Representatives From the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and the Saskatchewan Authority of Health Organizations (SAHO) met on September 23, 24, and 25 to continue working through the specifics of Article 30 (Mergers or Transfers), 31 (Closure or Conversion), 33 (Technological Change) and 34 (Organizational Change).
Much of the conversation involved reworking and refining these Articles to ensure better clarity and to allow for consistent application of the language, now and in the future. Both parties made efforts to ask a number of key questions, work through a variety of scenarios, provide each other with detailed feedback, and discuss which options could be most workable for both the Union and the Employer. The Committee was also pleased to achieve further sign-offs on several definitions and housekeeping items.
The shared commitment to problem-solving has allowed both parties to work through the language in detail, get incredibly close to resolution on these complex articles, and land in a place where they feel comfortable that the final product will work for everyone involved. Throughout these discussions, the Committee has kept SUN members’ need for stability, their desire to focus on patient care, and their ability to exercise their rights, top-of-mind. This will be especially significant in helping everyone through the continued phases of transition and transformation that the SHA has planned.
The parties are making headway, but it is increasingly important to meet regularly, and the Union will continue to ask for additional dates to increase momentum and move forward on the good work being done.
SUN’s Negotiations Committee looks forward to further productive conversation and progress when the parties return to meet on October 21, 22, and 23.
