SAHO/HEALTH PROVIDER UNION (HPU)

SEIU-West Bargaining Update

August 19, 2026

SAHO and SEIU-West met on August 13 and 14, 2026. SEIU-West took time on August 13th to complete its response to SAHO’s proposal package of July 10, 2026, and tabled the remainder of its response on the afternoon of August 14th.

SAHO recognizes and appreciates the time and effort that SEIU-West put into completing its response over this and the previous bargaining session and hope for more productive sessions when we meet next. SAHO will have a full response for the union at the next bargaining session.

SEIU-West’s proposals were limited to consideration of merging their four (4) separate bargaining units, which are still divided based on the former regional health authorities, into one (1) single bargaining unit. In recognition of the 2017 merger of those former regional health authorities into a single, provincial health authority, both CUPE and SGEU made that change years ago and it was incorporated in the last round of bargaining. This contemplation by SEIU-West does not address the key priorities for the employers relating to the flexibility necessary to ensure effective and efficient delivery of care for both employees and patients.

SAHO tabled proposals regarding employees performing some work within the geographical territory of another HPU. SAHO’s proposals do not grant the employers the ability to move work or employees to anywhere in the province at their discretion. The proposals simply allow for greater flexibility to address patient and system needs by permitting employees to perform their regular work duties and deliver care in the most efficient and effective manner regardless of their union’s territory. These proposals would permit the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to find solutions to workload issues, provide interim vacancy relief, assist in ensuring rural facilities remain open, provide greater opportunities to meet vacation and leave requests from employees, as well as to ensure that patients receive timely care in their own communities. It is anticipated that these proposals will reduce travel for many employees and any travel required would continue to fall within the usual workday/shift with expenses covered by the employer. All of this is achievable without interfering with rights of SEIU-West or their members.  

In this example, there is a need for a Combined Laboratory & X-ray Technician (CLXT) in Wilkie (SEIU-West) because of an unforeseen absence. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) requires that service to be maintained in Wilkie. In order to maintain service and provide required patient care, the SHA could send a CLXT from North Battleford (CUPE) to cover the temporary absence in Wilkie to ensure there are no service disruptions in Wilkie and patients in that community can continue to receive care in their community. For this to occur it would require some cooperation and flexibility in the current language of both collective agreements. Without that cooperation and flexibility, Wilkie would see a service disruption and patients needing this service would either be delayed or forced to travel to another community for that service.

These proposals will also enhance opportunities for recruitment, retention, career development, and full-time employment, particularly in areas near the borders of the SEIU-West territories.

The best outcomes for collective bargaining are made at the bargaining table, and give-and-take is required by both parties. SEIU-West has spent the majority of the last three years of collective bargaining avoiding engaging in constructive discussions regarding key employer proposals. SAHO is hoping for more productive and fulsome discussions in future bargaining sessions however, SEIU-West cancelled the   August 25 and 26, 2026 scheduled session. Bargaining will now resume on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Union/SEIU-West August 28, 2026