THE HSAS/SAHO (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024) CONTRACT 

Our main Collective Agreement with SAHO expired at the end of March 2024. However, it remains in place and in effect until a new agreement is negotiated and signed. 

TIMELINE: WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING A NEW CONTRACT?

• Spring 2023 – Online Bargaining Survey with over 1200 HSAS members participating
• May 31-June 1, 2023 – HSAS Bargaining Conference held in Saskatoon with 68 members from 22 occupations attending
• Summer 2023 – Negotiations Working Committee formed.  This Committee is composed of HSAS Staff members who provide support to the Negotiating Committee
• Fall 2023 – HSAS Negotiating Committee formed
• January 11^th, 2024 – HSAS provided the Notice to Commence Collective Bargaining to SAHO

COMMITTEE WORK

The Negotiations Committee and Working Committee have been preparing for this round of bargaining since last fall.  Information considered has included Bargaining Survey results, Bargaining Conference attendee discussions, worksite meeting discussions, and member concerns gathered from HSAS Labour Relations staff.

Next steps include the formation of a bargaining proposal package which will be presented to HSAS Executive Council for approval prior to presentation to the Employer Negotiating Committee.

At this point, no dates have been set for the exchange of proposals and commencement of negotiations with the Employer. In the previous round of bargaining the Notice to Bargain also occurred in January (2018) with expiry of the agreement on March 31, 2018 with HSAS and the Employer meeting to exchange proposals in December of 2018.

ONGOING WORK 

A Collective Agreement is negotiated once every so many years. However, in between those periods of negotiation it remains a living entity. Hundreds of Collective Agreement-based conversations will take place between HSAS Labour Relations, HSAS members and the Employer. Arising from those conversations there will be settled grievances, extended shift agreements, retention initiatives and resolved workplace concerns.

The day-to-day advocacy for members will continue while the ongoing work of preparing for the exchange of proposals is completed. Additionally, in support of members, participation in retention and recruitment discussions, Market Supplement program work, safety initiatives with the SHA and on a provincial level will also continue.

THE HSAS/SAHO (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024) CONTRACT

Current State

The Provincial Collective Agreement between HSAS and the SHA expired on March 31^st, 2024. However, the Collective Agreement remains in force until a new agreement is negotiated.

Initial bargaining dates for a new Collective Agreement have been set with the Employer. Our initial meeting will take place at the end of January – additional dates are scheduled beginning in March through to the end of June. The Parties have agreed to review progress in mid-April and set additional dates at that time.

Preparation for Bargaining

In 2023 we held our Bargaining Conference and conducted a bargaining survey. We have attended a number of meetings with staff, reviewed grievances, settlements, issues, and arbitrations. Through this process, four themes have emerged that will guide our bargaining strategy: 1) respect and value in the workplace; 2) retention and recruitment; 3) workload, safety, and health; 4) fair compensation and benefits.

Over the past year and a half, the labour relations staff in collaboration with the HSAS Negotiating Committee, have been working on developing strategies to address these themes as well as other issues and concerns raised by members or discovered through the day-to-day application of the current Agreement. Making advancements and improvements for our members takes thoughtfulness and well-developed strategies. While it may be frustrating, this is why it is not uncommon for the collective bargaining process to take time. In fact, most large collective agreements take over two years to negotiate; some, well beyond that.

Going Forward

As we move forward in the bargaining process, we will email members with periodic updates.

Thank you for your support!

HSAS and SAHO met on January 27 through 29 to exchange initial proposal packages. HSAS put forward a package that, we believe, reflects the changes our members are seeking. The next bargaining dates are scheduled for March 12 to 14

HSAS and SAHO met to continue bargaining on March 12^th, 13^th, and 14^th and again on April 9^th. The HSAS Negotiating Committee also met to review and consider discussions arising from those dates.  

To date, there has been little progress made on our proposals. We do have dates set through to the end of the year with the next meeting dates set for May 7^th to 9^th. The Negotiating Committee will provide periodic updates in the months ahead. Please note that the bargaining process and proposals are confidential and information that can be shared will be limited.

Members wishing to communicate with the Negotiating Committee, can email [email protected].

HSAS and SAHO met to continue bargaining on May 7^th, 8^th and 9^th; May 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd; and June 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th. The HSAS Negotiating Committee also met to review and consider discussions arising from those dates.  

To date, some housekeeping items have been agreed to. However, bargaining continues to progress slowly. The next bargaining dates are June 24^th, 25^th, and 26^th. The Negotiating Committee will continue to provide periodic updates in the months ahead. Please note that the bargaining process and proposals are confidential and information that can be shared will be limited.

Members wishing to communicate with the Negotiating Committee can email [email protected].

Review of Bargaining

Bargaining commenced January 27^th through January 29^th, 2025 when the parties met to exchange initial proposal packages. The initial proposal packages serve as a guide for bargaining – in essence, this provides each side a glimpse into the issues that the other intends to address at bargaining. HSAS put forward a comprehensive package seeking to address: respect and inclusivity; safety and health in the workplace; retention and recruitment; compensation and benefits; and general/housekeeping matters.

Throughout 2025, we have met with the Employer on the following dates:

March 12^th through 14^th

April 9^th

May 7^th through 9^th

May 21^st through 23^rd

June 3^rd through 5^th

June 24^th through 26^th

Additional dates had been set for April 10^th and 11^th; however, HSAS used this time to consult legal counsel as concerns arose that the Employer was not fully engaging in the traditional bargaining process of exchanging proposals, discussion, and negotiation.

While we have made some progress to date, we still have a long way to go and anticipate this round of bargaining will continue to be difficult, lengthy, and frustrating.

What We Have Heard from You

We have heard from our members through: the bargaining survey, bargaining conference, conventions, grievances, arbitrations, issues raised, conversations, member meetings, and our own work with the Employer. Below is a brief summary of the subjects shared by members.

• work-life balance; flexibility in scheduling, including where and how you do your work
• utilization of casual employees to support your work and allow for time off from work
• career/professional development
• leaves for family needs
• preventative health and wellness
• ability to properly practice your profession and minimization of issues affecting that ability such as: aging infrastructure; lack of equipment or failing equipment; lack of resources; inadequate support
• safety in the workplace is high priority – workload, burnout, OH&S support, mental health support, working short staffed, protecting yourself and your clients (violence in the workplace)
• feel valued and respected
• lack of leadership and inability to have a voice in matters that may not be familiar to leadership
• staff shortages, lack of recruitment, not competitive with the market, lack of retention incentives
• time off needs to be respected
• better understanding of the diversity of our membership
• respectful and inclusive workplace for our members
• consider and honour the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

Your Bargaining Team

Kim Canning, Lead Negotiator and Chair
Karen Schmid, President

Crystal Bittman
Angela Barsalou
Cori Debert

Haley Oshowy
Marisa Kermack
Amy Ewart
Al Boutin, Executive Director
Natalie Horejda, Manager of Communications

Staff Support:

Jesse Payne
Braden White
Curtis Shuba
Judy Dodman

What is Your Bargaining Team’s Goal?

HSAS is committed to negotiating a fair and balanced collective agreement. Our proposals aim to:

1. Retain a highly skilled membership. Reduce burnout. Improve job satisfaction. Create a work environment that prioritizes member well-being and ensures a healthy work-life balance for members. Incentives that promote long-term retention and reduced turnover. Increased flexibility and independence. Members are treated with respect and professionalism.

2. Develop initiatives and incentives to aid in recruitment. Ensure full staffing complement of HSAS members across all classifications. Eliminate, or reduce, the reliance on contract employees.

3. Remove inequities and foster a culture of belonging that recognizes the diversity of our membership. Create a workplace where all members are treated with dignity and respect, free from harassment, discrimination, and bias. Eliminate, or remove, systemic barriers to inclusion.

4. Ensure a safe, healthy, and hazard-free work environment. Proactive measures to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and exposure to harmful conditions. Create a work environment where safety is prioritized and sustained for the well-being of our members. Mental health support. Fatigue management provisions.

5. Provide fair compensation and benefits. Explore opportunities in addition to general wage increases. Ensure sustainability of benefit programs. Provide enhanced compensation and benefits that aid in the goals of improving retention and recruitment.

The Bargaining Process is Lengthy

Most importantly, we heard from our members that you want change. A status quo or carry-over agreement is not acceptable. Even a small change, sometimes only ONE word, can take multiple bargaining sessions to achieve. We want big changes, and while we recognize we are unlikely to get everything we are asking for, your Bargaining Team is here to stay the course! We need you to be patient and, importantly, to remain supportive of your Union.

A Few Reminders

1. The Collective Agreement is still in force and remains in force until a new Collective Agreement is negotiated and ratified (voted on). HSAS continues to fight for change both inside and outside of bargaining.

2. It is important that you know your Collective Agreement and protect the integrity of what your Union has already fought for. Knowingly violating the CBA or turning a blind eye to wrongful action by the Employer (even if it appears to benefit you) diminishes our power at the bargaining table.

3. If something looks, feels, or sounds wrong – please contact HSAS. If your manager, or leader, says “we can’t do that because we are in bargaining” or “the Union won’t let us do that” contact [email protected].

4. Support and respect your Bargaining Team, your Union, and your fellow members. We are all in this together.

DID YOU KNOW…

HSAS members are entitled to overtime if you are required to work through your meal break?

See Article 15.02(d).

DID YOU KNOW…

HSAS members are not required to submit expenses utilizing the SHA’s per diem policy? 

See Article 19.03.

HSAS members are to be reimbursed for substantiated (via a receipt) meal expenses.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Employer cannot require you to correct an overpayment unless a meeting has been held with the Union and a repayment plan has been agreed to by all three parties?

See Article 18.04.

FIELD HOURS EMPLOYEE? 
DID YOU KNOW…

That you have the right to govern your own hours of work? 

Members working field hours in accordance with Article 15.01(C) have the flexibility to govern their own hours of work to meet client and essential program needs.

Future Bargaining Dates

Through the remainder of 2025, bargaining dates have been set on: August 26^th to 28^th; September 15^th and 16^th; October 15^th to 17^th; October 28^th to 30^th; November 12^th to 14^th; December 1^st to 3^rd. We will be working with the Employer to set dates for 2026.

Upcoming Bargaining Webinar

We will be hosting a short (approximately 20 minutes) webinar for our members regarding bargaining throughout the month of September.

A separate email will be sent in the near future and will provide you with further information on how to access the webinar.

Questions?

Questions regarding bargaining can be sent to: [email protected].

Any other questions or concerns regarding the Collective Agreement can be sent to [email protected].

Thank you to the members who have taken the time to provide the Negotiating Committee with your comments, suggestions and support. Feedback from our members is always appreciated and considered. We hope that our members understand that the Committee is not able to respond to all emails received.

Bargaining Days to Date

Bargaining commenced one year ago on January 27, 2025.

The Parties (HSAS and SAHO) met on the following dates: 

• January 27-29, 2025
  • Initial proposal packages exchanged.
• March 12 to 14
•  April 9
• April 10 and 11
  • These days were to consult legal counsel.
• May 7 to 9
• May 21 to 23
• June 3 to 5
• June 24 to 26
• August 26 to 28
• September 15 to 16
  • The Parties utilized this time to work together on a Land Acknowledgement and language related to Article 6.
• October 16
  • October 14 and 15 used for market supplement negotiations.
• November 13 to 14
  • November 12 scheduled but Employer didn’t meet. Out of three days scheduled, the Parties met for 46 minutes.
• December 1 to 2
  • Out of two days scheduled, the Parties met for one hour and 43 minutes.
• January 13 -15, 2026
  • Out of the three days scheduled the Parties met for one hour and 22 minutes.

Change to SAHO Lead Negotiator

Following the October 16^th bargaining, SAHO notified HSAS that they would be changing Lead Negotiators. With that, the dates scheduled for October 28^th to 30^th were cancelled. The HSAS Negotiating Committee utilized this time to prepare for future negotiations.

Face to Face Negotiation Time

You will also note from the above dates that although there have been a number of days that have been scheduled, little time was actually spent at the bargaining table with the Employer having spent the majority of that time in private caucus with their own team. Consequently, time for face-to-face negotiations was significantly reduced. We are hopeful for more direct negotiation time in upcoming sessions.   

Moving Forward

We continue to work towards addressing the priorities identified by our members:

• Retain a highly skilled membership
• Develop initiatives and incentives to aid in recruitment
• Remove inequities and foster a culture of belonging that recognizes the diversity of our membership
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and hazard-free work environment
• Provide fair compensation and benefits.

Please note: the order of priorities listed above is not reflective of their value or importance.

Progress to Date

The Parties have agreed to language addressing: safety; respect; involvement in work standards that may conflict with professional ethics; and diversity and inclusion.

Acknowledging the Frustration

We recognize that prolonged bargaining is frustrating and remind members that this is not atypical. Bargaining is not quick or easy – but it is driven by the direction set by our members. You have told us clearly that maintaining the status quo is not acceptable. We are pursuing significant improvements and, while we recognize that compromise is part of the process, your Negotiating Committee is committed to seeing this through. Continued patience and strong support from members strengthen our position at the table.

Dates for 2026 

• February 9 to 12
• March 23 and 24
• April 13 to 17
• May 5 to 7
• June 9 to 12
• June 22 to 25
• August 10 to 14
• October 26 to 29
• November 17 to 19
• November 30 to December 3
• December 14 to 18

Where Members Can Find Bargaining Updates

Questions or comments regarding bargaining can be sent to: [email protected]. Not all questions and comments will be responded to whether sent through this bargaining email or some other communication channel. Future bargaining updates will be communicated through a process that updates all members with the same information at the same time.

Questions?

Questions regarding bargaining can be sent to: [email protected].

Any other questions or concerns regarding the Collective Agreement can be sent to [email protected].

Bargaining Update – Including An Update on Extended Health and Enhanced Dental Benefit Plan Funding

Since our last update at the end of January, the HSAS and SAHO bargaining teams were scheduled to meet on two occasions: February 9^th to 12^th and March 23^rd and 24^th.

As we had shared in the March 4^th Benefits Under Threat update – over the past year we have pursued additional funding to stabilize our members’ Extended Health and Enhanced Dental (EH&ED) benefits. Information regarding the impact of this potential delay was provided to members in the update.

At the bargaining session in February, HSAS prioritized addressing the benefit shortfall over advancing any further proposals or responses. HSAS put forward a proposal to the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) to address the shortfall. The parties met briefly at the end of the day on February 9^th during which time SAHO advised they would not have a response regarding benefits funding. SAHO provided response to two other outstanding proposals.

While HSAS did not advance any additional proposals or responses during this time, we continued to prepare in the event agreement could be reached with SAHO in regard to stabilizing benefits. During this week, HSAS also filed a grievance and met separately with the Employer – the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in an attempt to address this important matter.

SAHO was not available to meet on March 23^rd. On March 24^th, the parties met virtually, with stabilization of funding for EH&ED benefits continuing to be our primary focus. At the start of the meeting, SAHO provided an update assuring us that they were working on a Letter of Understanding (LOU) that would address the funding shortfall and allow bargaining to continue without threat to our members’ EH&ED benefits. With this assurance from SAHO, HSAS provided twelve proposals/responses to SAHO for their response. The parties did not meet further that day.

On March 27^th, SAHO reached out asking if HSAS could be available to meet on March 30^th to further discuss funding for the members’ EH&ED plan. The parties met yesterday on March 30^th, and following discussion, signed a Memorandum of Agreement securing interim funding of the benefit plan while negotiations continue.

Click here to read the joint statement prepared by HSAS and SAHO.

Additional Information

• Please remember that the Collective Bargaining Agreement remains fully in force until such time as a new agreement is negotiated and ratified by the membership. Members are not without an agreement.
• Tactics may be used in bargaining to try to pressure the other side into negotiating “less”. While it can be frustrating, it is imperative that we remain united as a membership so we can achieve the best possible outcome for our members.
• Job action is a legal process that requires significant consideration and strategy. Members cannot take job action on their own. Support your Union by ensuring  compliance with the rights already bargained for you in your current Collective Agreement.
• All of the Unions within the SHA – SUN, CUPE, SEIU-West, and SGEU – are currently bargaining. As some members have noted when viewing bargaining updates on those unions’ sites, challenges exist at all tables.
• Although each round of bargaining is unique, the pattern of bargaining conventionally addresses non-monetary language changes prior to addressing total compensation which includes monetary items such as wages, premiums, and benefits etc. That is the case with this round of bargaining as well with the exception of funding for the benefit plan. Going forward, the parties will address non-monetary proposals prior to addressing the remaining monetary proposals. We want to assure members that the timing/order of negotiated items does not detract from their importance.

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for April 14^th through 17^th.

The HSAS and SAHO Negotiating  teams met in Regina April 14^th through 17^th to continue negotiating.

HSAS put forward all outstanding HSAS non-monetary proposals and responded to several Employer proposals on April 14^th.

Throughout the remainder of the week, the Parties continued to discuss proposals and exchange responses/counter proposals. The Parties reached agreement on five proposals.

Upcoming negotiating  dates:  May 5^th to 7^th, June 9^th to 12^th, June 22^nd and 23^rd.