On September 3, 4, and 5, discussions resumed between representatives from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).
Over these three days the focus of our talks continued towards ensuring that our organizational change language covered in many articles such as articles 30 (Mergers or Transfers), 31 (Closure or Conversion), 33 (Technological change) and 34 (Org. change) is clear, easy to apply, and most importantly, enables SUN members the ability to exercise their rights and to have options to choose in the event that there are any potential changes to their positions in the future. Our Committee believes it is essential for SUN members to be able to carry out the critical work of using their professional judgement and providing high-quality care to patients without the burden of uncertainty in their work environments.
Through numerous exchanges and discussions using a problem-solving approach to navigate the challenges and address the concerns on both sides, we have been able to move closer together on many of the key principles required within this language. The parties now seem to be on the same page with how to approach a complete overhaul of the language and are looking forward to our next September dates to hopefully finalize new language covering these articles that works for both the Union and the Employer.
The Committee was also able to find agreement with SAHO and sign off on improving the clarity and application of our “general Leave” language (Article 17) and in making some minor adjustments to our mutual shift trades language (Article 7.13) that will not affect the way the language currently operates.
SUN’s Negotiations Committee looks forward to further productive conversation and progress when the parties return to meet on September 23, 24, and 25.
