Health science professionals at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre have voted by a strong majority to join the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). The union's 34 new members include health science professionals who deliver services in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, infant development program, family development, Vancouver Island Children's Assessment Network, preschool, and supported child development.

HSA’s board of directors has set a plan to consult with members in advance of contract negotiations for health science professionals in 2018. Although the current HSPBA collective agreement is not due to expire until March 31, 2019, the union’s leadership wants to ensure members share their ideas on how to improve the strained health care system in British Columbia through innovative agreements with government and health care employers.
 

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017

BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN

When respiratory therapist John Hindle first got involved in HSA as a shop steward, his goal was fairly modest.

"I just wanted to help resolve some problems at my workplace," says Hindle. But once he started learning about union issues, Hindle wanted more.

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017

Recognition of diversity is now essential to the health of our society and the strength of organizations.

Today, leading institutions seek to understand the unique experience of their members in order to better represent and serve them.

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017

BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD
HSA PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ADVOCATE

I received HSA's recent clarification on payroll changes and the reference to members' long-term disability contributions now being directed to the new Joint Health Sciences Benefit Trust (JHSBT). Since the JHSBT is now receiving benefit contributions, I'm wondering what members might expect now.

April 1, 2017 marked the day that the new Joint Health Science Benefits Trust took over stewardship of members’ health and welfare benefits, including Long Term Disability. The move from an employer-controlled fund to a jointly trusteed fund with equal representation from unions and employers was negotiated in 2014 Health Science Professionals contract bargaining.
 

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of BC dismissed an application from the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) for judicial review related to their failed raid application on Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) at Royal Inland Hospital in 2014. In a judicial review, a Supreme Court judge reviews the decision that has been made by an administrative tribunal, in this case the Labour Relations Board (LRB).

Immediate Release 

Health Sciences Association of BC says today’s provincial budget fails to help the thousands of British Columbians affected by long health care wait times.

HSA represents 17,000 highly trained specialists working in diagnostic MRI, sonography and lab testing, physiotherapy, social work, radiation therapy, pharmacy and many other health science professions.

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Starting with the first pay period after February 1, 2017, most HSA members can expect a pay increase of 0.35% over and above the 5.5% increase rolling out over the life of the current contract.