Unions and the labour movement are a huge force for positive change for union members, workers and society as a whole. We owe everything from safe worksites, paid vacations, pensions, universal health care and much more to our unions.
Come out and celebrate everything we have achieved, and that we continue to work for, together in the labour movement. Solidarity forever!
In communities across BC, thousands of people are suffering BC’s worst forest fire season in many years.
HSA's annual regional fall meetings have been scheduled for September and October 2014.
Regional meetings are an excellent forum for HSA members to review the issues and activities of the past year, and to discuss the opportunitie and challenges that lie ahead for the union. Delegates from in odd-numbered regions will also elect Members-at-Large to represent them on union committees.
Please see the schedule below for information about the meeting and workshop in your region.
For information about attending your regional meeting, please contact your Chief Steward.
Members of CUPE Local 1816 have been involved in a lengthy labour dispute with Pacific Blue Cross over the company’s decision to claw back retiree benefits for current employees. PBC has refused to withdraw this serious concession and will not attend the bargaining table unless the union accepts the concession.
Since July 7, these workers have been locked out by the company. During this period, all benefit claims for PBC members have been processed by non-union exempt employees of Pacific Blue Cross.
Health science professionals at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre have voted by a strong majority to join the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). The union's 34 new members include health science professionals who deliver services in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, infant development program, family development, Vancouver Island Children's Assessment Network, preschool, and supported child development.
HSA’s board of directors has set a plan to consult with members in advance of contract negotiations for health science professionals in 2018. Although the current HSPBA collective agreement is not due to expire until March 31, 2019, the union’s leadership wants to ensure members share their ideas on how to improve the strained health care system in British Columbia through innovative agreements with government and health care employers.
Please note: training dates for 2018 will be posted soon
HSA offers and provides access to scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children throughout the year. Please note below the announcement of a new scholarship, a reminder of approaching deadlines, and a reminder of an open call for an HSA scholarship.
*New* CLC/UWCC POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIP
BY GERI GRIGG
HSA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
On March 13, the Toronto Star printed an article calling the incidence of violence toward health and social services workers an epidemic.
HSA disagrees. The incidents of violence occurring in all HSA worksites, without a common cause is a pandemic.
BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD
HSA PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ADVOCATE
I received HSA's recent clarification on payroll changes and the reference to members' long-term disability contributions now being directed to the new Joint Health Sciences Benefit Trust (JHSBT). Since the JHSBT is now receiving benefit contributions, I'm wondering what members might expect now.
