The Health Science Professional Bargaining Association (HSPBA), in talks this week with the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC), has proposed a wage increase for health science professionals that, if accepted, would begin to address the critical issues undermining pandemic response and public health care in BC: chronic shortages, the rising cost of living, and the wage gap with other provinces.
 
The proposal seeks a two year agreement with a wage increase of 5% -- or COLA (cost of living adjustment), whichever is greater – in each of the two years.
 

As news emerged today of an impasse in public sector bargaining between the provincial government and its direct employees over wages, the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) is preparing to table a wage proposal for health science professionals next week that addresses staff shortages, the rising cost of living, and closes the wage gap between BC and other provinces.

The HSPBA Bargaining Committee has concluded the initial round of discussions with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), which began March 3.
 
To date, the Committee has tabled language in three areas:

Bargaining for the new Health Science Professional collective agreement has begun.

2022 is off to a busy start for HSA with preparations underway for contract negotiations for members working in health care and community social services. Contracts covering more than 20,000 members are set to expire March 31, 2022.
 
Also coming up in 2022 is the union’s annual convention April 28-30, planned to be held in person in Vancouver. In the lead-up to the convention, Board of Directors elections are also scheduled, with nominations closing on February 10.
 

Facility level data needed to push government for stronger protections against Omicron
 
Since the onset of the pandemic, HSA has been pushing government to protect health science and community social service professionals on the front lines.
 

Essential Service Negotiations

Chief Steward Workshop/Planning Time

VARIOUS DATES: see options below
TIME: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
LOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to follow
 

2022 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School

One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2022.

The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of four-day, quality labour-oriented courses. To support HSA's ability to represent HSA members effectively and help build a stronger union, members can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.

A new report released today by the Health Sciences Association provides the first comprehensive assessment of the state of public rehabilitative care in BC.

The report’s findings paint a troubling picture of severe staffing shortages, a lack of services in many communities, and long wait times for patients and clients, including children and their families.

All HSA members covered by the HSPBA collective agreement are reminded that the deadline for submission of bargaining proposals is November 7, 2021.
 
The primary and most important source for bargaining proposals is from HSA members through HSA chapter meetings, where, collectively, members consider and agree on priorities for bargaining to support all members covered by the collective agreement. The best way to have a say in your contract is by getting active in the process to set bargaining priorities.