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

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017

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.

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017

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.

HSA’s registered psychiatric nurses are reminded again that as a result of a settlement reached under the Nurses Bargaining Association, members may submit receipts for registration or renewal of their college fees as proof of eligibility for damages payment by the Nurses Bargaining Association. The damages that are being put toward the fees paid to the CRPNBC arise out of compensation paid by the employer for failure to implement the 2012 safe staffing provisions.
 

HSA members are urged to vote in the provincial election.  The outcome of this election will have a profound effect on your working conditions, the health care and community services you provide, and other public services that your families, friends and communities rely on.
 
Several ways to vote
 
The last 2 days of Advance Voting are May 5 and 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (local time).
 

Keynote: Working Together to Address Workplace Mental Health