THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HSA

In early September, HSA learned that the BC Nurses' Union planned to execute a swift takeover of the Union of Psychiatric Nurses before moving on to actively raid HSA's registered psychiatric nurses.

This means BCNU organizers will be approaching HSA members at work – and likely at home – and trying to get them to sign a BCNU membership card.

Rest assured they will make big promises. I can't even speculate about the misleading tactics they'll employ.

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES

HSA members can count on extraordinary support from hundreds of stewards around the province, and many of you know them well.

But the stewards themselves depend on a team of labour relations staff who many members will never meet. I'd like to shine a light on their work today.

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

With the Union of Psychiatric Nurses now merging with the BC Nurses' Union, HSA is now the only union advocating for RPN issues at talks dominated by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

While the majority of HSA members' contracts have been negotiated and ratified, the contract for HSA's RPN members is still under negotiations at the Nurses' Bargaining Association, led by BCNU.

In the next few days, you'll receive an invitation to participate in a process that is crucial to the future success of your union. Are you ready to take part?

As announced earlier this month, HSA has launched an inclusive and comprehensive planning process to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan will be presented to membership at HSA's Annual Convention in May 2015.

THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014

As a member of HSA, you're practicing smart investment strategies every day.

Every two weeks, you invest in your future through your pension plan. You're not spending that money on another latte.

You do not have all your eggs in one basket. In fact, you have a diversified real estate portfolio – and it's a great example of responsible investing.

HSA REPORT OCTOBER 2014

My name is Mike Pond. I'm five years sober this week and your union helped save my life.

When I received my Masters in Social Work in 1995, I thought my days as a psychiatric nurse were behind me. But life has a way of throwing us curve balls. After two decades of successfully helping clients battle addictions, I succumbed to one myself. In a catastrophic free-fall, I lost everything: my practice, my home and my family. What made it worse: as a therapist I was ably positioned to watch myself fall and powerless to prevent it.

Did you know that some health authority staff like youth counsellors are not allowed to text their patients? Is there any other way to communicate with a young person?

RPNS Nicole McIntosh and Genelle Sandberg were on hand to promote HSA's work.

HSA REPORT, JUNE 2014

HSA and its members played a big role in a recent event hosted by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC.

HSA will be at the bargaining table May 15 to represent the interests of registered psychiatric nurses as the Nurses Bargaining Association kicks off contract talks.

HSA will be represented at the table by Larry Bryan, an RPN at Haro Park Centre and a member of the Provincial Occupational Health, Safety and Violence Prevention Committee, and a member of the Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum Working Group.

Also representing RPNs will be experienced negotiator Dani Demetlika, a senior labour relations officer at HSA.

The contract expired March 31.

Members are advised that Pacific Blue Cross will suspend its pay direct and online claim services for one week to allow for a major transition to an upgraded health and dental system.

The services will be suspended from March 27 to April 3, 2014.