Starting the evening of March 26, Health Authority Employers have begun to survey employees about their child care needs starting next Monday, March 30. Check your employer email for details. To date, HSA is aware of processes in VIHA and PHSA. Contact your employer for details on how to register your child care needs.

Provincial Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix recognize the need for health care and other front line workers to get to work to provide the services British Columbians depend on.

TO: HSA members working in Long Term Care

In an effort to slow the transmission of COVID-19 in BC’s hard-hit Long Term Care facilities, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, issued two province-wide orders aimed at restricting movement of health care staff between Long Term Care facilities. The orders went into effect yesterday, Thursday March 26, 2020

Amidst the worldwide uncertainty about what is coming at us in the coming days and weeks, HSA is pleased to share with HSA members working in BC's community social services sector that the provincial government has committed to continue funding programs.

CSSEA reported late this afternoon on its website that the government has reinforced its funding commitment to the social services sector in light of potential disruptions caused by COVID-19.

From the CSSEA website:

Mackenzie Counselling Services (MCS) employees voted 100 per cent in favour of joining HSA.

HSA’s nine newest members work in reception, finance, counselling, supported child development, family support, and child and youth care roles. They serve the community of Mackenzie, a remote mill town located 185 km north of Prince George.

MCS employees join a growing wave of mental health care workers voting for union representation with HSA.

UPDATED APRIL 15

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) have published the 2019-2022 Community Living Services, General Services and Indigenous Services collective agreements which are now available at the updated links below:

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) are pleased to announce that the Community Living Services, General Services and Indigenous Services collective agreements are now available.

As the province undergoes major reform to the delivery of primary care in BC, we have a valuable opportunity to learn from and build off the successes seen in other jurisdictions. HSA has long been an advocate for expanding team-based approaches to primary and community care. They allow health professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to collaborate to optimize patient care. 

The Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) and the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) have agreed upon the distribution of the first of three annual $20 million Low Wage Redress funds effective April 1, 2019. This will also cover the adjustment in pay in lieu of benefits for part-time and casual employees to account for the addition of Family Day.