Newswire

Over the past couple of weeks, hospitalizations due to COIVD-19 have been increasing and long-term care facilities have seen significant outbreaks. 

Since March 2020, SUN members have stepped up and answered the call to care for patients where and when needed. Whether that be through labour pools, redeployment or volunteering to work during an outbreak in our northern communities or long-term care facilities, you have been there - and continue to stand up and speak out regarding patient and personal safety. 

SUN supports registered nurses answering these calls to provide much-needed care in other communities, facilities or units or caring for our most vulnerable citizens in our long-term care facilities - it is who you are and we know, you will step up once again when asked. However, while caring for patients is your top priority, ensuring you are aware of your rights and that are you protected is our top priority.

It is crucial members are aware of the following:

• FACT:
  • Before a staffing need can be filled through the labour pool, the SHA must attempt to fill that staffing need through the unit's existing call-in/relief assignment and overtime processes. 
• WHAT SUN IS DOING:
  • SUN has advised the SHA that this applies to each and every staffing need and that SUN members who are redeployed through the labour pool cannot be simply left in a unit to fill vacancies or to maintain baseline staffing without first offering those shifts through the existing process. 
• WHAT MEMBERS SHOULD DO:
  • If you have questions or concerns about redeployment, contact SUN Provincial's Duty Roster to speak to an Employment Relations Officer (ERO).

• FACT:
  • During the tragic outbreak at Extendicare Parkside the SHA invited its employees to “volunteer” to work at the Parkside facility. It is also becoming apparent that Extendicare Parkside will not be the only facility where the SHA asks its employees to “volunteer”. 
• WHAT SUN IS DOING:
  • SUN has advised the SHA and Extendicare that it supports registered nurses providing care to the Parkside residents, SUN also had many questions about how SUN “volunteers” are protected while working in a non-SHA facility.  
  • SUN is continuing to pursue answers to its questions including pursuing written confirmation that the terms and conditions of the SUN/SAHO Collective Agreement apply. 
• WHAT MEMBERS SHOULD DO:
  • If you are considering “volunteering” please ensure you fully understand the effect working in another facility may have on your ability to return to your home position including whether you will be subject to any cohorting or required to undergo additional testing, monitoring or a period of isolation. 
  • In addition, until SUN has received confirmation from the SHA it is recommended you request written confirmation that you will continue to be protected by the SUN/SAHO Collective Agreement while working as an SHA employee in a non-SHA facility. 

SUN has and will continue, to advocate on behalf of its members and in doing so has asked numerous questions of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), on a variety of topics - many of which remain unanswered.

If you have questions regarding labour pools, redeployment or volunteering - or other areas of concern, please contact SUN Provincial's Duty Roster.