Health Science Professionals

Union says budget is an important step but pressures on system remain significant The Health Sciences Association (HSA) says it welcomes the government’s decision to maintain frontline health care funding in British Columbia despite mounting economic challenges. “We appreciate that health care has been identified as a priority in this budget,” HSA President Sarah Kooner says. “We’re in an undoubtedly...

Members standing together have made all the difference Negotiations resumed this week in response to a significant new commitment from government, one that acknowledges key priorities identified by members. This commitment was laid out in a bargaining framework that provides a monetary package equal to that offered to other public service workers in BC, with wage increases as well as...

Are you an HSA member who is passionate about supporting your colleagues and making a difference for others? If so, consider applying for the EDMP Regional Representative Expression of Interest. HSA will provide the successful applicant with on-the-job training and mentorship. Expand on your knowledge and skill set for helping others in the field of disability management. The Enhanced Disability...

Statement from HSA President Sarah Kooner: "On behalf of the 23,000 specialized health professionals at Health Sciences Association, I want to express our deep dismay at the situation faced by Sara Gillooly. “Every day, I hear from members concerned about how wait times leave too many of their patients without the timely care they need. Shortages of specialized health professionals...

Job action planning now underway The bargaining committee for the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association has suspended contract negotiations following three days of talks at which no significant progress was made. The committee is prepared to return to negotiations once the employer is ready to engage in serious discussions on key priorities. Until that happens, the committee sees no value...

Programs slated to expire this month extended — again — thanks to union advocacy Despite the BC government’s moves to dramatically restrain spending on programs including health care, incentives for recruitment and retention of health science professionals will be extended to March 31, 2026, while your union continues to advocate for more supports to reduce shortages and workload. The Ministry...

Your HSPBA bargaining committee has spent the past nine months working to negotiate a fair new collective agreement for health science professionals in BC. The big issue right now for health science professionals is not simply wages; we have been offered the same 3% per year over 4 years as other unionized public sector workers in BC. However, the employer...

Your bargaining committee and the HSA Board of Directors have determined that an official strike vote will be taken December 4 - 17. All members belonging to the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association will be eligible to participate in the vote, which will be held online. The decision to hold an official strike vote comes after weeks of in-person and...

Tuesday noon is new deadline to share your thoughts about strike vote First, we are very sorry about all the email going out right now. There’s a lot going on! And what is going on is very important. Negotiations for your next contract are not going well – the employer is refusing to offer what other unions are receiving, and...

Members urged to share thoughts on strike vote, attend site meetings around BC After a further week of talks, your bargaining committee remains very disappointed with the lack of progress being made in negotiations. Eight months into the process, the employer has done little to address key priorities for health science professionals struggling with workload, shortages, and waitlists, and has...