SEIU SAHO Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) have reached a collective agreement that will impact thousands of health care workers in Saskatchewan. This new agreement is significant for several reasons and is worth exploring in more detail.
Here are some key points to know about the SEIU SAHO Collective Agreement:
1. It affects a large number of health care workers
The SEIU SAHO Collective Agreement covers approximately 13,000 health care workers in Saskatchewan. These workers include home care and long-term care aides, dietary and laundry staff, and maintenance workers, to name just a few.
2. It includes a significant wage increase
One of the most notable aspects of the new agreement is the wage increase it provides for workers. Over the course of the four-year agreement, workers will receive a total wage increase of 6%. This increase is especially significant given that some health care workers in Saskatchewan have gone without a wage increase for several years.
3. It addresses issues related to part-time work
The agreement also includes provisions aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced by workers who are employed on a part-time basis. For example, it includes language that limits the use of casual staff and provides more opportunities for part-time workers to move into full-time positions.
4. It establishes a new job classification
The SEIU SAHO Collective Agreement also establishes a new job classification for food service workers. This new classification recognizes the unique skills and responsibilities of these workers and will result in improved wages and benefits for those who fall under this category.
5. It was negotiated during a challenging time
The fact that this agreement was reached during the COVID-19 pandemic makes it all the more significant. Health care workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, putting their own health at risk to care for others. The new agreement acknowledges the sacrifices made by these workers and provides some much-needed support and recognition.
In conclusion, the SEIU SAHO Collective Agreement is an important development for health care workers in Saskatchewan. It addresses key issues related to wages, part-time work, and job classifications, and was negotiated during an incredibly challenging time. As a result of this new agreement, thousands of workers will receive improved wages and benefits, providing some much-needed stability and support during these uncertain times.