The following letter from HSA President Val Avery was sent to members December 11, 2014
Dear member,
Assaults on health care workers in Penticton and Kamloops have dominated the news this week. Incidents like these have become all too common in health care settings.
It is time for action.
Name: Alka Kundi.
Nickname in high school: Well, my name is Alka, so the nicknames should be obvious. Alkaseltzer, Alcoholic and Alkatraz. In retrospect, I'm not sure if these were nicknames or if people were just making fun of me, but oh well.
Job title and department: Labour Relations Officer, Servicing.
By David Durning, HSA Senior OHS Officer
Over the years, Canadian workers have fought for and gained important workplace health and safety rights.
The diligent exercise of these rights is proven to be the most effective way of ensuring workplace hazards are controlled.
These rights, enshrined in legislation and regulation, are:
Effective December 1, British Columbia will be in flu season, and HSA members who work in patient care areas in hospitals (ie, where patients are or are likely to be present) are reminded to be vaccinated against influenza or, alternatively, wear a protective mask during flu season.
By Laura Busheikin
There's no doubt that having to take time off work due to an injury or illness brings a multitude of challenges.
Aside from the medical demands, there are forms to fill out and anxiety around getting the proper benefits. There are often feelings of isolation. There is the uncertainty of not knowing when, how, or if you can return to work.
by Dennis Blatchford, Pensions and Benefits Advocate
I'm advised by Pacific Blue Cross that fertility drugs are not covered under the new 50 per cent cost share arrangement for non-PharmaCare formulary medications. Why are these drugs not covered?
Please make a note of our contact information effective Jan. 5, 2015:
Health Sciences Association of BC
180 East Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC
V3L 0G7
New Phone: 604 517 0994 / toll free 800 663 2017
New Fax: 604 515 8889 / toll free 800 663 6119
Ebola Backgrounder
There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Canada.
In areas where Ebola is present, the virus can spread through:
BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES
HSA members can count on extraordinary support from hundreds of stewards around the province, and many of you know them well.
But the stewards themselves depend on a team of labour relations staff who many members will never meet. I'd like to shine a light on their work today.
In the next few days, you'll receive an invitation to participate in a process that is crucial to the future success of your union. Are you ready to take part?
As announced earlier this month, HSA has launched an inclusive and comprehensive planning process to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan will be presented to membership at HSA's Annual Convention in May 2015.
