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Representatives from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) came together to meet on June 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.
SUN’s Negotiations Committee continued its drive to get through the remaining non-monetary items that remain on the table. The difficulty we were faced with again during these dates was the consistency of SAHO having the same lead negotiator and committee members at the table for each session. SAHO’s lead negotiator was absent again for our first two days due to other commitments and the attendance of their committee members has not been consistent which makes discussions difficult because we find ourselves having to repeat our positions due to not having the same people in the room on their side.
While this session produced additional sign offs and positive updates to the language in Articles 13, 16.08, 32, 42, 55.02, 55.08, 61.04, 61.12, 64.02 and LOU#8 our committee was looking to get more signed off particularly related to Articles 7, 56, 57, 58 and 59.
The parties addressed proposals from both sides related to Articles 6, 7, 12, 35. These discussions were cordial, but it was obvious to our committee that there seemed to be an unwillingness by SAHO to address some of the larger issues related to scheduling, specifically the changing of schedules. This is a topic that we will continue to discuss until our committee feels it has been addressed in some fashion. Article 6 discussions included the information to be received by both SUN and the Locals related to union dues as well as Articles 6.15 (Introduction to the Union) and 6.16 (Contracting out). SAHO requested that both 6.15 and 6.16 be deferred as they felt there may be monetary implications to both.
Our committee managed to get SAHO to withdraw its proposals on Article 12 and the only remaining language to be dealt with in this article is the monetary item of standby pay and a definition of “Brought back to duty” which should be simple as this was already agreed to in a minutes of settlement related to previous grievances on standby.
SAHO attempted to again propose changes to Article 35 related to the recognition of previous experience. At this time our committee is comfortable with our current language as SUN received a very positive outcome in arbitration directly related to our current language.
The parties did agree to begin discussions on the proposals put forward by SUN regarding Article 61 (OHS) that deal with violence and safety in the workplace at our next session set for June 23rd to 26th . We also agreed to begin addressing some of the tougher topics that have been deferred to date.
Overall, our committee did continue to make progress in our last session by getting more agreed to language in the books and ensuring that the parties continued to look at joint problem solving, modifying proposed language and returning with solutions that reflect the needs of both parties. SUN’s goal has been and always will be to problem-solve, consider the interests and challenges of all parties, and bring language that supports the broader goal of stabilizing, enhancing, and supporting the nursing workforce in Saskatchewan.
SUN’s Committee is hopeful that all parties will continue their commitment to productive discussions and significant progress when meetings resume on June 23rd.
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