Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

The Report: December 2012 vol.33 num.4 IN AN IDEAL WORLD, STRIKES WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY. Employees and employers would meet at the bargaining table, discuss bargaining proposals based upon reason, justice and mutual respect. They would use objective data and negotiate a settlement. In reality, that is often what happens. However, sometimes there are significantly different points of view about...

The Report: December 2012 vol.33 num.4 IN OUR LONG HISTORY, HSA MEMBERS HAVE RARELY FELT WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PREPARE FOR A STRIKE. Our health science professional members have only gone on strike three times before now, and the last time more than 11 years ago. Its not something we take lightly. That is why it is so...

On the eve of the implementation of a new province-wide policy that threatened to fire health science professionals who refused to declare whether they had been vaccinated against seasonal flu, Health Sciences Association has negotiated an agreement that sees the government back off on the policys punitive aspects. This year, the Ministry of Health will focus on educational efforts and...

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) reviewed the employer's latest offer. Although a wage increase is included in the offer, it is tied securely to a corresponding "offset" (cost savings) from the collective agreement. The offset is matched by the employer to provide the wage increase. There is no guarantee built into the proposal that the wage increase will not be...

70,000 B.C. health care workers are still without new collective agreements Its time for a fair and reasonable deal. Speakers: Jim Sinclair & Irene Lanzinger, BC Federation of Labour Darryl Walker, President, BCGEU Bonnie Pearson, Secretary-Business Manager, HEU Reid Johnson, President, HSA Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, North Side When: Wednesday November 7, 12:15 pm Twitter: #rally4healthcare Download the flyer

Hospital pharmacists are chronically understaffed. Theyre overextended in caring for patients who are increasingly acutely ill when they arrive at hospital. Clinical pharmacists ... along with other health science professionals -- are concerned that a chronic recruitment and retention crisis is eroding clinical care in BC. Clinical pharmacists have been speaking up to government representatives and reaching out to supporters...

How do we work together against violence in health care workplaces? For the first time ever, the annual international conference to counter violence in the health sector is taking place in North America. More than 470 participants from around the world have gathered at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Richmond to hear from experts and take part in workshops at...

Summary High profile targeted strike action by community social service workers took place in Vancouver, Kamloops and Prince George last week, with considerable public support and excellent media coverage; Political action also took place today at Social Development Minister Moira Stillwells office in Vancouver; Further targeted job action will take place late this week, with details to be announced. Last...

Please see the attached poster for information on a rally organized by the B.C. Federation Of Labours Womens Rights Committee and the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada to oppose motion M-312. This motion, put forward by Conservative MP Stephen Woodworth, is up for a second hour of debate Friday, September 21st at 1:30 pm and a vote on Wednesday, September...

On Wednesday, September 5, the BC Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU), Professional Employees Association (PEA) and Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union (COPE) local 378 will go on a one-day strike. Approximately 27,000 workers will strike to back their bargaining demands for a fair and reasonable contract. This will affect government offices, ICBC, and various public service sites in...