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On April 15, 16 and 17, representatives from Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Affiliates, and Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) met to continue negotiations.
During these recent meetings, conversation narrowed in on trying to break down and understand the future vision of the new structure and geography of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) that the Employer is looking to implement with the mobility of staff being front and center in that structure. The Employer’s future vision could have a significant impact on how and where registered nurses do their work which is why the Negotiations Committee has been dedicating extensive effort and time into reviewing Saskatchewan Authority of Health Organization’s (SAHO) proposals regarding structure, taking into consideration both intended and unintended implications, and asking a number of key questions in an attempt to get clear, straightforward responses on the SHA’s organizational plan.
Despite some intense discussions on topics surrounding structure such as geography and organizational structure, scheduling, community positions, and the location of where and how positions exist, the Committee remains dedicated to getting the answers and clarity that will be needed in order to create language that makes sense and works for SUN members. The priority of aligning language to address these structural and geographical changes is crucial to ensure that SUN members are fully protected in their workplace, in their positions, and that their overall rights are upheld.
Our Committee understands that the bargaining process can appear slow at times which is mostly due to the amount of detailed discussions and pressing the Employer for information that takes place at the table, but we are also pleased to report that progress continues to occur each time we meet with the Employer. Additional sign offs were achieved on adjustments to our seniority language, definitions to bring clarity to seniority date, date of employment and hire date as well as some additional housekeeping items. Both parties left with a number of items to consider, and the Committee is dedicated to returning well prepared and committed to making headway on these important issues.
Conversations will continue during the next set of bargaining dates, which are scheduled to begin on May 27, 2025.
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