In a welcome move for people who are struggling with low wages and high prices, the government of BC announced changes to make it easier for people to form a union.

 “Single-step union certification” allows people a simple and effective way to form a union if at least 55% choose to do so. It addresses the difficulties that workers have experienced in organizing unions since the multi-stage system was imposed in 2001, and replaces it with a process that automatically certifies a union that achieves a majority of support.

Amendments to BC paid sick leave end exclusion of some union workers
 

Following a strong push by advocates for workers’ rights, including HSA, the BC government made changes to the Employment Standards Act effective Jan. 1, 2022 to provide five paid sick leave days for all working British Columbians.
 
A feature in the legislation, however, excluded some workers covered by collective agreements to the minimum entitlement.
 

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) tabled proposals last week as talks began with the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC).
 
At this point in time, we are pushing to achieve non-monetary priorities that members identified as important measures to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector.
 
The employer has recognized that we share some common goals. They are aware of the dire situation caused by short-staffing and made worse by the pandemic.
 

Data now being used in ongoing talks urging government to improve guidelines

Almost 1700 HSA members have responded quickly to a short survey circulated by HSA over the last ten days, and the results indicate deepening concern about the impact of staffing shortages on both working conditions and patient safety. 
 
Furthermore, there are ongoing concerns about access to N95 respirators and recent changes to infection control guidelines which increase risk of exposure to COVID-19 for both patients and health care workers.

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.
 

As health science professionals and other health care workers continue to experience crushing workloads caused by long-standing shortages, which continue to be exacerbated by health care staff absences because of the accelerated spread of Covid-19 at health care worksites, HSA is calling on the Ministry of Health to ensure enhanced precautions are put in place.
 
In addition, the union rejects suggestions that health care workers may be expected to report to work even if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
 

With BC entering the third state of provincial emergency of 2021, HSA is offering financial assistance to members who are being displaced from their homes due to overland flooding in Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton. 
 

Monday, October 25^th is an important day to make the case for paid sick leave for all.
 
HSA members are invited to participate in a Covid-safe Day of Action at the provincial legislature in Victoria and at SkyTrain stations in Burnaby and Surrey to call on Premier John Horgan and the BC government to lead the country and enshrine 10 days of paid sick leave as a right for all workers.
 
HSA President Kane Tse will join the action in Surrey at the Surrey Central Skytrain station at 4 p.m.
 

Are you a young HSA member (35 and under) interested in increased young worker participation in the union?

The union’s board of directors is seeking members aged 35 and younger to get involved in HSA's Young Workers’ Advisory Group.

The Advisory Group’s purpose is to