SEIU West Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
The SEIU West Collective Agreement is an important document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of unionized employees in the healthcare industry in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is a legally binding agreement between the SEIU West union and the employers represented by the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).
The SEIU West union represents over 13,000 healthcare workers in Saskatchewan, including nurses, support staff, and administrative professionals. The union negotiates on their behalf to secure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The current SEIU West Collective Agreement was negotiated in 2019 and is set to expire in 2022. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
Wages and Benefits: The agreement sets out minimum wage rates for each job classification, as well as provisions for overtime pay, shift premiums, and other benefits such as vacation time and sick leave.
Job Security: The agreement includes provisions to protect workers from layoffs, including a seniority system that prioritizes workers with more years of service in the event of job loss.
Working Conditions: The agreement outlines standards for working hours, breaks, and other working conditions, including provisions for workplace safety and training.
Grievance Procedure: The agreement includes a process for resolving disputes between employees and employers, including a formal grievance procedure that allows for arbitration if necessary.
One of the most significant aspects of the SEIU West Collective Agreement is its emphasis on workplace safety. The agreement includes provisions to protect workers from violence and harassment, and requires employers to provide training and resources to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
In addition, the agreement includes a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This includes provisions to address discrimination and harassment based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Overall, the SEIU West Collective Agreement is an important document that sets the standards for fair and equitable working conditions in the healthcare industry in Saskatchewan. If you are a healthcare worker in Saskatchewan, it is important to familiarize yourself with the provisions of this agreement and to understand your rights as a unionized employee.