Violence in the workplace, workload, health and safety issues are just a few major challenges community social service workers face.

Since 2008, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has recognized November 6 as Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day. Now two provinces and over 125 communities across Canada also recognize November 6 as a day to show our appreciation for the compassionate work community social service workers do.

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:

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

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.

THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

As a member of HSA, you're practicing smart investment strategies every day.

Every two weeks, you invest in your future through your pension plan. You're not spending that money on another latte.

You do not have all your eggs in one basket. In fact, you have a diversified real estate portfolio – and it's a great example of responsible investing.

HSA REPORT OCTOBER 2014

My name is Mike Pond. I'm five years sober this week and your union helped save my life.

When I received my Masters in Social Work in 1995, I thought my days as a psychiatric nurse were behind me. But life has a way of throwing us curve balls. After two decades of successfully helping clients battle addictions, I succumbed to one myself. In a catastrophic free-fall, I lost everything: my practice, my home and my family. What made it worse: as a therapist I was ably positioned to watch myself fall and powerless to prevent it.

Did you know that some health authority staff like youth counsellors are not allowed to text their patients? Is there any other way to communicate with a young person?

Members are advised that Pacific Blue Cross will suspend its pay direct and online claim services for one week to allow for a major transition to an upgraded health and dental system.

The services will be suspended from March 27 to April 3, 2014.

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014

HSA members are increasingly looking to get their information in a digital format. Whether it's email, web sites or social media, members are using desktop computers, tablets and smartphones to keep informed.

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014

BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES

As many members know, the process of transitioning to a 37.5 hour work week has been frustrating.

From the beginning, employers have misunderstood and misinterpreted the terms of the negotiated agreement. They have attempted to reduce hours of work, eliminate earned days off and even layoff members.

None of this is allowed by the agreement, which states that managers must work with staff in good faith to develop mutually-agreed schedules.