workers, around
issues like re-deployment of staff, and to ensure
provision of services and protection of workers,
ie. OH and S Regulations. We also had a
presentation from Dr. Danielle Grondin from
Canadian Health Professionals Meeting Canadian Health Professionals Meeting Canadian Health Professionals Meeting Canadian Health Professionals Meeting ---- October 29 & 30th, 2009October 29 & 30th, 2009October 29 & 30th, 2009October 29 & 30th, 2009
Draw attention to your vehicle
Use emergency flashers, flares, or a Call Police
sign. Run your motor sparingly. Be careful of
exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a win-dow away from the wind. Exit your vehicle occasion-
ally to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drift-
ing snow before running the engine.
Reprinted with permission.
MTO/CALM
Page 12 January 2010
Vacation Carry Over
For all Members, except those who had been
previously covered by the CUPE 600 or
SGEU/PSC Agreements, it works this way:
You are entitled to carry over your full
entitlement for the current year plus five
days earned in previous years. For example -
A Member earns vacation at a rate of three
weeks per year. That Member is entitled to
carry over their full three weeks from the
current year into the next. They are as well
entitled to carry over an additional five days
earned in a previous year. 15 days + 5 days =
20 days carry over.
(Article 13.10)
For Members who had been previously
covered by the CUPE 600 or SGEU/PSC
Agreements it works this way:
(Appendix A)
Members are limited to carrying over five
days unless they get permission from their
employer to carry over more
These provisions are in place to allow you to
consistently have the option to take “blocks” of
time.
By allowing you to carry over your vacation time
it ensures that you always have a large enough
balance of vacation credit to provide you with
flexibility when planning to take your vacation.
Members are not required to provide
any explanation to their Employer as to
why they want to carry over vacation
time.
Vacation Entitlement Information
Article 13
How do I earn vacation credits?
You earn credits every month. The amount you
earn depends on your current vacation
entitlement which is based on years of service or
other circumstances which were negotiated /
offered / carried over upon your commencement.
(Article 13.01 and Article 13.07)
How do I know how much I earn / have
accumulated?
The employer must post your projected
accumulated vacation credits by February 1
each year. In addition, if you are unsure, you
can contact your payroll representative.
(Article 13.04)
How do I request vacation time?
You are able to use your vacation credits as they
are earned and you are entitled to an unbroken
period of vacation if you choose.
Most workplaces have their own system for
working out vacation schedules amongst
colleagues. However, in the case of a
disagreement, seniority shall be the deciding
factor for your first choice (if you plan to split up
your vacation, seniority will only be used as the
deciding factor in the first instance). To exercise
your seniority rights, you must make your
selection by March 1 of each year.
(Article 13.05)
Vacation LeaveVacation LeaveVacation LeaveVacation Leave Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Carry Over and EntitlementFrequently Asked Questions Regarding Carry Over and EntitlementFrequently Asked Questions Regarding Carry Over and EntitlementFrequently Asked Questions Regarding Carry Over and Entitlement
Page 13 January 2010
When is the vacation schedule for my
worksite posted?
The Employer will post the vacation schedule
for the upcoming year (April 1 – March 31) by
March 15. If changes are needed, mutual
consent between your supervisor and yourself is
required.
(Article 13.06)
I want to pre-pay some bills before I go
on vacation. Can I request a pay-out of
vacation credits in advance of the
vacation I plan to take?
If you choose, you can receive your vacation pay
in advance of actually taking your vacation
(provided you give the Employer 14 days written
notice).
(Article 13.09)
What if I get sick while I’m on vacation?
If you are on vacation and something
unexpected happens (death of a family member,
you are hospitalized, you are sick (verified by a
doctor) for more than 4 days, you get sick prior
to commencing your vacation and it continues
into the vacation time, or you are granted some
other form of a leave of absence), you can take
that time as the appropriate leave
(bereavement, sick, unpaid leave of absence).
The vacation that was “displaced” can be
reinstated as credits, or you can add those days
on to your vacation.
For example, you start a 3-week vacation on
January 1. On January 2, you are hospitalized.
You inform your supervisor and provide a
medical note verifying that you have been
hospitalized and you request that the time you
spend in the hospital be approved as sick leave.
You are in the hospital for 5 days and are
released on January 7. You continue your
approved vacation time until your normally
scheduled date of return (January 22). You now
have the option of taking an additional 5 days
vacation (if mutually agreed between you and
your supervisor) returning on January 27 or
having those 5 days reinstated as vacation
credits (returning on January 22 and taking
those 5 days at some other time).
(Article 13.11)
What happens to my vacation when I
terminated my employment?
If you terminate employment with outstanding
vacation credits remaining, they will be paid out
to you, minus statutory deductions.
(Article 13.13)
What happens if I work in more than
one health region or I have multiple
employers within the same health
region?
If you work in more than one health region, or
for more than one employer covered by our
Collective Agreement, you will earn vacation
credits in all regions at the highest rate you are
accruing. For example, you have worked in the
Saskatoon Health Region for 10 years and are
earning 4 weeks vacation. You have recently
started working in the Heartland Health Region
and, under normal circumstances, you would be
earning 3 weeks vacation. However, since you
work in the Saskatoon Health Region and are
accruing vacation at a higher rate, you will
accrue vacation in Heartland Health Region at
the rate of 4 weeks per year.
(Article 13.14)
Don’t forget to complete the HSAS Member Survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD
Page 14 January 2010
“The Uprising of the 20,000” took place a
hundred years ago this past fall. It began in the
last week of November 1909 in the garment
district of New York City.
Twenty thousand needle trades workers – the
vast majority of them young, immigrant women
– walked out of five hundred clothing factories
across the city demanding an end to appalling
sweatshop conditions.
Piecework wages averaged $5.00 for a sixty-six
hour week of hard work. Children as young as
eight were paid $2.00 a week to trim threads
from completed garments.
Sewing machine operators had the cost of
thread, needles, waste material, the electricity
they used, and even the chair they sat on
deducted from their meager pay.
Garment manufacturers located their factories
in run-down, unsafe slum buildings where space
was the cheapest. The garment workers were
crammed together like canned sardines in these
substandard firetrap buildings.
The 1909 strike was an attempt by the fledgling
International Ladies Garment Workers Union
(ILGWU) to bring about some improvement in
these terrible conditions.
The union was trying to get decent wages, a fifty
-four hour work week, adequate fire escapes and
unlocked doors to stairwells.
The locked doors issue was a source of
considerable friction between the factory owners
and the union. The owners claimed locking exit
doors prevented pilfering; the union said it was
aimed at denying ILGWU organizers access to
the workers, and in any case it was unsafe.
Some Settle
In February 1910 more than three hundred of
the struck shops settled with the ILGWU. In
the other shops the owners’ hysterical refusal to
recognize and
bargain with the
union meant many
workers lost their
jobs or were forced
to return to work
under the same
awful conditions
they had known
prior to the strike.
One of the most
notorious anti-
union employers
was the Triangle
S h i r t w a i s t
Company, which
manufactured fashionable blouses (shirtwaists)
in a run-down building on the lower east side of
Manhattan.
Triangle had fired 150 workers, because they
were ILGWU members, even before the 1909
strike began. During the strike the company
brought in scabs and paid thugs to start fights
with the picketers.
Shortly after the industry-wide strike was called
off in February 1910, the Triangle Shirtwaist
employees were forced back to work without a
contract or employer recognition of the union.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Company was located
on the top three floors of the Asch Building, a
ten story structure with fireproof façade, but
wooden floors, no sprinkler system, rotted fire
hoses, extremely narrow stairways and one frail
fire escape.
Workers, sewing machines, work benches and
fabric were crowded together with scarcely any
room left for aisles. Huge amounts of scrap
fabric was stored under the work tables.
Fire Starts
On the afternoon of Saturday, March 25, 1911
five hundred sewing machine operators and
The Uprising of the 20,000 The Uprising of the 20,000 The Uprising of the 20,000 The Uprising of the 20,000 and the terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the terrible Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Page 15 January 2010
fabric cutters were at work in the Triangle
Shirtwaist Company when a fire of unknown
origin broke out on the 8th floor.
This wasn’t unusual; it was the company’s
eighth fire in nine years, but this one was to be
worse than all the others combined. The
lightweight cotton used in the blouses was
highly flammable and the fire spread quickly.
Attempts to smother the flames with scrap
fabric and pails of sand failed. The fire hoses
were ancient and inoperative.
Within minutes a large section of the 8th floor
was burning, and sewing machine operators and
fabric cutters were scrambling to get out of the
few unlocked exits.
A hurried telephone call to the 10th floor warned
the workers there, and they lined up to descend
the narrow, spiral stairway which was less than
three feet wide. In the panic no one contacted
the people on the 9th floor.
A tank of sewing machine oil exploded in the
intense heat, accelerating the blaze. The fire
spread to the stairwells. Just moments after
smoke was smelled on the 9th floor, the work
area was surrounded in flames.
The one inadequate fire escape broke loose from
the side of the building under the weight of the
fleeing workers and sent them crashing to their
death.
Elevators Stop
Two small elevators in the Asch Building
operated as long as possible. Each time the
elevator doors opened at floors 9 and 10,
hundreds of frantic young women desperately
tried to get on and be taken out of the roaring
inferno.
One elevator was put out of operation when the
immense heat buckled its track. The other was
stopped when it could no longer lift the weight
of bodies on top of the car – the result of dozens
of women, some with their hair and clothes on
fire, jumping into the open shaft as the elevator
descended.
The Fire Department arrived, but was only
equipped with ladders that reached the sixth
floor. Those workers still on the top two floors
were now trapped with no way out.
Many climbed out onto narrow window ledges or
went up to the roof to get as far a possible from
the searing heat and smoke. As the fire
advanced they were either burned to death or
they jumped.
The fire fighters’ canvass nets were of no use in
safely catching those who jumped because of the
great height of the fall.
62 jump to their death
Sixty-two workers jumped to their death from
the window ledges or the roof. Two women, who
had been life-long friends, jumped together arm
in arm. A young couple kissed before plunging
onto the pavement below. One brave worker
tossed her big wide-brimmed hat out into the
breeze before stepping calmly off the edge of the
roof.
With each of the terrible descents to the street a
loud gasp and piercing screams went up from
the horrified crowd of co-workers, family
members and on-lookers who had gathered
around the Asch Building.
The owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist
Company, Isaac Harris and Max Blanck, took it
all in stride. In just days they were back in
business, operating in quarters that were even
worse than the Asch Building!
Harris and Blanck were charged with and tried
for manslaughter, but got off on a technicality.
A hundred and forty-six garment
workers died as a result of the
fire.
Page 16 January 2010
On April 5, 1911 the labour movement
organized a memorial march through the
garment district and past the burned out Asch
Building. 100,000 working women and men
marched in heavy rain. An estimated 400,000
people silently lined the sidewalks despite the
downpour.
Near the front of the
march were the
women who had been
fired for trying to
organize the Triangle
Shirtwaist Company –
an effort that, if
successful, might
have saved 146 lives.
If people would do just four things– 1) engage in
regular physical activity, 2) eat a healthy diet,
3)not smoke, and 4) avoid becoming obese-they
could reduce their risk of diabetes, heart attack,
stroke, and cancer by 80%.
A multi-year study, published in the Archives of
Internal Medicine, found that less than 10% of
the more than 23,000 people in the study lived
their lives this way.
Researchers in the United States and Germany
examined the habits of 23,153 male and female
participants. About 9% practiced all four life-
style habits, 4% practiced none, and 35% carried
out two of the four healthy behaviors.
-The [UK] Guardian.
The CCPA Monitor
Volume 16 No.16
SHEPP Enrollment SHEPP Enrollment SHEPP Enrollment SHEPP Enrollment (Temporary and Casual HSAS (Temporary and Casual HSAS (Temporary and Casual HSAS (Temporary and Casual HSAS
Members)Members)Members)Members)
If you are a Temporary or Casual HSAS Mem-
ber, you may be eligible for enrollment in
SHEPP. If so, you will probably have received
notification from your Employer.
Temporary and Casual Employees are eligible if
they have worked 780 hours in the preceding
calendar year or 700 hours in each of the 2 pre-
ceding calendar years (January 1 to December
31).
HSAS is working hard to find ways to identify
the estimated 200-300 HSAS Members who may
be eligible to join SHEPP but are not enrolled.
We know that there are HSAS Members who
are Temporary or Casual for lengthy periods of
time and work significant numbers of hours.
What is uncertain for us is whether or not the
Employer is notifying these members of their
eligibility and if these Members are making an
informed choice about whether or not to join
SHEPP.
While joining SHEPP will result in Employee
Contributions of 6.6% being deducted from your
pay this contribution also results in 7.39% of
pay in Employer Contributions being put into
the Pension Plan on your behalf. This resulting
net contribution of 13.99% of pay results in a
significant defined retirement benefit, which is
far superior to what any self-directed savings
plan of 6.6% of pay could generate.
It is our hope that Temporary and Casual HSAS
Members who are not enrolled in SHEPP will
consider this choice carefully as you plan for the
future.
If you believe you are eligible and have not been
informed of your choices, please check with Hu-
man Resources in your Health Region.
Four steps toward
excellent health
Page 17 January 2010
HSAS staff and elected representatives were extremely busy working
with Members on concerns related to H1N1 vaccination programs and
the health care needs of Saskatchewan residents during the pandemic.
As winter progresses we now find ourselves re-doubling our efforts on
matters pertaining to administration of the Collective Agreements and
advancing provincial bargaining issues.
As you receive this newsletter HSAS is appearing before the Labour
Relations Board to argue against the Unfair Labour Practice filed
against us by SAHO and to present the 2 Unfair Labour Practices that
we filed in turn against SAHO. HSAS is hopeful that the Board will
return a decision, which will lead to the parties returning to the table to engage in meaningful
negotiations. HSAS presented a complete proposal package to SAHO last April and SAHO has taken
us to the Labour Relations Board in order to argue for their right to add more proposals at any point
during the bargaining process and to make us an offer at the conclusion of bargaining to address
wages, differentials, benefits, other monetary items and all outstanding items. SAHO has insisted on
maintaining this practice which has proved completely unproductive through the last 2 rounds of
bargaining. We are left to hope that a favorable decision by the Labour relations Board may spark
SAHO and government to engage in substantive Collective Bargaining.
In the meantime we continue with our public relations efforts on your behalf. We hope that by
increasing the public’s understanding of the important work you do in supporting the health and well-
being of Saskatchewan residents that they come to more fully appreciate the professional health care
services that you provide.
Best Regards - In Solidarity
Chris Driol
President HSAS
President’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s Message
Facilitator Training
Heart to Heart™ and Living with Stroke™ are Heart and Stroke Foundation programs created to enhance the re-covery and reduce the risk of individuals experiencing subsequent heart and/or stroke events. Both programs ad-dress the risk factors for these conditions and provide the education and support necessary for making appropriate lifestyle changes.
We are pleased to offer training to Health Care Providers, so you can become familiar with the program content and learn about planning, promoting, and marketing these programs. You will also learn or improve your skills in the art of facilitation. When: March 11th (evening) March 12th (all day) Where: Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert Registration Deadline: February 26, 2010
For more information or to register contact: Heather McKnight Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan Phone: 244-6822 ext. 245 Toll free: 1-888-473-4636 E-mail: [email protected]
Page 18 January 2010
Executive Council is the governing body that conducts the business of the union between
Annual Conventions.
Representing Seats Elected E-mail Address Term Ends
Addictions Counsellors/
Therapists
1
Dave Tillusz
Sunrise Health Region [email protected] Nov. 2011
Social Workers
2
Joanne Schenn
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Cathy Dickson
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
[email protected] [email protected]
Nov. 2010
Nov. 2011
Assessor/Coordinators
2
Jeffrey Zwack
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Megan Ferguson
Saskatoon Health Region
[email protected] [email protected]
Nov. 2011
Nov. 2010
Speech & Language
Pathologists,
Audiologists,
Orthoptists, Music
Therapists
1
Karen Wasylenko
Saskatoon Health Region
(Speech & Language Pathologist)
[email protected] Nov. 2010
Respiratory Therapists,
Perfusionists
1
Karen Kinar
Saskatoon Health Region
(Respiratory Therapist)
[email protected] Nov. 2011
Emergency Medical
Technicians,
Dispatchers, Paramedics
2
Bill Fischer
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
(Paramedic)
Pascal Hins
Sun Country Health Region
(EMT-A)
[email protected] [email protected]
Nov. 2011
Nov. 2011
Physical Therapists,
Prosthetists, Orthotists,
Exercise/Conditioning
Therapists
2
Patricia Pedersen
Sunrise Health Region
(Physical Therapist)
Peggy Forsberg
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
(Physical Therapist)
[email protected] [email protected]
Nov. 2010
Nov. 2011
Public Health
Inspectors, Infection
Control Practitioners,
Dental Hygienists/
Therapists and Health
Educators
1
Valerie Stopanski
Heartland Health Region
(Health Educator)
[email protected] Nov. 2010
Pharmacists
1
VACANT
Nov. 2011
Occupational Therapists
1
VACANT Nov. 2010
Recreation Therapists,
Mental Health
Therapists
1
Anne Robins
Saskatoon Health Region
(Recreation Therapist)
[email protected] Nov. 2010
Psychologists,
Psychometricians
1
VACANT Nov. 2010
Dietitians, Nutritionists
1
Melissa Koshinsky
Heartland Health Region
(Dietitian)
[email protected] Nov. 2010
Messages for Executive Council members may also be left at either of the HSAS offices.
Executive CouncilExecutive CouncilExecutive CouncilExecutive Council
Page 19 January 2010
Provincial Negotiating
Bill Fischer (Chair)
Warren Chykowski
Cathy Dickson
Chris Driol
Natalie Horejda
Marcel Shevalier
Bill Craik - staff
Mario Kijkowski - staff
Regional Council Development
Dave Tillusz (Chair)
Ralph Aman
Tamara Dobmeier
Mary Deren
Dot Hicks
Nicole Rancourt
Lynzie Rindero
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 Natalie Horejda
Respiratory Therapist Physical Therapist
[email protected] [email protected]
CommitteesCommitteesCommitteesCommittees
Executive OfficersExecutive OfficersExecutive OfficersExecutive 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.
Board of GovernorsBoard of GovernorsBoard of GovernorsBoard of Governors
2010 Annual Convention
Megan Ferguson (Chair)
Deb Morton
Communications
Chris Driol (Chair)
Ralph Aman
Natalie Horejda
Brad Mee
Patricia Pedersen
Karen Wasylenko
Bill Craik-staff
Garnet Dishaw-staff
Charlene Hebert-staff
Emergency Fund
Cathy Dickson (Chair)
Constitutional
Peggy Forsberg (Chair)
Natalie Horejda
Joanne Schenn
Finance
Karen Wasylenko (Chair)
Warren Chykowski
Bill Feldbruegge
Karen Kinar
Ted Makeechak
Ann Robins
Bill Craik - staff
Joylene Mora - staff
Grievance
Melissa Koshinsky (Chair)
Treasurer
Karen Wasylenko - [email protected]
Speech & Language Pathologist
Secretary
Joanne Schenn - [email protected]
Social Worker
President
Chris Driol - [email protected]
Mental Health Therapist
Vice-President
Cathy Dickson - [email protected]
Social Worker
Page 20 January 2010
Garnet Dishaw
Direct Line: (306) 585-7753
Cell: (306) 539-5634
Canadian Blood Services - Regina
Cypress
Sun Country
Regina Qu’Appelle
� Alcohol and Drug Services
� Child and Youth
� Community Health Centres
� Hearing Aid Plan
� Healthline
� Mental Health Clinics
� Public Health Services
� Randall Kinship Centre
� Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
Mario Kijkowski
Direct Line: (306) 585-7754
Cell: (306) 539-9807
Crestvue Ambulance Services
Five Hills
Sunrise
Regina Qu’Appelle
� Al Ritchie Centre
� Cupar and District Nursing Home
� Emergency Medical Services
� Extendicare
� Home Care/SWADD
� Lumsden and District Heritage Home
� Pasqua Hospital
� Regina General Hospital
� Regina Lutheran Home
� Regina Pioneer Village
� Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home
We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to their
Regional Health Authority/Worksite.
#12 - 395 Park Street
Regina, SK S4N 5B2
Phone: (306) 585-7751
Toll-Free: 1-877-889-4727
Fax: (306) 585-7750
E-mail: [email protected]
Bill Craik
Executive Director
Garnet Dishaw
Labour Relations Officer
Mario Kijkowski
Labour Relations Officer
Charlene Hebert
Administrative Assistant
HSAS StaffHSAS StaffHSAS StaffHSAS Staff
Regina LRO Assignments
www.hsa-sk.com
Page 21 January 2010
Kevin Glass
Labour Relations Officer
**Al Shalansky
Labour Relations Officer
Kate Robinson
Labour Relations Officer
**on leave until March 1, 2010
Joylene Mora
Administrator
Ashley Wilson
Administrator’s Assistant
Colette Duffee
Administrative Assistant
Kevin Glass
Direct Line: (306) 955-5712
Cell: (306) 227-3394
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
Al Shalansky
Direct Line: (306) 955-3454
Cell: (306) 221-6316
Kelsey Trail
Prince Albert Parkland
Saskatoon
� Calder Centre
� Idylwyld Health Centre - Client/Patient
Access Services
� Larson House
� Mental Health Services (Nurses
Alumnae Wing)
� Saskatoon City Hospital
� St. Paul’s Hospital
� Sturdy Stone
� rural areas
#42 - 1736 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 1V9
Phone: (306) 955-3399
Toll-Free: 1-888-565-3399
Fax: (306) 955-3396
E-mail: [email protected]
Saskatoon LRO Assignments
We encourage members’ concerns and questions be directed to the staff person assigned to
their Regional Health Authority/Worksite.
Page 22 January 2010
Reflections on the 2009 Grey Cup GameReflections on the 2009 Grey Cup GameReflections on the 2009 Grey Cup GameReflections on the 2009 Grey Cup Game
As part of the healing process from the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Grey Cup loss, some-thing needs to be done that will help heal the pain. After careful thought I propose that the day November 29th be removed from calendars everywhere. Dropping one out of three hun-dred and sixty-five days seems like a reasonable solution; it would be just like office build-ings that don’t have a thirteenth floor. Sadly, I somehow doubt that we will be able to change the rules of how many days exist in a calendar year. Like football, union-management relations are supposed to be based on a set of rules that at least brings some resemblance of fairness to both sides. It would be unthinkable that the Board of Governors for the CFL would establish game rules that would clearly give a dis-tinct advantage to one team over another. The bargaining process between management and unions also needs to be fair or one side can easily impose its position on the other. With the imposition of the Essential Services Act, the government has effectively altered the rules giving SAHO a significant advantage in the bargaining process. We are currently witnessing how SAHO is using this unlevel playing field to play hard-ball with HSAS and the other healthcare unions, all the while knowing that the unions can do little to defend against these new unfair labour relations rules. For the Roughriders, there will be another season and if the rules of the game are altered, it will be done in a democratic manner, one that is transparent and openly discussed before the rules are changed. The Board of Governors of the League would never alter rules giving one team an unfair advantage. Perhaps the Government of Saskatchewan (our Premier is a football fan) could learn something from the CFL. Despite an unfair set of rules, we can be proud of how our bargaining team is putting forward a strong game. When does the next season begin?
Page 23 January 2010
SHEPP Contribution Rate Increase
HSAS Members are reminded that the plan actuary has recommended and the Board of Trustees has approved the following member and employer contribution rate increase, effective the first pay period in April 2010.
Please contact SHEPP with any questions or concerns.
1-306-751-8300
Toll Free 1-888-394-4440 [email protected]
In 2008, there were 5,438 Workers Compensation Board (WCB) claims accepted for injuries which incurred in health care.
This statistic represents only the accepted and re-ported claims, and illustrates that safety and pre-vention is still not a culture in health care.
There are many workplace injuries that are either not reported or accepted by WCB.
If you or any of your co-workers have suffered from a workplace injury, submit a claim to WCB and if the claim is denied, appeal this denial.
Safety and prevention of workplace injuries should be the culture in health care. All safety concerns and work place injuries must be reported. Only by identifying and resolving safety concerns will health care injuries be prevented.
Health care cannot lose any more workers due to workplace injuries. Report all safety concerns and injuries.
Marg Romanow SUN Benefits Officer
Reprinted with permission. SUN Spots
Workplace injuries in health care
remain the highest
in the province
Member Contribution Rate <YMPE*
Member Contribution Rate >YMPE
Employer Contribution Rate <YMPE
Employer Contribution Rate >YMPE
Current Rates 6.6% 9.00% 7.392% 10.08%
Rate Effective First Pay Period in April 2010
7.20%
9.60%
8.064%
10.752%
Page 24 January 2010
We Need Your Assistance
In order to keep our database as up-to-date as possible, we need your help. If you change your name,
address, home e-mail address, telephone number, work site, etc., please let us know. Complete the
information below and send or fax to the address below:
Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan
#12 - 395 Park Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4N 5B2 Fax: (306) 585-7751
Member Name Previous Name (if changed)
Home Address
City/Town: Postal Code
Home Phone Number Home E-mail Address
Place of Employment Work Phone Number
Work Fax Number Work E-mail Address
Status (eg. Full Time, Part-Time, Temporary, Casual, etc.)
Classification
Job Group
Date Changes In Effect
Note: If any of your colleagues express concern about not receiving their newsletter, please have them call the Saskatoon Office.
Dispatches is published for the information of members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan
Don’t forget to complete the HSAS Member Survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VHBM7HD