News

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has recently announced that it is relocating residents of Grenfell Pioneer Home due to the serious nature of mould found in numerous areas of the facility. The Saskatchewan Health Authority hired Pinchin Limited to conduct a thorough investigation of the building in which they found not only mould but asbestos.

This not only raises concerns about the health and safety of the 21 residents but also the health and safety of our 65 members working at the facility.

CUPE is currently working with our members and the employer to ensure that all safety precautions are being adhered to. CUPE has informed our members of their lawful right to refuse unsafe work under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.

As you may know, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has recently announced that it will be working with the Ministry of Health to explore options regarding the future of Regina Pioneer Village (RPV) and long-term care services.

On July 24, 2018 with less than 24 hours’ notice, CUPE Local 5430 was called to a meeting with 3S Health, SAHO, Ministry of Health officials and other Union representatives.

Chronic understaffing and increasing workload are two of the most pressing issues in health care. CUPE 5340 member and Region 1 facility representative Sid Hall has seen the impact of both issues on patient care and health care workers first hand.

CUPE strongly believes that our power to fight back against privatization, austerity and attacks on workers' rights is strengthened through the relationships we build with workers in other workplaces struggling for common causes, including workers in other countries.

A recent visit by Robert Mendoza, President of the Alliance of Health Workers in the Philippines, is just the latest example of CUPE’s global justice work and alliance-building with unions and workers in countries across the world.

Following a weeklong trip to Manitoba, Brother Mendoza made a stop in Saskatchewan to visit the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and Pasqua hospital in Regina and the long-term care facility Tatagwa View in Weyburn.

Through these facility visits and presentations at two evening social events in Regina and Weyburn, Brother Mendoza spoke about the struggles facing health care workers and trade unionists in the Philippines.

These struggles include: budget cuts to public hospitals, rampant privatization, poverty and poor health for most Filipinos, and “contractualization” or precarious work where many health care workers receive no benefits and have minimal job security. Currently, out-of-pocket spending accounts for 57 percent of health expenditures in the Philippines. 

Brother Mendoza also spoke of the many campaigns and mobilization efforts his union and others are undertaking to fight back, including the People’s Health Agenda for free, comprehensive and progressive health services for all citizens.

CUPE members, family and friends were also able to enjoy some amazing Filipino food at the two social events. 

Special thanks to CUPE National and CUPE Saskatchewan for helping to make Brother Mendoza’s visit possible.   

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, also known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, an annual opportunity to honour and celebrate the diverse cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. CUPE Local 5430 would like to invite our members to honour this important day.

Indigenous peoples will be celebrating in their communities, and graciously sharing their ceremonies, customs, and heritage with others across the country. It is a day we can all stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples striving to protect and strengthen their cultures, languages, and way of life.

As many members are aware, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has undertaken a review of security services using an external consultant. Many believe, with good reason, that his review will lead to recommendations to cut back unionized in-house security positions and contract out security work to a low-paying private firm. This will not improve safety in health care facilities.