Dispatches

LAY-OFFS HIT H.S.A.S. MEMBERS

On February 9, 1993 the provincial government announced it was cutting funding to regional services effective March 31, 1993. As a result of this decision the following H.S.A.S. members were laid off:

Hospital

Victoria Union Hospital (Prince Albert)

Plains Health Centre (Regina)

Classification

1 - Social Worker (BSW) 1 - Staff Dietitian 1 - Social Worker (BSW) 1 · Staff Pharmacist 1 - Staff Dietitian

Status

Full Time Full Time Full Time Temporary Full Time Full Time

One has to question the timing of the government's decision. For example if they had waited until the affected Health Districts were established before eliminating the funding our members may have been able to transfer their employment without disrupting patient care. However, this would require forethought, planning and commitment to both patient care and front line health care workers.

1992 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of H.S.A.S. was held Saturday, October 24, 1992 at the Saskatoon Inn. In attendance were 48 members from Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina, two guests and the Executive Director.

Lorne Calvert, Associate Minister of Health, opened the session with a talk on Saskatchewan's health care system. He spoke about; the history of health care in the province, fiscal realities facing the health care system and the government's wellness initiative. Upon completion of Mr. Calvert's presentation a lively question period ensued. This was followed by the business meeting with Ted Makeechak serving as Chairperson.

Following the presentation of various reports, elections were held to fill the following vacant positions on Executive Council; Dietitians, Laboratory Technologists, Psychologists, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Speech Language Pathologists and Orthoptists.

Immediately following adjournment of the meeting Nancy Glover (a Physical Therapist at Saskatoon City Hospital) and Julie Gordon (a Physical Therapist at Royal Univers ity Hospital) were drawn as the winners of the two $100.00 cash prizes.

The social held after the meeting provided members an opportunity to meet and mingle. For those of you who were unable to attend please contact the H.S.A.S. office should you wish to review the various reports that were presented .

HEAL TH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN NEWSLETIER

MARCH 1993

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ELECTION RESULTS

Occupational Term of Former Incumbent/ Name/Hospital Group Office Hospital

Michael Chan Dietitians Oct.92-0ct.94 Julia Punga Regina General Plains

Bernard Schaan Laboratory Oct.92-0ct.94 Karen Giesbrecht Royal University Technologists Royal University

Nahid Ahmad Psychologists Oct.92-0ct.94 Nahid Ahmad Royal University Royal University

Elaine Krieger Radiology & Oct.92-0ct.93 Tracy Paulenko Royal University Nuclear Royal University

Medicine Technologists

Elliott PausJenssen Social Workers Oct.92-0ct.94 Carol Cohen Royal University Saskatoon City

Laura Carney Speech Oct.92-0ct.93 Sherry Backus Royal University Language St. Paul's

Pathologists and Orthoptists

Congratulations to our newly elected Council and a special thankyou to outgoing members Sher ry Backus , Tracy Paulenko, Julia Punga, Carol Cohen and Karen Giesbrecht for the time and effort they volunteered to serve you, the membership.

Dispatches has requested our new faces on Council to tell you a little bit about themselves and here are the results.

Content Highlites Annual General Meeting ................. page 1 Prince Albert, Saskatoon and

Regina Health Boards .. ..... ........ page 2 Involvement with Department

of Health ......................... ...... .... page 5 Labour Relations Board Matters ...... page 6 Benefits Update ............ ..... .............. page 6 Conference on Medicare ............... ... page 7 Contract Interpretation ..................... page 7 H.S.A.S. Grievances .... ................... page 8 Spot-Light On Speech Language

Pathology .................................. page 9 Committee Reports ......... ............ .... page 9

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Laura Carney - Speech Language Pathologists and Orthoptists

I am currently working with the Rehabilitation Unit and ENT Ward at Royal University Hospital as a Speech Language Pathologist. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the U. of S. and Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Washington State University. Professionally my two main areas of interest are the acquired brain injured and the head and neck cancer population s. Although I'm a native of Saskatoon I adore the East Coast. I am fortunate to have been granted a leave of absence in 1991 to assume a locum in Halifax which was directed solely towards the head and neck cancer population.

Michael Chan - Dietitians

I am a 1987 University of Manitoba graduate from the Faculty of Human Ecology, major in Foods and Nutrition. I completed my dietetic internship program at the Health Science Center in Winnipeg in 1988. Upon completion of my internship, I accepted a position as Regional Dietitian with Versa Food Services. Since 1990 I have been at Regina General Hospital worki ng as a Clinic al Dietitian. I look forward to representing the Dietitians.

Elliott PausJenssen - Social Workers

I have worked in the Social Work Department at Royal University Hospital since 1978. With the exception of 1 1/2 years on a temporary level IV unit, all of this time has been spent on the Geriatric Assessment Unit.

A native Maritimer, I graduated in Arts at Dalhousie then took my Masters in Social Work at McGill. My previous work experience was at the Victoria General Hospital , Halifax (adult psychiatry) and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston (child and adolescent psychiatry). With my husband and eldest child, I came to Saskatoon to see the West in 1967 -for two years! We liked it and stayed.

I am pleased to represent Social Work on the Executive.

Elaine Krieger - Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Technologists

I have been working as a Medical Imaging Technologist for a number of years , both here at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, where I received my training, and at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Both experiences have been very educational , and I am confident that my time on Executive Council will be so, as well. Thank you for the opportunity to meet and discuss with fellow members, our dynamic workplaces, and the challenges it presents us with.

Bernard Schaan - Laboratory Technologists

I received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology in 1975 from the U of S, trained at University Hospital for my general RT and acquired my ART in 1991. I am currently employed at Royal University Hospital. I look forward to representing you in our concerns.

DISPATCH

UPDATE ON H.S.A.S. INVOLVEMENT WITH

THE PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATOON AND

REGINA HEALTH BOARDS

PRINCE ALBERT :

(a) Committees

Committees have been established by the P.A. Health Board to make recommendations on the following functional areas; Finance , Human Resources, Institutional Needs Plann ing , Support Services Management , Community Services and Equipment Technolog ies and Informat ion Systems. These Committees are made up of administrators, managers and medical staff. Unfortunately the P.A. Health Board has denied H.S.A.S. requests for our members direct involvement on committees that are examining their work areas.

One of the problem s associated with excluding front line health care professionals is that is makes it very difficult to perform a proper analysis of the subject area. For example, when the P.A. Health Board released the report of it's Institutional Needs Planning Committee it was obvious upon review that it was deficient. For example, the report contains a detailed analysis of medical personnel in Prince Albert by providing a breakdown for each specialty on the following factors: nationally recommended physician ratios, recommended ratios of physicians applied to Prince Albert, current physician numbers and the Prince Albert Health Board 's goal for numbers of physicians . Yet no similar analysis was done for H.S.A.S. represented professionals involved in direct patient care.

(b) Hospital Facilities evaluation and capital redevelopment options study

In November 1992 the P.A. Health Board commissioned a team of private consu ltants to perform a current overall hospita l facilit ies evaluation and capital redevelopment options study.

On January 18, 1993 the Board released the findings of the study. From the various options considered the consultants suggested the most cost effective one was to consolidate acute care functions at Victoria Union Hospital and convert Holy Family Hospital to a long term care facility.

On March 17, 1993 the Board announced a single acute care facility would best serve the health needs of the community and that the fac ility should be located at the Victoria Union Hospital site.

(c) Negotiations over merger/ transfer of services

S.G.E.U., C.U.P.E. and H.S.A.S. have held several joint meetings to discuss principles governing the merger and transfer of services in Prince Albert. Once there is general agreement we will sit down with the P.A. Health Board to negotiate language. S.U.N. has chosen to meet separately with the Board over this issue.

DISPATCH

SASKATOON:

(a) Re: 42 managerial and Vice-president positions supposedly eliminated

In June, 1992 Mr. Cliff Wright announced the elimination of 42 managerial and vice-president positions . In August 1992 H.S.A.S. wrote Mr. Wright requesting the job titles of the 42 positions eliminated. Jim Fergusson [V.P. of Human Resources for the Saskatoon Health Board] responded to Tim's request in a letter dated November 19, 1992. Mr. Fergusson attempted but failed to provide evidence of 42 out-of-scope position delet ions.

In response Tim Slattery wrote Mr. Fergusson December 14, 1992 expressing concern that front line health care workers seem to be bearing the brunt of cut backs in health care funding. He also made another request for hard data indicating what 42 managerial and vice-president positions have been eliminated. To date, H.S.A.S. has not received the requested information even though we were assured it would be in our hands by January 19, 1993.

Editor s Note - The Saskatoon Health Board states administrative and management positions will be cut before beds are eliminated or health care workers laid off. However, when we scrutinize these cuts it appears for every administrative / management position abol ished a new Saskatoon Health Board posit ion is created or supposedly abolished positions are being filled.

(b) Re: Involvement of H.S.A.S . Members In The Decision Making Models of the Saskatoon Health Board

From the time the Saskatoon Health Board was appointed in February, 1992 H.S.A.S. has requested but has been denied direct participation in the decision making models charged with making and carrying out recommendations to and for the Saskatoon Health Board with respect to those clinical areas where our members are working .

With the creation of their project teams the Saskatoon Health Board suggested our members could be involved through a parallel process. This process , we were told , would require the project teams to share fully all information with the appropriate H.S.A.S. parallel teams. The promised full disclosure never occurred. However, our parallel teams carried on and eventually were provided with an opportunity to meet with the Saskatoon Health Board on May 28, 1992 to provide both verbal and written responses to the project team reports. Our understanding at this time was that the parallel process would continue on an ongoing basis. This understand ing was reinforced when we received a letter from Mr. Wright dated June 1, 1992 wherein he stated "The input from your group has added significantly to the Board's discussions regarding these six project teams and the large majority of your comments have been incorporated ."

Unfortunately our understanding seems to have been incorrect. Since June , 1992 the various project teams have been meeting but very little if anything has been shared with the un ion . To make matters worse, in a meeting on November 3, 1992 which was held to provide H.S.A.S. Laboratory Technologists in Clinical Microbiology an opportunity to question the Laboratory Project Team about their proposal to centralize Clinical Microbiology at Roya l University Hospital , we were told by Ian Sutherland the parallel process was dead.

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In response to this statement Tim Slattery wrote Mr. Wright December, 1992 questioning him on the status of the parallel process and whether or not H.S.A.S. members would be permitted to appear before the Saskatoon Health Board to discuss proposed changes to those clinical areas where our members are working prior to Health Board approva l and implementation. No response has been received to date.

(c) Laboratory Services

(i) Compensation for Technologists involved with Standardization Committees during non-work time

The Health Board's original position on this was to cover out of pocket expenses on ly. However , thanks to the persis­tence of Renate Olesko and the union , the Health Board changed it's position and agreed to compensate Technolo­gists for committee work at regular rates of pay or equivalent time off.

(ii) Saskatoon Health Board Laboratory Project Team

On October 20, 1992 the Saskatoon Health Board contacted H.S.A.S. and explained that the Saskatoon Health Board Laboratory Project Team wanted to meet with H.S.A.S. to discuss a proposal to centralize Clinical Microbio logy at Royal University Hospital. The proposal was subsequent ly forwarded to the H.S.A.S. office. In preparation for the meeting 14 Clinical Microbiology H.S.A.S. Laboratory Technologists from Saskatoon City Hospital and Royal University Hospital and Tim Slattery met on October 29, 1992 to discuss the proposal and put together a list of questions for the November 3 meeting.

On November 3, 1992 8 Laboratory Technologists from the two hospitals and Tim Slattery met with R. Rodda , B. Mahaffey, J. Waselenchuk, I. Sutherland and W. Hiebert to discuss the proposal. It became evident in I. Suther land's opening remarks, however, that the purpose of the meeting in his mind was not to discuss the amalgamation proposal but the labour relations issues arising from an amalga ­mation . It was as if the proposal was a done deal and our Technologists were there to take care of a few labour relations details. The H.S.A.S. representatives were also informed by Mr. Suther land that: (i) a new committee would be formed and this new committee is where we could direct our questions and concerns regarding project team proposals and (ii) H.S.A.S. would have an opportunity to have input regarding the composition and terms of reference for the committee. Since there were no Clinical Microbiolog ists present to answer the written questions H.S.A.S. had prepared and since both sides had a different view of what the purpose of the meeting was H.S .A.S. suggested the meeting be terminated .

Two days subsequent to the November 3, 1992 meeting Mr. Fergusson explained to Tim Slattery that the purpose of this new committee would be to implement and carry out recom­mendations from the Saskatoon Health Board Laboratory Project Team that had been approved by the S.H.B. In response Tim Slattery: (i) explained that this view of the new committee was different than that provided at the November 3, 1992 meeting and (ii) requested a meeting with the Saskatoon Health Board to discuss the Clinica l Microbio logy centralization proposal. Mr. Fergusson expla ined he would arrange the meeting and ensure we received all of the

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background data used to come up with the recommendation. To date no meeting date has been established and no background data has been received.

(iii) H.S.A.S. initiatives in the Laboratory

In view of the proposal to centralize Clinical Microbiology and lack of meaningful participation of our Technologists in the Project Team process a meeting was held November 19, 1992 for all H.S.A.S. Laboratory Technologists. As a result of this meeting the following initiatives were agreed to be undertaken: (a) the H.S.A.S. Laboratory Parallel Team would meet to put together a response to the Kilshaw report and (b) a letter would be sent to the Saskatoon Health Board requesting direct partic ipation of Technologists in the development and implementation of recommendations for laboratory services.

On November 24, 1992 H.S.A.S . received draft terms of reference and composition for the new Clinical Microbiology Committee discussed earlier. On December 4, 1992 a meeting was held in the H.S.A.S. office to discuss our response. In attendance were the Executive Director, seven Clinical Microbiology Technologists from Saskatoon City Hospital and Royal University Hospital and Bernard Schaan. As a result of this meeting a letter was drafted, signed by all H.S.A.S. Clinical Microbiology Technologists and sent to the Saskatoon Health Board on December 14, 1992 . No response has been received to date.

(d) Saskatoon Health Board Rehabilitation Management Team

H.S.A.S. is in receipt of a report completed by the Rehabili­tation Management Team sometime in February, 1993. There was no provision for unionized front-line health care professionals to be involved on this team; however , our Executive Council representatives for Speech Language Patholog ists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists have been provided a copy. Once they have had an opportun ity to review it we will decide whether or not H.S.A.S. will provide the Saskatoon Health Board with a written response.

(e) H.S.A.S. invited by Saskatoon Health Board to provide feed back on proposal to create a new position entitled Vice­President, Client Care

On February 25, 1993 H.S.A.S. Board of Governors, Execu­tive Council Members and District Council Chairpersons had an opportunity to discuss an S.H.B. proposal to create a new Vice-President Client Care position. The S.H.B. was repre­sented by Pat Kiovsky , Director of Programs and K. Mclaughlin, Chairperson of the Nursing Advisory Panel. A few of the questions and concerns expressed by those attending were as follows:

(i) The scope of the position is too broad for one person.

(ii) The position seems to overlap the portfolios of the Vice -Presidents of Community Services and Continuing Care.

(iii) The competition for the position should not be restricted to nurses.

(iv) Do we really need this position?

DISPATCH

(f) Saskatoon Health Board Committee On Abuse and Harassment

The S.H.B. is forming a committee to deal with abuse and harassment in the work place. The draft terms of reference indicates it will be composed of both union and management representatives.

Since Ted Makeechak has previously served as the H.S.A.S . representat ive at a Saskatchewan Health Care Associat ion sponsored event on the same subject he will serve as our representative on this new committee contingent upon Executive Council approval.

REGINA:

(a) Letter of Understanding Regarding Merger/Transfer of Services

Between June and September, 1992 various health care unions met to jointly negotiate merger/transfer language with the Regina Health Board. On November 2, 1992 H.S.A.S. members in Regina were provided with an opportunity to discuss and vote on the Letter. Of those voting 100% voted in favor of accepting the Letter.

(b) H.S.A.S. Brief forwarded to the Regina Health Board

On September 28, 1992 H.S.A.S. representatives from each profession working in Regina met with the Health Board to provide them with our views on the rationalization and integration of services. As a follow-up to this meeting the union forwarded a thirty-three(33) page brief to the Board on November 17, 1992 containing a summary of what was presented.

(c) Planning Groups

The Regina Health Board established various planning groups in July , 1992 to generate recommendations on various clinical and functional areas over which the Board has jurisdiction. In spite of our requests H.S.A.S. members in Regina have not been provided an opportunity to participate on those planning groups reviewing areas where our members work. The one exception is the Orthopedics Planning Group where we have a seat for an H.S.A.S. Physical Therapist.

Our concern over lack of H.S.A.S . representation on planning groups was expressed to Mr. Gill by letter dated January 21, 1993. In his written response Mr. Gill explained that it is not the policy of the Regina Health Board to exclude unionized health care professiona ls' partic ipation in such groups.

(d) Union/Management Committee

The Regina Health Board has establ ished a union management committee which will meet on a regular basis to discuss mutual concerns . Roberta Ekberg is our representative on this committee.

(e) Dietitians Discriminated Against

During the 1992 Christmas holidays the Regina Health Board posted a newly created in-scope "Unit Coordinator"

DISPATCH

position for M.E.D .E.C. at the Regina General Hospital. Historically (12 + years) M.E.D.E.C. has been managed by an out-of-scope Dietitian with the title of Director. However, the Regina Health Board chose to abolish the Director's position in May, 1992 and replace it with the Unit Coordinator position.

The problem is that the Unit Coordinator position is only available to nurses as the Regina Health Board has determined that it should fall within the S.U.N. bargaining unit. On January 11, 1993 H.S.A.S. filed a grievance against the Regina Health Board alleging they are discriminating against qualified applicants on the basis of union affiliation. The grievance is now at the Board level with the next step being arbitration.

Jrtt "I can always tell when they 're wearing 'elevator shoes. '"

UPDATE ON H.S.A.S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE

PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(A) Labour Relations Review Committee

In August, 1992 the Department of Health announced the establishment of a Labour Relations Review Committee whose mandate is to provide the Minister of Health with recommendations on needed changes and new approaches to employee relations . The members of this three person committee are as follows:

Chairperson - Kurt Wetzel - Professor U of S Member - Ray Sentes - Professor U of R Member - Ron Reavley - Executive Director

Pioneer Village

H.S.A.S. submitted a written Brief to the Committee on Feb­ruary 26, 1993 and met with them on March 9, 1993. It is expected the Committee will report to government sometime in April, 1993.

(B) Health Consultation Day

On October 28, 1992 the Department of Health held a meet­ing in Regina for all stakeholders in the provincial health

PAGE5

care system. The purpose of the meeting was to prov ide participants with an update on wellness initiatives occurring since August and to discuss several issues such as:

(1) Local Revenue Raising For Health Districts (2) Selection Methods For Representation On Health

District Boards (3) Involving Health Workers In Health Reform and

the Wellness Approach (4) Determining Core Services In Health Districts

H.S .A.S. was represented at this meeting by Ted Makeechak and Tim Slattery.

(C) Laboratory Services

The three person panel appointed by the government to review laboratory services in the province released its report in October, 1992. The H.S.A.S. Laboratory Parallel Team reviewed the report and provided the Minister of Health with a detailed written response on January 9, 1993.

On January 20, 1993 the government held a meeting in Regina for representatives of all stakeholder groups in the laboratory services area to discuss various options the government was considering. H.S.A.S. was represented at this meeting by Bernard Schaan, Dorothy Cheke and Carole Young.

On March 16, 1993 Louise Simard announced: (a) the elimi­nation of fee-for-service funding to commercial laboratories in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert and (b) the province will provide the health boards in these cities with global funding and direct overall lab policy and standards through a provincial management unit of Saskatchewan 1-:lealth and (c) the health boards in these cities will develop a system to man­age the delivery of cost effective, quality laboratory services, while moving to maximize use of existing public labs.

(D) Health Human Resources Education Forum

On January 12, 1993 the Department of Health held a forum in Saskatoon to discuss issues related to the future training or retraining of health care workers. Participants came from professional associations, the education sector, government , union, employee and employer associations and consumer associations. H.S.A .S. was represented by Tim Slattery. Three major topics were discussed ; the future, challenges and getting there .

(E) The Health Services Utilization and Research Commission

This Commission was established in 1992 . One of its mandates is to conduct utilization research studies with a view towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health service delivery in the province . With this in mind H.S.A.S. wrote Steven Lewis, C.E.O. for the Commission, requesting that his organization study an alternative model for the delivery of diagnost ic services, which H.S.A.S. believes will be more cost effective and efficient than the one currently in place. The model we proposed had publicly owned and operated facilities assuming responsibility for all laboratory and radiology services in the province.

Mr. Lewis responded by letter dated February 24, 1993 stating it is highly unlikely that the Commission could do an objective and comprehensive study of laboratory services prior to decisions being made on organization and funding. However , he stated the Commission may have quite firm recommendations on issues such as panel ordering of tests,

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design of forms etc . On the diagnostic imaging matter he states the Commission is looking at the utilization of diag­nostic tests and may make some organ izational recom­mendations. In conclusion he states "there is really nothing to study given our mandate and procedures. How would we study an alternative model for the delivery of diagnos tic services unless one were in place?"

MANITOBA ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

SETTLES CONTRACT WHICH EXPIRED MARCH 31, 1992

Our sister union in Manitoba with a membership of approxi­mately 1200 recently ratified a tentative agreement arrived at in December, 1992. The wage increases provided for in the settlement are as follows:

April 1, 1992 - 0%

April 1, 1993 - 2.02 %

April 1, 1994 - percentage increase in the cost of living less 1 %

LABOUR RELATIONS BOARD MATTERS

(A) H.S.A.S. Hearing Re-started

The hearing over our application to carve out various health care professionals from a S.E.I.U. bargaining unit at Royal University Hospita l was re-started February 1, 1993 and concluded Friday , February 5, 1993 . To date Vice­Chairperson John Hobbes has not issued a decision.

(B) Application by S.G.E.U. To Represent Physical Therapists at Wascana

In November, 1992 S.G.E.U. made application to represent the Physical Therapists employed at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina. Two major problems with their application were as follows:

(i) S.G.E.U. filed no evidence indicating the Physical Therapists supported the S.G.E.U. application and

(ii) The Physical Therapists at Wascana formed their own Association which has acted as a bargaining unit for this group.

H.S.A.S. opposed the application on two grounds:

(i) S.G.E.U. did not provide proof of support of a majority of the employees it seeks to represent and

(ii) The S.G.E .U. application denies the right of the Physical Therapists to choose the association or union of their choice.

The hearing over this matter was held December 8, 1992. In her decision dated February 11, 1993 Chairperso n Beth Bilson denied the S.G.E .U. applicat ion stating the Board must take into account the wishes of the employees as well as the appropriateness of the unit applied for.

DISPATCH

BENEFITS UPDATE

(A) Saskatchewan Health Care Association Pension Plan

(1) Enhanced pension payments for employees taking early retirement

Effective April 1, 1992 the S.H.A. pension plan has been amended to provide increased pension payments from early retirement to age 65 for qualifying members.

(2) Attention Casual and Temporary Employees

(i) After January 1, 1993 any employee who is in the pension plan and changes to temporary or casual status must continue in the pension plan.

(ii) Effective January 1, 1993 if a casual or temporary em­ployee has completed 700 hours of employment within the immediately preceding 2 years they may choose to join the pension plan.

(B) Saskatchewan Health Care Assoc iation Employee Benefit Plans Committee

In our last issue of Dispatches (October , 1992) we re­quested interested H.S.A.S. members to put their names forward to serve as our representative on the S.H.A. Benefit Plans Committee.

Although three H.S.A.S. members expressed an interest , the Selection Committee never had an opportunity to inter­view them and decide who our representative would be. This was because the S.H.A. withdrew its offer to have a seat on the Committee.

In response to this action by the S.H.A. a letter was written to the Superintendent of Pensions on December 3, 1992; however, he replied that pension legislation does not require a particular plan management structure.

For your information the H.S.A .S. barga ining team has tabled a proposal with the S.H.A. which would provide us a seat on the Committee; however , no agreement on this proposal has been reached.

(C) City of Regina Pension and Disability Plans

H.S.A.S. has recently been informed by the Regina Health Board that employees affected by a merger/amalgamation will be able to maintain their membership in their current plan upon transfer to another facility.

If you have any questions regarding A,B or C please contact either the Benefits Officer in your facility or the H .S.A.S. office. Collect calls will be accepted.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HIGHLITES

October 24, 1992

- Council agreed to recommend that our members in Regina accept the Letter of Understanding governing merger / transfer of services when they vote on it November 2, 1993.

- Council endorsed a Letter of Understanding prepared by S.G .E.U. The letter sets out how front line health care professionals should be involved in determining future direction, policies and procedures of the wellness model.

DISPATCH

November 24, 1992

- Regarding seniority, Council confirmed the union's position on various scenarios as follows:

(1) Where services are transferred between H.S.A.S. facilities H.S.A.S. members moving with their service maintain their seniority.

(2) Where an H.S.A.S. member voluntarily quits a job at one site and accepts a job at another site the mem­ber does not maintain seniority.

(3) Where an H.S.A.S . member is laid off from one H.S.A.S. site and while on lay off accepts a job at another H.S.A.S . site the member maintains seniority.

January 19, 1993

- Council approved the proposed budget which was put forward by the Finance Committee.

- In addition to filling vacancies on various committees Council elected the following Executive Officers:

President - Ted Makeechak First Vice-President - Laura Carney Vice-PresidenUSecretary-Treasurer - Bernard Schaan

- Council unanimously passed the following motion: "That the current dues structure be amended to 1.15% of gross regular hourly earnings with a $35.00 per month cap."

CONFERENCE ON MEDICARE

The National Union of Public and General Employees organ­ized and hosted a conference entitled "Medicare Under Attack: Crisis or Opportunity" which was held November 20 -22, 1992 in Winnipeg. Although the conference was open to anyone concerned about Medicare's future the majority of participants were union members from across Canada.

Participants heard speakers addressing topics suc h as; Health Care Crisis, Solutions, Political Answers and Prognosis for the Future. Following each topic participants broke into small groups for further discussion.

H.S.A.S . was represented at this conference by Karen Giesbrecht, Ted Makeechak and Tim Slattery.

It became apparent from discussions at the conference that health care is under attack right across Canada. Several key problems confronting Canada's health system were outlined:

* COSTS OF MEDICARE: Health care is expensive but Canadian costs are well in line with those in other countries and are much cheaper than those in the United States.

* ILLNESS CARE, NOT HEAL TH CARE: Governments complain about the costs of illness but don't attack the causes: poverty, unemployment, pollution.

* DOCTOR-DRIVEN SYSTEM: Governments can't contro l the number of doctors it pays for; fee-for ­service also encourages excess treatments.

* ADMINISTRATION: Split jurisdictions between gov-

PAGE 7

ernment bodies and hospital boards can make health care decision-making difficult.

* PRIVATIZATION AND RESTRUCTURING: Today both are world-wide problems.

* FREE TRADE AND NAFTA : Evidence world-wide shows such agreements severely limit the ability of governments to make decisions on behalf of its citizens.

* FUNDING: Federal withdrawal of transfer payments means 10 provincial systems, not one national.

The following strategies were put forward at the Conference to maintain our system.

* UNION MODEL: Unions must develop their own health care model to address such problems as fee-for­service, privatization, lack of community care, labour market adjustment programs.

* NATION-WIDE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: Unions must bring their concerns about medical care to the bargaining table and use their power there to win back what the employers and government would take away. The more co-ordinated the collective bargaining approach, the better for Medicare.

* EDUCATION: What we don't know is hurting us . Unions (public and private sector) , as well as the general public, need to become informed about the real threat to Medicare we all face.

* COALITIONS: Strongly-coordinated coalitions of users are needed. The rescue of Medicare depends on a broadly-based network of consumers of health care services.

All agree that real reforms will have to include the workers who deliver the health care as well as the people needing that care.

CONT'RACT INTERPRETATION

(A) Incident Reports

It has recently been brought to the union's attention that several members have been handed incident reports without any opportunity for discussion . The union has taken the position that these reports are disciplinary in nature and therefore grievable.

According to Article 18.03 of our Collective Agreement H.S.A.S. members have the right to meet with their super­visor over an incident report. Additionally, members have the right to union representation during this meeting.

Please call the H.S.A.S. office if you have any quest ions regarding this issue.

(B) Pregnancy and Sick Leave

Recent court and human rights decisions are requiring employers to treat an inability to work due to pregnancy no differently than an inability to work because of other medical reasons.

PAGES

The result is that H.S.A.S. members should be treated as though they are on sick leave and not on an unpaid maternity leave for the time they are physically unable to work. This would cover the period before, during and or after the birth of the child when the mother cannot work by virtue of being sick or disabled.

Unfortunately , our current Collective Agreement language does not reflect this new approach. However, your Negoti­ating Team is attempting to negotiate language that will ensure members have access to sick leave in these circum­stances. In the meantime, if you wish to access sick leave during pregnancy ensure you have a medical certificate outlining the days you were physically unable to work and request sick leave for that period. If the employer does not agree, contact the H.S.A.S. office.

H.S.A.S. GRIEVANCES

Nature of Grievance

Royal University-Nuclear Medicine Improper Payment of Vacation Pay.

Royal University-Dietetics Canadian Dietetic Association and Hospital require Intern Coordinator to have a Masters Degree but Hospital refuses to negotiate a masters rate as per Articles 3.01 and 16.01.

Royal University- Dietetics Policy grievance. Failure on the part of the Hospital to negotiate wage rate and title for new Marketing Dietitian classification as per Articles 3.01 and 16.01.

Royal University - Rehabilitation Outreach Services

Policy grievance. Failure on the part of the Hospital to negotiate title and rates of pay for classification Rehabilitation Assessor as per Articles 3.01 and 16.01.

Royal University - Radiology Hospital improperly laid off 3 part time Technologists by reducing their hours as per Article 20.

Royal University - Radiology Hospital unilaterally altered experience requirement for newly created Technologist II Ultrasound position.

Royal University - Radiology Failure on the part of the Hospital to negotiate titles and rates of pay applicable to new Technologist mammography positions located off site.

Royal University - Nuclear Medicine Hospital: (1) not remitting dues for Radiopharmacist who is performing bargaining unit work and (2) is contracting out bargaining unit work (Radiopharmacy).

Status

Resolved when Hospital agreed to pay amount owed.

Regina and Saskatoon Health Boards have agreed to negotiate a masters rate.

Compromise settlement resolved grievance.

Memorandum of Agreement to resolve grievance proposed but not signed.

Grievance withdrawn as all Technologists successful in obtaining suitable alternate work in the Department.

Resolved when Hospital agreed to change experience requirement to what was traditionally in place.

Resolved when both parties agreed to title and wage rates over positions.

Grievance currently at C.E.O. level.

Royal University - Laboratory Hospital unilaterally changed duties

and qualifications for a Technologist I position in the Pathology Computer Room contrary to Articles 3.01 and 16.01.

Victoria Union - Regional Services Among other breaches the Hospital did not provide sufficient notice as per Article 25.

Plains Health Centre - MEDEC Regina Health Board discriminated against Dietitians in not permitting them to apply for in scope Unit Coordinator classification.

Saskatoon Health Board Unilaterally implemented a pre-paid leave plan which H.S.A.S. is attempting to negotiate with the S.H.A.

DISPATCH

Grievance currently at C.E.O. level.

Grievance currently at C.E.O. level.

Grievance at Board level.

No grievance filed as Pre-paid leave plan is being offered to non-union employees only.

"One of these is a prescription and one is a receipt from a Chinese restaurant. "

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Executive Council recently approved H.S.A.S.'s involvement in a T.V. ad campaign that ran February 18 - 28 addressing private vs public laboratories. The four (4) unions involved; Saskatchewan Government Employees Union , Service Employees International Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees and Health Sciences Association of Saskat ­chewan shared equally in the cost of producing and running the ad.

Beth Smillie, a staff person with S.G.E.U., was the brains behind the ad and deserves credit for its success. A video cassette of the ad is available at the H.S.A.S. office. Members are welcome to borrow it.

DISPATCH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER

By Tim Slattery

One of the most important provisions in any collective agree­ment is the grievance procedure. It provides a framework whereby violations of the agreement or differences in the interpretation of the rights and responsibilities of the parties under the agreement may be grieved.

Filing a grievance is a mechanism where an individual or a group of individuals attempt to resolve a problem without disrupting the workplace environment. So why is there so much apprehension from both H.S.A.S. members and employers with respect to the filing and dealing with grievances? In some cases both parties may feel a grievance reflects badly on them or are fearful of an unknown process and outcome. However; when the parties signed the Collective Agreement they knew there would be different views on issues and the grievance procedure was established to provide an effective method to work out differences without creating additional problems in the workplace.

It makes a lot of sense that if both parties feel they are right about an issue , both parties ought to have the opportunity to express their views. This is exactly what the grievance procedure does. If on the other hand a party is being unreasonable or is violating the agreement then they will not want the grievance procedure applied. So in a sense the grievance procedure ensures accountability on both sides.

Some H.S.A.S. members have felt committed enough in their own views to file a grievance while others stew in frustration over a perceived injustice. It is this sense of commitment followed by the filing of a grievance that is ever so slowly getting to be more acceptable for our members. It is important to maintain the rights you have. Certainly the right to grieve to maintain these rights is all that keeps us from becoming wage slaves.

UPCOMING EVENTS

(A) lnterprovincial Conference

This year's lnterprovincial will be hosted by the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals and held in Winnipeg June 2 - 4, 1993. This yearly conference provides an opportunity for unions from across Canada who represent allied health care professionals to meet and discuss various topics.

(B) Grievance Workshop

H.S.A.S . wil l be holding a one or two day grievance workshop in the coming months. Members of the H.S.A.S. Grievance Committee, Executive Council, Board of Governors, District Council Chairpersons and interested members will be invited to attend.

PAGE9

SPOT-LIGHT ON SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

A 42 year old man with Multiple Sclerosis whose speech and voice is slurred and quiet; a 69 year old woman with a stroke whose communication is intact but who aspirates when she swallows; a 3~ year old boy who cannot be understood by anyone but his parents ; an 85 year old woman with Alzheimer's Disease whose family has difficulty caring for her; a 23 year old man who was hit by a car and is beginning to come out of the coma; a 7 year old girl who is having trouble explaining to her teacher what she wants; a 23 year old woman from Singapore whose employment is dependent upon her command of the English Language and its different sounds ... What do all of these people have in common? They would all benefit from the services of a Speech Language Pathologist.

The field of speech-language pathology is continually chang­ing and one which encompasses all age groups from neo­nates to the very elderly. The primary focus is to assess , treat , and in many cases, to consult to situations which impact on communication and swallowing. This mandate is vast and specialization has become the norm.

Most Speech Language Pathologists choose to work with either adults or children. Currently in this province, school­aged children are provided with service through the school system. The preschool children and all adults are provided with service through various branches of the Department of Health , including several main Hospitals. In the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan, there are Speech Language Pathologists at Royal University Hospital , St. Paul's and at the Kinsmen Children's Centre.

Assessment and treatment of communication and swallow­ing disorders in the health care settir-,g is done in conjunction with many specialists and other team members. Furthermore, the scope and role for the Speech Language Pathologist is no longer restricted to stutterers, those with pronunciation problems, persons with strokes, or those with voice disorders. The field is vast and may include children or adu lts with cleft palate, autism, swal lowing problems , hearing impairments, head injuries, viral infections, multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities, brain tumours, or aneurysms. This list is by no means inclusive but it represents a broader range of populations served.

Submitted by Laura Carney- Speech Language Pathologist at Royal University Hospital.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

(A) Communicat ion

(Terry Akister, Laura Carney, Ted Makeechak, Adele McVicar, Tim Slattery and Ron Walsh)

Our union is currently involved in many critical negotiations and meetings for which Tim Slattery represents, and forges ahead on, our behalf. In the past Tim, almost exclusively, has produced the content for the Dispatches. The time has come to examine methods whereby members can assume more of the responsibility for the Dispatches. The Com­munication Committee will be requesting support from the membership in order to fulfill this responsibility.

PAGE10

The Dispatches is a forum to update you on union eve nts and information. Your support is critical in order that th is forum may continue .

(B) Educat ion (Kathy Brown, Laura Carney , Ted Makeechak , Elliott PausJens sen and Tim Slattery)

The Education Fund was establ ished at the October 1990 Annual General Meet ing with the purpose of promoting continuing educat ion in areas d irectly 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) name s on May 15 of each year . Successful applicants are eligible for a maximum of $500 .00.

It is the pos ition of H.S.A.S. that the responsibility for assuming costs associated w ith continuing job rel ated education resides with the employer . To ensure our Fund is not treated as a primary funding source , the Educatio n Fund Comm ittee requests members to apply to their employers or other sources pr ior to making app lication to the H.S.A.S . Education Fund.

The next lottery will be held May 15, 1993 . Application form s can be obtained from Executive Council Members , District Counc il Chairpersons or the H.S.A.S . office.

(C) Negotiating (Ron Curr ie , Roberta Ekberg , Karen Giesbrecht, Lorraine Marquis , Yvonne Ounsworth and Tim Slattery)

Your Negotiating Team has met with the Saskatchewan Health Care Association on the following dates :

- May 11 and 12, 1992 - Regina - September 10 and 11, 1992 - Saskatoon - September 21 and 22, 1992 - Regina - October 15 and 16, 1992 - Regina - October 26 and 27, 1992 - Saskatoon - November 25 ,26 and 27 , 1992 - Saskatoon - December 8 and 9, 1992 - Regina - February 16, 17 and 18, 1993 - Saskatoon

Additional dates have been establ ished as fol lows : - March 24 and 25 , 1993 - Saskatoon - April 14 and 15, 1993 - Regina

The first few negotiating meetings were taken up with reviewing each other's proposals . Since then; however, we have been attempting to negotiate language pertaining to both lay offs and various leaves of absence provisions such as adopt ion , maternity, compassionate, parenta l etc.

Although we have made progress in several areas, accept ­able lay off language has been very difficu lt to achieve . For example the S.H.A. not only wants to restrict your bumping options if your job is abo lished or you are laid off but they also refuse to commit sufficient resources to on the job training for H.S.A.S. members who are displaced. On the other hand yo ur Negotiating Team is attempting to ensure that: (a) if you are displaced you maintain the r ight to exercise seniority rights in any position for which you are qualified and (b) your employer be required to provide the necessary on the job training to enable you to function in your new position.

DISPATCH

To state this has been a frustrating set of negotiations would be a gross understatement. Here are a few clues as to why this is the case :

1. In preparation for negotiations H.S.A.S. held its first ever Bargaining Conference September 27 and 28, 1991. The purpose of the Conference was to provide H.S.A.S. members with an opportunity to discuss and priorize proposals for presentation to the S.H.A. Subsequent to the conference , however , we have had a change in government and a major restructuring of our health care system . As a result, the pr iorit ies established have by necessity been altered to reflect our members' concerns about lay offs, merger/ transfer of services etc .

2. In theory the S.H.A. is bargaining provincially on behalf of the Hospitals employing H.S.A.S. members . In real ity; howeve r, we see the Reg ina , Saskatoon and Prince Albert Health Boards negotiating their own lay off and merger/transfer language. Th is makes it very difficult for the union to bargain common terms and conditions for all H.S.A.S. members.

3. Since we began negotiating in May , 1992:

(a)the S.H.A. chief spokesperson , Judy Bell , resigned and has been replaced by Ken Crosby.

(b)the Cha irperson for the S .H.A. Negotia t ing Team, Bruce Parker , has left and is no longer employed in the hea lth care system .

(c) two or iginal members of the S.H.A . Negotiating Team , Rick Jones and Reg Padbury, have left and not been replaced.

4 . To date the government has stated that health care worker s wi ll receive 0% increase to their wages in both 1992 and 1993. With no money available it is very difficult to conclude negotiations. As a result , none of the unions representing health care workers have concluded negotiat ions.

Your Negotiat ing Team w ill keep you informed of any developments at the bargaining table.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Like the rest of you I have been waiting for positive news to countera ct the frustrat ion all of us have been experiencing . Despite diligence on the part of our Negotiating Committee bargaining has produced precious little in terms of positive results .

Health Boards in Reg ina , Saskatoon and Prince Albert expand their bureaucracies and front line health care professionals cont inue to be handed lay off notices. All of us are acutely aware of the province 's finances; however, it seems the belt tightening is not being applied equa lly throughout the system.

On a more positive note our union has recently met with the Department of Health 's Lab .our Relations Review Committee . I am hopeful that the recommendat ions of this body will be helpful to our union 's future viability and growth.

Submitted by Ted Makeechak.

DISPATCH

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

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

Executive Group Name Position Represented

Ted Makeechak President Physical Therapists St. Paul's Hospital

Laura Carney First Vice Speech Language Royal University Hospital President Pathologists & Orthoptists

Bernard Schaan Vice-President Laboratory Technologists Royal University Hospital Sec. Treasurer

Roberta Ekberg Council Member Pharmacists Pasqua Hospital

Colleen Hancharuk Council Member Occupational Therapists Royal University Hospital

Elliott PausJenssen Council Member Social Workers Royal University Hospital

Nahid Ahmad Royal University Hospital

Council Member Psychologists

Michael Chan Council Member Dietitians Regina General Hospital

Elaine Krieger Council Member Radiology and Nuclear Royal University Hospital Medicine Technologists

DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIR AND

CO-CHAIRPERSONS

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

District Council Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons

Prince Albert: Victoria Union Hospital Bonnie Reed Physical Therapist

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

Renate Olesko Lc1boratory Technologist Royal University Hospital Terry Akister Laboratory Technologist

Regina: Plains & Pasqua Hospitals Don Kuntz Pharmacist (Plains)

Andrew Pedersen Pharmacist (Plains) Regina General Hospital Yvonne Ounsworth Physical Therapist

PAGE 11

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors provide guidance and counsel to the Executive Council on all matters within the administration of the Association. 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 SecretaryfTreasurer 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 Pharmacist Royal University Hospital

Royal University Hospital Ed Dewhurst Radiology Technologist

H.S.A.S. STAFF

Tim Slattery

Lynn Regier

Executive Director

Office Assistant

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

HEALTH COMMITTEES

Prince Albert: Victoria Union Hospital

Saskatoon: St. Paul's Hospital Saskatoon City Hospital Royal University Hospital

Regina: Pasqua Hospital Plains Health Centre Regina General Hospital

Bonnie Reed

Ted Makeechak Maureen Arthur Iris Natyshak Ron Currie

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Laboratory Technologist Laboratory Technologist Pharmacist

No H.S.A.S. Representative Shelly Hoffman Social Worker Yvonne Ounsworth Physical Therapist

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

PAGE12

H.S.A.S. COMMITTEES

Communication: Tim Slattery - editor Terry Akister Laura Carney Ted Makeechak Adele McVicar Ron Walsh

Emergency Fund:

Education Fund: Kathy Brown Laura Carney Ted Makeechak Elliott PausJenssen Tim Slattery

Nahid Ahmad - Chairperson Ted Makeechak Tim Slattery

Finance: Ed Dewhurst Karen Giesbrecht Elliott PausJenssen Bernard Schaan Tim Slattery

Grievance: Terry Akister Roberta Ekberg Karen Giesbrecht Colleen Hancharuk Joanne Walker Ted Makeechak Tim Slattery

Negotiating Team:

- Member at large - Member at large - Executive Council Member - Executive Council Member, Chairperson - Executive Director

- Member at large alternate - Executive Council Member - Member at large - Executive Council Member - Member at large - Executive Council Member - Executive Director

Provincial Job Action Steering: Roberta Ekberg - Chairperson Ron Currie

Laura Carney Michael Chan Colleen Hancharuk Elaine Krieger Elliott PausJenssen Bernard Schaan

Karen Giesbrecht Yvonne Ounsworth Lorraine Marquis Tim Slattery

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

HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, CLASSIFICATION (Technologist 11, 111, 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 information" form and forward it to the H.S.A.S. office .

ROBERTA EKBERG BOX 55 WHITE CITY, SK. SOG 5BO

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

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CHANGE OF INFORMATION FORM

PLEASE LIST BOTH OLD INFORMATION AND NEW INFORMATION

NAME: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

L.ETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We would like to pro vide 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 information of members of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewa n, a union of health care professionals.

Printed in Canada by PrintWest Commun ications , Saskatoo n

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