Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

February is Black History Month. This month of observance is intended to highlight Black history, excellence, and joy, while also recognizing the ongoing systemic oppression and racism that Black individuals face. The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols by five police officers has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing anti-Black violence in our society. We recognize that events such...

The second HSA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) report to members was released today. The union’s commitment to JEDI is essential to achieving HSA’s mission of being a collective voice, strategic priorities of service, engagement, rights, relationships, and resources, and finally, HSA’s vision of respectful workplaces. This report includes valuable updates on the work being done to establish the...

Statement issued by The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Shortage of health care workers driving health crisis “Today, we are demanding the federal and provincial governments, make health care a greater priority by increasing its funding, by ensuring the money is used properly and by investing in the people who save lives every day. Combined, these things...

After many months of dialogue and deliberation by the Racial Justice Working Group, the Terms of Reference for the Racial Justice Committee has been approved by the Board of Directors. HSA would like to express deep gratitude to those who have participated in the creation of these Terms of Reference, the Racial Justice Working Group: Anita Bardal, Donna Barker, Sonia...

The Health Sciences Association of BC, representing over 20,000 specialized professionals working in health care and community social services, stands in solidarity with CUPE OBSCU workers who seek only fair pay for the hard work they do delivering critical work in Ontario’s schools. The Ontario government’s response to them – invoking a constitutional sledgehammer that blocks their right to act...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HSA MEMBERS AFFECTED BY THE ORDER HEABC has announced that a Provincial Health Officer order from April 2020 restricting health care workers from working at multiple sites will be lifted effective January 1, 2023. The order affects health care workers at long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and provincial mental health facilities, and had an impact on...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HSA MEMBERS AFFECTED BY THE ORDER HSA has learned that a Provincial Health Officer order from April 2020 restricting health care workers from working at multiple sites was lifted in Vancouver Coastal Health Authority by an exemption issued by the local Medical Health Officer on July 7, 2022. The employer failed to inform the union of the...

As health science professionals across the province continue to report critical staffing shortages, crushing workload, and increasing concern about how they can maintain a high standard of care for patients, HSA welcomes the introduction of a health human resources strategy today by Health Minister Adrian Dix and Advanced Education Minister Anne Kang. “HSA members have reached their breaking point. This...

Update (December 2022) Subsequent to Arbitrator Hall’s decision (and monetary award to HSA) it quickly became clear that HEABC as the employer was determined to appeal the decision, delaying and perhaps preventing this money from benefiting members. During bargaining the parties agreed to consider the damage award to be annualized funding allocated to the classification redesign. This negotiated outcome replaced...

In 2021, the Government of Canada declared September 30 the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”. The declaration responds to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action No. 80, which calls for the creation of a statutory day “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital...