Dispatches

NOTICE OF THE 1994 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

WHEN:

WHY:

All HSAS Members Are Invited To Attend HSAS Annual General Meeting Terrace Room [Convention Level] Bessborough Hotel 601 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon [parking available in the Avard Towers Parkade across the street from the Bessborough]

Saturday, October 22, 1994 1 :00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The traditional Wine and Cheese which takes place at the conclusion of the Business Meeting will be held to welcome Alice Robert. Alice was hired effective October 3, 1994 to fill our vacant Labour Relations Officer position. 1. Hear Larry Haiven; a Professor in Industrial

Relations at the U of S, speak on the topic "Total Quality Management and Team Concept - The Challenge For Unions".

2. Find out what your union has been involved with over the past year.

3. Discuss a suggestion to change our union's name.

4. Meet and socialize with fellow HSAS Members.

5. Be eligible to win one of two cash prizes of one hundred dollars $100.00 each.

Bring This Copy Of Dispatches With You To The Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA

1:00 -1:20 1:20 -1:30

1:30 - 3:00 3:00- 3:30 3:30- 5:30 5:30- 6:30 7:30

Registration Introduction and Welcome by President Roberta Ekberg Guest Speaker - Larry Haiven Refreshment Break Business Meeting (see agenda] Social to welcome Alice Robert to our union Annual Presictent's Dinner for Executive Council [current, outgoing and incoming], Board of Governors and District Council Chairpersons.

BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA

1. Adoption of Agenda 2. Adoption of the October 23, 1993 Annual General

Meeting Minutes 3. President's Annual Report

HEAL TH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN NEWSLEI I ER

OCTOBER 1994

4. Executive Director's Annual Report 5. Committee Reports:

[a] Finance - presentation of the Auditor's Report. Copies available from Executive Council Members, District Council Chairpersons or the HSAS office from October 19, 1994

[b] Negotiating [c] Communication [d] Grievance [e] Education [f] Emergency

6. Election of HSAS Members to the following Executive Council positions: Executive Council Position Incumbent/Hospital Nominations/Hospital [a] Dietitians Michael Chan/RGH Michael Chan/RGH [bl Laboratory

Technologists/ Students Karen Giesbrecht/RUH Karen Giesbrecht/RUH

[c] Occupational Therapists Jason Hancock/SPH None Recieved

[d] Psychologists Nahid Ahmad/RUH None Recieved [e] Social

Workers Elliott PausJenssen/RUH Lorraine Marquis/RUH

[ij Speech Language Pathologists & Orthoptists Laura Carney/RUH Pam Ridgway/RUH

7. New Business [a] Discuss a proposal from an HSAS member to

change the name of our organization to reflect the fact we are a union.

continued on page 2

Content Highlites Annual General Meeting ..... ... ......... page 1

Health District Happenings . . .. . . .. . . . .. page 3

Labour Relations Board Matters ...... page 5

Spot-Light On Pulmonary Function Technologists . ................................. page 5

Committee Reports . ..... .... .... .... .... ... page 6

Grievances ................ . ..... ............... page 7

Executive Council Highlites ............. page 8

Executive Director's Corner ................ page 9

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8. Members' Resolutions 9. Adjournment

10. Lottery to select winners of two cash prizes of $100.00 each [only those who are HSAS members and present at the draw will be eligible]

ATTENTION HSAS MEMBERS IN REGINA AND PRINCE ALBERT

The union will provide transportation to and from the Annual General Meeting. If you are interested in this offer please contact:

Roberta Ekberg, Regina, home 781-2367 Bonnie Reed, Prince Albert, home 764-1338

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF HEALTH SCIENCES

ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN HELD OCTOBER 23, 1993

Call To Order:

The Annual General Meeting of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan was held in the Terrace Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon on Saturday, October 23, 1993.

The meeting was called to order by President , Ted Makeechak at 1 :35 p.m. He welcomed everyone and intro­duced the following: Executive Council Members: Nahid Ahmad - Psychologists Laura Carney - Speech Language Pathologists

& Orthoptists Michael Chan - Dietitians Roberta Ekberg - Pharmacists Colleen Hancharuk - Occupational Therapists Ted Makeechak - Physical Therapists Elliott PausJenssen - Social Workers Bernard Schaan - Laboratory Technologists

Board of Governors: Ron Currie

District Council Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons Bonnie Reed - Victoria Union Hospital Shannon Wilde Saskatoon City Hospital

He then introduced the Executive Director, Tim Slattery, who introduced the guest speakers.

Guest Speakers:

The guest speakers were: 1. Norm Bulmer who is employed at Sas katoon Chemicals Ltd . and serves as the Unit Chairperson of the Communication , Energy and Pape r Workers Union and 2 . Mike Rushby who is the Saskatchewan Division Manager of Human Resources and Organization Development for Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. They spoke on how union and management at Saskatoon Chemicals Ltd. have worked together over the past four years to implement a more democratic workplace.

DISPATCH

At the conclusion of their talk they answered questions from the floor.

Adoption of the Agenda:

Following the speaker, a refreshment break was taken. At 3:45 p.m., Ted Makeechak, serving as Chairperson, called the Business meeting to order and requested a motion to adopt the agenda. Moved by: Lesley Chlopan Seconded by: Joan Stewart Motion Carried

Adoption of the October 24, 1992 Annual General Meeting Minutes:

The Chairperson called for adoption of the October 24, 1992 A.G.M. Minutes. Moved by: Laura Carney Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried

President's Annual Report:

Ted Makeechak presented his report and moved its adop­tion. Seconded by: Nahid Ahmad Motion Carried

Quorum:

As there was less than 10% of the membership present the Chairperson called for a motion to proceed with the meet­ing. Moved by: Karen Giesbrecht Seconded by: Roberta Ekberg

A show of hands indicated the motion carried by more than two thirds of those present. ·

Auditor's Report:

Secretaryffreasurer Bernard Schaan thanked:

[1) Members of the Finance Committee (Ed Dewhurst , Karen Giesbrecht, Elliott PausJenssen and Tim Slattery) and

[2) Lynn Regier, Office Assistant for their assistance over the past year in preparing the budget, completing the Statements of Receipts and Disbursements and main­taining the Synoptic Journal.

Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the general Audited Statement Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Ron Walsh Motion Carried

Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the Audited Emergency Fund Account. Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Shelley Hamilton Motion Carried

Bernard Schaan called for a motion to adopt the Audited Scholarship Foundation Inc. Account. Moved by: June Rodych Seconded by: Nahid Ahmad Motion Carried

DISPATCH

Bernard Schaan called for a motion to have Glen Dean appointed as the H.S.A.S. Auditor for the period October 1, 1993 to September 30, 1994. Moved by: Ron Walsh Seconded by: Karen Giesbrecht Motion Carried

Executive Director's Report:

Tim Slattery presented his report and called for a motion to adopt it as presented Moved by: Nahid Ahmad Seconded by: Kathy Brown Motion Carried

Committee Reports:

Communication, Emergency, Education, Grievance and Selection

Tim Slattery presented reports on behalf of each of the above noted committees and called for adoption of the reports as presented. Moved by: Laura Carney Seconded by: Frank Bertoia Motion Carried

Contract

On behalf of the Negotiating Committee, Roberta Ekberg presented an oral report on provincial negotiations with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations. During her report she requested feedback on the following issues:

[1] All vacancies being posted for H.S.A.S. members with-in the District where the vacancy occurs. There was general consensus that this was the correct approach.

[2] Who should receive casual and temporary work while H.S.A.S. members are on lay off. There was general consensus that it is difficult to satisfy everyone's con­cerns in this area.

At the conclusion of her report Roberta Ekberg, moved her report be adopted as presented. Seconded by: June Rodych Motion Carried

Election of Executive Council Members:

Secretaryffreasurer , Bernard Schaan, reported that:

[1] One nomination had been received for five vacant Executive Council seats. As a result the following are elected by acclamation:

Executive Name/Hospital Council Seat Term of Office

Laura Carney/RUH Speech Language Oct./93 - Oct./95 Pathologists & Orthoptists

Roberta Ekberg/Pas Pharmacists Jason Hancock/SPH Occupational

Therapists

Oct./93 - Oct./95 Oct./93 - Oct./95

Ted Makeechak/SPH Physical Therapists Oct./93 - Oct./95 Dawn Senko/RUH Radiology Oct./93 - Oct./95

Technologists /Students & Nuclear Medicine Technologists

[2] Three nominations (Spencer Hanson, Carrie Mulligan

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and Mark Rosin) had been received for the newly cre­ated Council Seat representing Cardiology Technologists, Orthopedic Technologists, E.E .G. Technologists and Trainees, E.M.G. Technologists, Perfusionists , Pulmonary Function Technologists and Trainees, Cardio-Vascular Technologists and Trainees and Respiratory Therapists. As a result.a secret ballot election was held among those attending the A.G.M. employed in these professions. From this process Mark Rosin emerged as the representative on Executive Council. His term of office will be October, 1993 to October, 1995 or until the matter of representation on Council is decided, which ever occurs first.

At the conclusion of the election Ron Currie moved the ballots be destroyed. Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried

New Business:

Lesley Chlopan raised a concern that the various reports handed out were not double sided.

Tim Slattery explained that since our copying machine at the H.S.A.S. office: [1 J Was not designed for double sided copying and [2] Has been mal functioning of late it was not possible to

copy double sided this year.

Members' Resolutions:

Karen Giesbrecht moved that the A.G .M. approve all actions undertaken by Executive Council over the past year (October 24, 1992 to October 23, 1993). Seconded by: Freda Toffolo-Frost Motion Carried

Adjournment:

There being no further business, Nahid Ahmad moved adjournment at 5:20 p.m. Seconded by: Lesley Chlopan Motion Carried

Lottery Draw:

The winners of the two $100.00 door prizes were: [1] Freda Toffolo-Frost, Speech Language Pathologist at

R.U.H. [2] Mary-Lane Clark, Respiratory Therapist at R.U.H.

END OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HEALTH DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

Prince Albert:

At its meeting held on July 8, 1994 the P.A. District Health Board ratified the memorandum of agreement between SAHO and HSAS. The P.A. District Health Board recently invited tenders from all local retail pharmacists to supply the following long term care facilities with pharmacy services; Mont. St. Joseph Home Inc., Pineview Terrace and Herb Bassett Home. On July 1, 1994 the contract was awarded to Superstore. With the awarding of this con­tract the cost of filling prescriptions will be reduced to $1.98/perscription with an overall potential savings of

PAGE4

approximately $150,000 to residents over the next two years.

Regina:

[a] Employee and Physician Survey

The Reg ina Health District hired Hay Manage ment Consultants Ltd to design an employee physician survey which was distributed in May, 1994. In September the results of the survey were announced.

The following areas were rated as below average by those completing the survey; downward communication, opportu­nities to communicate upward, opportunities for advance­ment, training and development opportunities, salaries and benefits, pride , sense of accomplishment , opportunity to have ideas adopted, ability and visibility of management.

Editors Note - Given the number of areas that were rated as below average you would think job satisfaction would also be rated similarly. Wrong! Hay Management Consultants translated this discontent into the following statement. "Employees show a high degree of job satisfac­tion". Now we know why the Regina Health District hired these people.

[b] Retreat On Continuing Quality Improvement

The Health District has planned a retreat October 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Echo Valley Conference Centre to develop a quali­ty improvement plan. Participants will include representa­tives from Executive Management, Board of Governors, Medical Staff, Unions and Directors.

[c] Union - Management Meeting

A meeting was held June 22, 1994 at Wa sca na Rehabilitation Centre. Fred Stir and Judy Bell represented the ADHB. Roberta Ekberg and Tim Slattery represented HSAS. Here is a brief summary of what transpired:

[i] The union agreed to a proposal to create a new out-of-scope classification entitled Clinical/Educational Specialist provided the duties of the position are managerial and the total num­ber of Pharmacist out-of-scope positions currently permitted by agreement with HSAS [6] would not be exceeded.

[ii] Negotiations were concluded over title and rates of pay for two [2] new in-scope Pharmacist classifica­tions; namely.Clinical Coordinator and DUE/DI Pharmacist.

[iii] Discussion over staffing concerns in the Pharmacy Department at the Plains Health Centre. Although some of the concerns have been addressed others are being monitored and will be dealt with as required.

Saskatoon:

[a] Lay Offs - Laboratory

In April, 1994 HSAS was informed that the SDHB was cre­ating District wide out-of-scope management positions for each laboratory section. As a result, effective the beginning of June, the out-of-scope section manager positions at SCH and SPH were abolished as were the HSAS in-scope Chief and Section Chief classif ications at RUH. Although two HSAS Section Chiefs were successful in bidding into man-

DISPATCH

ager positions one HSAS Chief and two Section Chiefs were issued lay off notices. Of those laid off one took early retirement while the remaining two maintained employment by exercising their seniority into lower paid classifications.

[b) Reclassification of Radiology Technologist Ills at RUH

At the beginning of August, 1994 the union was informed that the SDHB planned to reclassify four [4] of the seven [7] Radiology Technologist Ills to the Technologist I level.

Pursuant to ·Article 16 of our contract the SDHB and the union negotiated a settlement that will see the reclassified Technologists maintained at their Ill salaries until the top step of the Technologist I scale equals or exceeds it. The agreement also requires the SDHB to ensure these reclas­sified Technologists are not required to perform Ill duties.

[c] Rehabilitation Outreach Services - RUH

In February , 1994 the SDHB established several clinical working groups. HSAS has representatives on nine [9] of those groups. In June, 1994 the Board established a Task Force with HSAS representation to implement a plan that HSAS members had no involvement in putting together.

The plan called for an end to the program model and a move to a professional model. It also called for the three [3] HSAS Rehab Assessor /C oord inators to be moved to CAU/Home Care, an SGEU bargaining unit. The target date for the move was September 6, 1994.

As per usual; however, the people affected had many unan­swered questions as did the union. One of the main stum­bling blocks is the refusal of SGEU to recognize the seniori­ty of our 3 members if they move with their service. [This is S.G.E.U.'s way of punishing HSAS for our Wascana appli­cation].

Because the Health Board has taken the position that employees being involuntarily transferred should not be negatively impacted they moved the target date for transfer­ring the HSAS Assessor/Coordinators back to October 7, 1994. They had hoped the two unions could meet and resolve the seniority issue. In a meeting on September 22, 1994 SGEU representative s made it clear that HSAS Assessor/ Coordinator s moving to GAU/Home CAre on October 7, 1994 could not bring their seniority with them. They did state; however, that they would sit down with HSAS after the Labour Relations Board issued its decision on our Wascana application to discuss the seniority ques­tion.

In the meantime, HSAS has: 1 J requested the SDHB bar­gain a satisfactory solution to this problem and 2] consulted legal counsel regarding other options available to the union.

[d) Itinerant Movement of HSAS Members Within The Health District

HSAS has begun negotiations over an agreement with the SDHB that will govern the movement of HSAS members moving between SDHB sites.

Until an agreement is negotiated HSAS and the SDHB have agreed that in the SCH and RUH laboratories , Technologists can be moved between sites for short term orientation purposes. H.S.A.S.'s agreement to this is contin­gent on no loss of hours for Technologists at either site. For Technologists moving between sites their terms and condi-

DISPATCH

tions of employment will be as per their home site collective agreement.

[e] Laboratory Services

On September 27, 1994 the SDHB announced that a Laboratory Steering Committee will be meeting October 11, 1994 to begin the process of deciding in which hospital[s] the high volume lab will be located.

This five member Committee has no front line health care worker representation. It is made up of John Malcom, the CEO for MOS and three Physicians.

LABOUR RELATIONS BOARD MATTERS

Wascana Rehabilitat ion Centre - Regina:

In response to a request from a majority of the ninety [90] paramedical employees at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. HSAS filed an application to represent them. Hearings took place March 10, April 14, May 24 and 27, 1994.

No decision has been issued to date.

Saskatoon District Health Board:

HSAS filed an unfair labour practice application with the Labour Relations Board against the Saskatoon District Health Board on April 15, 1994 for their failure to place Social Workers, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in our bargaining unit at SCH after transferring them from Parkridge on March 28, 1994.

The following applications were heard by the Labour Relations Board July 11, 12 and 13 in Saskatoon. The deci­sions are as follows:

1. Saskatoon City Hospital - HSAS application to repre­sent Psychologists, Orthoptists, Recreation Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists. HSAS was award­ed the groups applied for with the exception of the Recreation Therapists.

2. Royal University Hospital - SEIU application to repre­sent all of the Technologist groups awarded to HSAS by the LRB in August, 1993 excluding the Laboratory and Radiology Students . The Board dismissed S.E.I.U.'s application.

3. Parkridge Centre - SEIU application to represent paramedical employees at Parkridge . HSAS did not object to this application. S.E.1.U.'s application was granted.

SPOT-LIGHT ON PULMONARY FUNCTION TECHNOLOGISTS

By Vic Hannah, a Pulmonary Function Technologist II at Royal University Hospital

The Pulmonary Function Laboratory at the Royal University Hospital employs three full-time and one part-time Technologist, all of whom are members of HSAS. Pulmonary Function Technologists are certified by the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists .

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Pre-requisites for certification is a diploma or degree in a bio-medical field [eg. nursing, respiratory therapy, physiolo­gy, etc.] followed by a minimum of one year on-site training. Upon passing the National Registry Examination, the candi­date becomes a Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologist in the Pulmonary Medicine field [R.C.P.T.(P)].

The Pulmonary Function Laboratory makes use of comput­erized and electronic analyzers to make accurate measure­ments of lung functions. These measurements are of use not only in the diagnosis of cardio-pulmonary dysfunction, but also in the assessment and maintenance of drug thera­py. Routine testing involves such measurements as: flow­volume loops, lung volumes with subdivision, gas transfer, inspiratory and expiratory muscle pressures and allergy testing.

Methacholine Challenge Testing [M.C.T.] is a more involved procedure involving controlled dose inhalation of metha­choline to provoke broncho-constriction . This test is very useful in the diagnosing of asthma in patients who demon­strate only mild symptoms of this disease. The MCT is also an essential component in the measurement and diagnosis of occupational asthma. At RUH, this procedure is used to help quantify the degree of airway responsiveness to vari­ous inhaled agents, such as isocyanates, which are com­monly found in automobile painting shops.

More recently , our laboratory has begun Respiratory Exercise Testing. This procedure involves on-line measure­ment of certain physiological parameters while a patient is exercising on a computer controlled ergonometer [bicycle]. Some of these parameters include: work rate, oxygen con­sumption, carbon dioxide production , oxygen saturation, respiratory exchange rate and heart rate . Usually the patient begins the test at rest followed by periodic incre­ments in the workload until maximum exercise is achieved. This procedure is useful in detecting certain physiological abnormalities that may not be discernable under normal resting conditions.

Although some pulmonary function testing is required on an urgent basis, most testing is performed on an outpatient basis which helps to keep health care costs to a minimum.

TWO HSAS MEMBERS GRADUATE FROM THE U OF S LABOUR STUDIES

PROGRAM

HSAS is proud to announce that Karen Giesbrecht and Terry Akister, Laboratory Technologists at RUH, have suc­cessfully completed the Labour Studies Program at the U of S. Karen and Terry convocated on May 29, 1994. The keynote speaker at the convocation was Bob White; President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The U of S Labour Studies Program is the only university based program officially recognized by the Canadian Labour Congress . The program combines academic sub­jects with a labour perspective . The goal is to encourage activists to participate more fully in their union's struggle.

The HSAS Industrial Relations Education Fund provided Karen and Terry financial assistance to complete their pro­gram.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Educat ion Fund [Nahid Ahmad , Ted Makeechak, Elliott PausJenssen

and Tim Slattery]

[al Continuing Education Fund

The Continuing Education Fund was established at the October, 1990 Annual General Meeting with the purpose of promoting continuing education in areas directly related to one's present position.

A lottery system is used to select applicants with five (5) names drawn on October 1 and five (5) names on May 15 of each year. Successful applicants are eligible for a maxi­mum of $500.00.'

It is the position of H.S.A.S . that the responsibility for assuming costs associated with continuing job related edu­cation resides with the employer. To ensure our Fund is not treated as a primary funding source the Education Fund Committee requires members to apply to their employers or other sources prior to making application to the H.S.A.S. Education Fund.

The successful applicants in the October 1, 1994 lottery were as follows:

Name Cindy Anderson Helen Erasmus Sylvia Keall Helene Machnee Lynne Salamon

Hospital RUH RUH Plains RUH RUH

Profession Occupational Therapist Dietition Social Worker Dietitian Occupational Therapist

[b] Industrial Relations Education Fund

This fund was establi shed by Executive Council at it 's February 19, 1992 meeting . Its purpose is to encourage H.S.A.S. members to increase their knowledge of industrial relations. The sum of $1200.00 per fiscal year is available to members . Moneys are distributed on a first come first served basis to a maximum of $400.00 per member per year.

This fiscal year the following individuals were granted fund­ing : Terry Akister /Royal University Hospital /Laboratory Technologist and Karen Giesbrecht /Royal University Hospital/Laboratory Technologist.

Negotiating[Ron Currie, Roberta Ekberg , Karen Giesbrecht ,Lorraine Marquis , Yvonne Dunsworth and Tim

Slattery]

[1] Provincial Negotiations

SAHO and HSAS signed a memorandum of agreement June 17, 1994. At its June 28, 1994 meeting the HSAS Executive Council voted to accept the terms of the memo­randum and directed it be sent to the membership for ratifi­cation.

Ratification votes were held as follows: Prince Albert - July 19, 1994 Regina - July 20, 1994 Saskatoon - July 21, 1994 100% of those voting voted to accept the memorandum.

DISPATCH

During the summer the three Health Boards; Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina also ratified the memorandum. The official signing of the ratified document by HSAS and SAHO took place September 21, 1994 in Saskatoon.

Retroactivity should be paid out to HSAS Members by the end of October . Once new contracts are printed each member will be provided a copy.

[2] Local Negotiations

It is hoped negotiations with each Hospital over local issues will begin in October, 1994.

Selection{Nahid Ahmad , Ron Currie, Ed Dewhurst ,Roberta Ekberg and Tim Slattery]

In May, 1993 Executive Council passed a motion to recruit a Labour Relations Officer to work with the Executive Director on a temporary one (1) year term basis.

A Selection Committee was struck and directed by Council to recruit for this posit ion. The Committee is pleased to announce that Alice Robert has accepted an offer to fill the position . Alice began her duties effective October, 1994. She will be involved in all aspects of labour relations includ­ing: interpretation and administration of the collective agree­ment, servicing bargaining units, assisting in negotiations and Labour Relations Board and matters, conducting edu­cational programs for the membership, research and com­mittee work.

Alice has a long history of interest and involvement in labour relations matters . She worked with the Saskatchewan Department of Labour for over 10 years between 1972-83. As part of her duties as Program Coordinator for the Occupational health and Safety Branch she developed educational programs and informational materials for workers on occupational health committees.

Following graduation from the University of Saskatchewan Law School in 1986, she has been involved in teaching as well as the practice of law - including employment and labour law. In addition to a general law practice Alice has conducted arbitrations for various unions and has main­tained an interest in labour education.

Most recently she worked for two years with the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission, representing clients in the areas of criminal and labour law.

Alice and her husband have two grown children and a 5 year old grandson, Nathan. Their son, Sean is completing law school and their daughter, Jennifer is completing a doc­torate in science anatomy at the University of Saskatchewan.

Our organization has consulted with Alice in the past con­cerning labour issues and she is looking forward to working with the Executive Council and Executive Director and meeting with our members to discuss concerns and needs.

DISPATCH

Tim Slattery welcoming Alice Robert to HSAS

LABOUR CANADA GRANT

In response to an application from HSAS the federal gov­ernment 's Department of Labour provided HSAS with a $604.00 grant. These moneys are to be used in the area of labour education .

H.S.A.S. GRIEVANCES

Nature of Grievance

Royal University/Nuclear Medicine Hospital. [1 J not remitting dues for Radiopharmacist who is performing bargaining unit work and [2) is contracting out bargaining unit work.Articles breached 2.01, 3.01, 4.02 and 14.01, 16.05

Royal University/Laboratory Hospital placed a disciplinary letter on Technologist's personnel file. The union contends the disciplinary letter is unwarranted and the individual concerned has been singled out and treated differently from other Technologist who have been involved in equivalently serious and/or potentially more serious incidents.

Royal University/Laboratory Hospital unilaterally changed the educational and experiential requirements for the Technologist I and II class ifications in the Cytogenetics Lab. Article breached 3.01 and 16.01.

Status

Without prejudice settlement arrived at that will see the SDHB pay to HSAS all outstanding dues. Grievance withdrawn

SDHB has agreed to remove the letter from the employee's file . Grievance withdrawn

SDHB and HSAS arrived at compromise settlement. Grievance withdrawn

Royal University/Laboratory Hospital denied a laid off Technologist right to bump into a position held by another Technologist with less seniority in breach of Article 20

Royal University/Radiology Hospital: [1] improperly laid off Radiology Technolog ist by denying him the right to exercise seniority . Articles breached 5.01 , 20 and 24.01 .

Plains Health Centre/ Pharmacy Hospital failed to: [1) negotiate title and rate of pay for new classification entitled Clinical Assistant [2] Post the vacancy for Clinical Assistant. Article breached 3.01 and 16

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Greivance withd rawn on a without prejudice basis .

SDHB and HSAS arrived at a compromise settlement that was satisfactory to the Grievor . Grievance withdrawn.

Grievance withdrawn on a without prejudice basis as this new position was a temporary one for 3 months and it ended.

OTHER CONCERNS

Nature of Grievance

Saskatoon City/Opthamology Duties and responsibilities for in scope Administrative Orthoptist altered .Saskatoon District Health Board has obligation under Articles 3.01 and 16.01 to negotiate title and rate of pay.

Saskatoon City/ Laboratory Hospital plans to unilaterally reduce hours of work for some Technologist s working evenings and weekends .

Royal University/Patient Education Hospital unilaterally changed educational and experiential requirements for Staff Dietitians working in Diabetes Education in breach of Article 3.01 and 16.01.

Royal University/Rehab Outreach Services Two [2] HSAS members are being involuntarily transferred to Home Care, an SGEU bargaining unit. Since SGEU refuses to recognize HSAS seniority we have requested the SDHB to negotiate terms that ensure HSAS members are not harmed in the move.

Status

Negotiations over this will take place during local negotiations at SCH.

HSAS has requested the SDHB to negotiate such changes with the union.

Concern addressed as Hospital has agreed to change the educational and experiential requirements so they are in line with what is required of a Staff Dietitian

Negotiations between the SDHB and HSAS resulted in the SDHB agreeing to recognize HSAS seniority at Home Care and permit the two (2) HSAS member s to bridge back to RUH in the event their seniority is negatively impacted .

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Royal University/Kinsmen Children Centre Hospital unilaterally changed job description for the Senior Occupational Therapist at the Kinsmen Children's Centre. As written it would seem an Occupational Therapist with a diploma would not qualify to work in the position.

Royal University/ Laboratory HSAS has requested the SDHB to negotiate terms and conditions of employment for the Student Laboratory and Radiology Students.

Royal University/Laboratory HSAS has expressed concern over the unilateral reclassification of Technologist Ill teaching duties to a lower paid classification in two of the laboratory sections.

Royal University/Laboratory Saskatoon District Health Board plans to eliminate Chief and Section Chief classifications but has not discussed plan with the union.

Royal University/Laboratory A manager in the lab is attempting to unilaterally implement a system of peer review.

Royal University/Perfussion Perfusionists being required to work excessive hours and not being paid standby according to a local agreement.

Royal University/Pharmacy Pharmacist[s] being paid additional moneys to perform managerial work but no "responsibil ity pay" language in the collective agreement.

SDHB Because of being laid off some HSAS members have had to exercise seniority into lower paid classifications . They earned vacation based on their formerly held higher paid classification.When taking their vacation after

Concern addressed as SDHB provided the union with written assurance that qualified diploma O.T.s would be considered to fill Senior O.T. positions.

No dates have been established to begin negotiations

The SDHB has been requested to negotiate this reclassification .

Concern addressed when SDHB agreed to provide sufficient notice to those laid off as a result of classification being abolished.

HSAS has informed both the SDHB and the manager that to date HSAS is opposed to peer review and if implemented without being properly negotiated will be grieved.

SDHB has been informed of the Perfusionists ' concerns and we are waiting a response.

Negotiations are currently taking place over language governing responsibility pay.

The SDHB has agreed to pay vacation pay based on the rate it was accrued

bumping ; however, they were paid vacation pay based on their new lower paid classification , in breach of Article 11 of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Standards Act.

St. Paul's/Occupational Therapy Hospital is: [1] not remitting dues for an O.T. who is performing bargain­ing unit work and [2] is contracting in bargaining unit work. Articles breached 2.01, 3.01, 4.02, 14.01, 16.05.

Regina General/Food and Nutrition Services Intern Coordinator vacancy was posted as full time but filled on a part time basis without being posted as part time.

Regina General Letter of discipline placed on employee's personnel file without holding a disciplinary meeting or informing the union.

DISPATCH

Discussions are currently taking place with the Hospital to resolve this issue.

Concern resolved as succes sful candidate was the only qualified HSAS candidate in the Health District.

Concern resolved when RDHB agreed to remove letter from employee's file.

UP-COMING EVENTS The 23rd. lnterprovinc ial Meeting will be held June 7, 8 and 9, 1995 in Saskatoon . HSAS will be hosting the event. This is an annual meeting of our sister unions from across Canada. The HSAS Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday, October 22, 1994 beginning at 1 :00 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. All HSAS members are invited. HSAS Executive Council will hold its next meeting Saturday, October 22, 1994 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Saskatchewan Room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HIGHLITES

May 25, 1994:

Tim Slattery reported that: 1 J the Saskatoon District Health Board made application

to the provincial Human Rights Commission to exclude male Radiology Technologists from performing work in the RUH Mammography Clinic.

In response Council decided that HSAS should contact the Commission and question whether being female is a bonafide occupational requirement to work in the mammorgraphy clinic.

2] the SDHB signed an agreement with SEIU just prior to the consolidation of Rehab Services at SCH to recog­nize SEIU as the bargaining agent for employees transferring to SCH from Parkridge. This agreement contraves a Labour Relations Board certification order at SCH which assigns Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Physical Therapists to the HSAS bargain­ing unit

DISPATCH

June 28, 1994:

Counsel voted unanimously to accept the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the HSAS Negotiating Team and SAHO. Elliott PausJenssen informed Council that the Geriatric Assessment Unit at RUH is planned to be moved to SCH in the summer of 1995.

September 20, 1994

1 J

2]

Tim Slattery reported the following:

the Human Rights Commission has made no decision on the SDHB application to exclude males from work­ing in the RUH mammography clinic.

the HSAS office computer ceased to operate in July, 1994 and with Council's approval he and Lynn Regier, the Administrative Assistant, undertook the task of find­ing a replacement. The system chosen was an IBM package. Given that unions are under attack across Canada and that the Saskatoon City Common Front Workers have walked the picket line for seven weeks; Council voted unanimously to donate a per capita amount of $1.00 to the Front. On September 28, 1994 a cheque in the amount of $650.00 was handed to the Common Front on behalf of the members of HSAS as a small token of support for their historic show of solidarity in an effort to obtain a just and fair collective agreement.

A friendly challenge has been extended to unions repre­senting Saskatchewan health care workers [SUN, SEIU, SGEU, CUPE] to meet or beat H.S.A.S.'s per capita contri­bution.

Representing the Common Front, Arlene Rey [on the left] is shown accepting the HSAS donation from Karen

Giesbrecht, Secretaryrrreasurer of HSAS

INTERPROVINCIAL MEETING HELD JUNE 2-3, 1994 IN TORONTO

The Association of Allied Health Professionals: Ontario hosted the 22nd annual lnterprovincial. Our sister unions from across Canada representing over 30,000 health care professionals met for two days to discuss various topics. Representatives from the following unions were in atten­dance: Health Sciences Association of British Columbia, Health Sciences Association of Alberta, Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan, The Manitoba Association of

PAGE9

Health Care Professionals, The Association of Allied Health Professionals:Ontario, The Association Professionalle Des Technologistes Medicaux Du Quebec, Centrale des Professionel [le] s de la Sante' and the Association of Allied Health Professionals: Newfoundland and Labrador.

A joint statement was issued to the press on the restructur­ing of Canada's health care system. What follows are excerpts from that statement. "While the principles articulat­ed in Health Reform initiatives are supported, the reality falls short of meeting those stated objectives. While Canadians have enjoyed and expected a system of health care historically secured by the government, the quality of Medicare is taking second place to fiscal expediency. The shift in health delivery from acute care institutions to the community is proving to be a cut in service. Promised com­munity delivery models are slow to materialize while the speed of reform [read: cut] accelerates across the country. The assurances of the politicians are ringing hollow as health workers cite examples of regressive changes under the guise of health reform.

The values expressed in the Canada Health Act - universal, accessible, non profit, comprehensive and publicly adminis­tered health insurance are at risk. Health care is becoming a business as the private sector takes over where the gov­ernment has failed to meet its commitments. The individual will be expected to meet the shortfall, paying the cost out of their own pocket. Canada will have a health system approaching that of the United States.

Health care professionals agree with health reform experts who say that the biggest contributor to the cost of our health system is the ''fee for service" structure and physician prac­tices. Reform initiatives have refused to tackle this issue effectively as doctors maintain their power in the system."

HSAS was represented at this meeting by Roberta Ekberg, Karen Giesbrecht and Tim Slattery.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER

As you may be aware the Saskatoon District Health Board [SDHBJ has decided to transfer three HSAS positions [Assessor Coordinators] from our bargaining unit at the Royal University Hospital [RUH] to the Central Assessment Unit at Home Care, represented by SGEU.

In a separate agreement with HSAS to govern this transfer the SDHB is prepared to recognize rights of individual members affected; and, significantly, Employees involuntar­ily transferred will carry with them accumulated service and seniority.

SGEU has taken the position that after the involuntary transfers take effect it will not recognize the seniority of our members absorbed into SGEU. We do not and cannot oppose losing three members to SGEU but we cannot stand by while SGEU sacrifices and punishes members who are still in HSAS.

SGEU takes the crass view that because we are "raiding" at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina they are enti­tled to deny our members seniority rights [As you are aware HSAS has applied to the Labour Relations Board to repre­sent the paramedicals, who are presently in SGEU and who

PAGE10

have over-whelmingly expressed their wish to join HSAS as their union of choice].

The actions of SGEU are the type of anti-union activity by some unions that discredit all unions as anti-democratic by putting their institutional and organizational interests first before the interests of the working members - the rank and file. SGEU is breaking a fundamental principle among unions - workers should not be victimized or harmed by a union. This is vitally important since we know that some­times the interests of a union as an organization may be in conflict with workers as members. In HSAS we put the needs and protection of our members first, not second.

We believe that the interests of the trade union movement in the long run are promoted best if the rank and file mem­bers know their protection comes first. Bob White from the Canadian Auto Workers, now President of the CLC, has taken this view and recognized that democratic choice in unions strengthens the labour movement. [As you know there was a dispute between the auto workers and the fish­ermen's union in the Maritimes].

HSAS does not "raid" other unions as SGEU claims. The term "raiding" is a pejorative term suggesting that one union is trying illicitly to steal another union's members. Unlike other large health care Unions we do not have full time organizers nor do we have any interest in seeking members of other unions. The real problem is that of disaffected rank and file workers who are unhappy with present unions and as a matter of last resort go to another union for help. Is it better to have members say all unions are no good and undemocratic and that they are locked in forever with no freedom to choose which union can best represent them? This fundamental right of free choice is supposed to be guaranteed by Section 3 of the Saskatchewan Trade Union Act:

"Employees have the right to organize in and to form, join or assist trade unions and to bargain collectively through a trade union of their own choosing; and the trade union designated or selected for the purpose of bargaining collectively by the majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for that purpose shall be the exclu­sive representative of all employees in that unit for the purpose of bargaining collectively."

SGEU's position is in callous disregard for the HSAS mem­bers being transferred from RUH to Home Care. Of the three persons involved - one casual employees has resigned because of the stress and the other two are now in stress sick leave.

SGEU's position is so extreme as to deny the very princi­ple of seniority which every union knows is fundamental to every union's and every member's interests. A very dan­gerous precedent and an anti-union action by a union.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The Executive Council is the governing body that conducts the business of the Union between Annual General Meetings. The current Council members are:

Name/Hospital Executive Group Represented

DISPATCH

Roberta Ekberg/ President Pharmacists Pasqua Mark Rosin/RUH First Vice Cardiology Technologists,

President Cardiovascular Technologists and Trainees, E.E.G. Technologists and Trainees, E.M.G. Technologists, Orthopedic Technologists, Pulmonary Function Technologists and Trainees, Perfusionists, Respiratory Therapists

* Karen Giesbrecht/ Council Member Laboratory Technologists RUH and Students

Nahid Ahmad/RUH Council Member Psychologists **Laura Carney/SCH Council Member Speech Language

Pathologists & Orthoptists Michael Chan/RGH Council Member Dietitians **Jason Hancock/ Council Member Occupational Therapists SPH Ted Makeechak/SPH Council Member Physical Therapists Elliott PausJenssen/ Council Member Social Workers RUH Dawn Senko/RUH Council Member Nuclear Medicine

Technologists, Radiology Technologists and Students

* Karen Giesbrecht will complete the term (October 92 -October 94) of Bernard Schaan who resigned February 4, 1994. •• Both Laura and Jason have recently resigned their Council Seats. As a result both positions are up for election at our Annual General Meeting, October 22, 1994.

DISPATCH

DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIR AND CO-CHAIRPERSONS

To ensure an H.S.A.S. physical presence in all Hospitals, the Union provides for District Council Chairpersons who serve as liaisons between members of the District Council and the Executive Council and Executive Director. The current District Council Chairpersons and Co­Chairpersons are:

Prince Albert: Victoria Union Hospital

Saskatoon: St. Paul's Hospital Saskatoon City Hospital

Bonnie Reed

Ted Makeechak Shannon Wilde Renate Dlesko

Royal University Hospital *Karen Giesbrecht

Regina:

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Laboratory Technologist Laboratory Technologist

Plains & Pasqua Hospitals Don Kuntz Pharmacist (Plains) Regina General Hospital Yvonne Dunsworth Physical Therapist

• Until an election is held Karen Giesbrecht has agreed to replace Terry Akister who resigned October 20, 1993.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors provide guidance and counsel to the Executive Council on all matters within the administra­tion of the Union. Any member having served more than one full term of two years on the Executive Council and having held either the office of President, First Vice President or Secretaryffreasurer for at least one full term of two years in such office elected by the Executive Council shall be eligible for election to the Board of Governors for a term of seven years.

The current Governors are:

Name Profession Hospital Ron Currie Ed Dewhurst

Pharmacist Royal University Hospital Radiology Technologist Royal University Hospital

H.S.A.S. STAFF

Lynn Regier - Administrative Assistant Alice Robert - Labour Relations Officer

Tim Slattery - Executive Director

PAGE 11

H.S.A.S. REPRESENTATIVES ON HOSPITAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

COMMITTEES

Prince Albert: Victoria Union Hospital Bonnie Reed Physical Therapist

Saskatoon: St. Paul's Hospital Ted Makeechak Physical Therapist

Laboratory Technologist Laboratory Technologist Pharmacist

Saskatoon City Hospital Maureen Arthur

Royal University Hospital Iris Natyshak

Ron Currie

Regina: Pasqua Hospital Leah Eichorst Pharmacist Plains Health Centre Regina General Hospital

Vaughn Johnson Pharmacist Yvonne Dunsworth Physical Therapist

Please make your health and safety concerns known to your Occupational Health Committee Representative.

H.S.A.S. COMMITTEES

Communication: Tim Slattery - editor Ted Makeechak

Education Fund : Nahid Ahmad Ted Makeechak Elliott PausJenssen Tim Slattery

Emergency Fund: Nahid Ahmad - Chairperson Ted Makeechak Tim Slattery

Finance: Ed Dewhurst Karen Giesbrecht Elliott PausJenssen Tim Slattery

Grievance : Karen Giesbrecht Ted Makeechak Mark Rosin Dawn Senko Joanne Walker Tim Slattery

Negotiating Team: Roberta Ekberg - Chairperson Ron Currie Karen Giesbrecht Lorraine Marquis Yvonne Ounsworth Tim Slattery

Provincial Job Action Steering : Nahid Ahmad Michael Chan Ted Makeechak Elliott PausJenssen Mark Rosin Dawn Senko

Member at large Member at large Executive Council Member Executive Director

Member at large Executive Council Member Executive Council Member Executive Cou'ncil Member Member at large Executive Director

NOTE - Should you wish to participate on any of the above noted committees, please contact the H.S.A.S. office.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We would like to provide space in future editions of Dispatches for members' comments. If you have something you would like to see printed, please write to:

Tim Slattery H.S.A.S. #2-3002 Louise Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7J 3L8

Dispatches is published for the info rmation of members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan, a union of health care professionals .

Please Note:

As of September 30, 1994 HSAS's fax number is 955-3396. The phone number remains unchanged at 955-3399.

If undelivered please return to: Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan #2-3002 Louise Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7J 3L8 Phone: 955-3399

DISPATCH

HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, CLASSIFICATION (Technologist II, Ill, Senior, M.A. etc.) OR STATUS (Full-time, Part-time, LO.A. etc .)?

If you have, please let us know by clipping out the "change of informati on " form and forward it to the H.S.A.S. office .

CHANGE OF INFORMATION FORM

PLEASE LIST BOTH OLD INFORMATION AND NEW INFORMATION

NAME:

ADDRESS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PHONE NUMBER: ~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT : ~~~~~~~~~-

CLASSIFICATION: ~~~~~~~~~~~~

STATUS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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