There is an issue of urgent concern to our members regarding the Extended Health & Enhanced Dental Benefits Plan (EH & ED).
Currently, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) contributes to the EH & ED Plan for HSAS employees at a rate of 2.1% of regular pay. This rate has not increased in over 25 years and is the lowest employer contribution among healthcare unions. With the level of benefit usage by our members and the costs of providing those benefits increasing, the 2.1% is no longer adequate. As a result – if contribution levels are not increased, the plan is projected to be depleted as of July 1, 2026. At that point approximately 4,500 specialized healthcare workers will experience a 35% reduction to their EH & ED benefits.
The HSAS–SAHO Collective Agreement, Letter of Understanding #15, states the following:
Further to Article 30.05, there shall be guaranteed support of HSAS current benefit levels under the 3sHealth Extended Health and Enhanced Dental Plans as of April 1, 2018 until the expiry of this Collective Agreement, which eliminates the requirement to negotiate specific contribution levels. Full accounting will be given for contributions, claims, and expenses attributable to HSAS from July 1, 2004. Any surpluses generated after that date will be used to support the Extended Health and Enhanced Dental Plans for HSAS employees only.
In the event the funding provided by the Employer is insufficient to sustain the current level of benefits for the term of this Collective Agreement, the parties shall meet to determine how these incremental cost increases are funded.
HSAS had requested to address this through discussion with SAHO at the bargaining table, with the goal of establishing an appropriate contribution rate.
Despite multiple requests from HSAS, SAHO has declined to engage in a timely manner on this critical issue. HSAS has been in communication with the Government of Saskatchewan and the SHA urging them to direct SAHO to prioritize working towards a solution to this urgent issue.
Additionally, we filed a formal grievance with the SHA. It is the responsibility of the SHA , as our members’ employer to uphold the Collective Agreement.
We know this is difficult and concerning news. Many of our members rely on their Extended Health and Enhanced Dental benefits, and protecting those benefits is one of our highest priorities. Please know that this matter has our full attention.
HSAS acknowledges that there will also be a broader impact if a reduction of benefits were to occur. Recruitment and retention would be negatively affected, placing additional strain on members, worsening working conditions, and ultimately impacting patient care and safety.
We believe that if the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are truly committed to valuing the highly specialized HSAS professionals and the care they provide to Saskatchewan’s residents they must provide clear direction to SAHO and instruct them to meaningfully engage in this time-critical process.
View the address from HSAS President Karen Schmid here: https://vimeo.com/1164136682/acfd672bab?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
For member questions please see the FAQ here: https://www.hsas.ca/extended-health-benefits-under-threat-faq/
If your question is not addressed in the FAQ, you can reach HSAS through the Contact button on our website or by emailing [email protected].