Bulletins

The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met this week to prepare for bargaining resuming next week. Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -Were looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working life and conditions of our members," he said. -We hope...

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010Classes 9:00 ... 4:30 pm, registration 8:30 amWhere: Justice Institute of BC, New Westminster Campus, 715 McBride BlvdThe New Westminster & District Labour Council is hosting the following labour education courses: Talk BackGain insight and experience in talking about, and even debating, principle union positions of everyday issues ... from seniority versus merit, to public-private partnerships...

HSA is offering a 2-day OH&S steward workshop this fall:Date: November 8 & 9, 2010Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, VancouverOccupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops are participatory and discussion oriented. We encourage...

The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is urging the Harper government to stop stalling and start working with provincial and territorial governments to bring in a universal public Pharmacare program. The coalition has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper appealing for action following the release of a report laying out a formula for Pharmacare that would not only offer...

October 25 and 26, 2010Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel Spaces are filling up for this conference, designed for experienced safety stewards and advocates, to increase awareness on key issues related to safe working conditions for all members. Learn more about topics such as: • An update on violence prevention initiatives.• The relationship between worker and patient/client safety.• Information technology to support...

As BC leaders in the fight to end breast cancer, the Health Sciences Association of BC is an active participant in the annual Run for the Cure, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's most important fundraising event of the year. As health sciences professionals, HSA members are the key health professionals breast cancer patients count on for the diagnosis and treatment...

September 6: Labour Day Picnic: A celebration of solidarityJoin HSA, the BC Federation of Labour and friends for a fun and relaxing family day at the annual Labour Day Picnic Monday, September 6, 11 am to 2 pmCentral Park in Burnaby (Kingsway between Boundary and Patterson) -- a 5-minute stroll from adjacent Patterson Skytrain Station The day will include family...

BC Health Coalition ACTION ALERT: Next month municipal governments from around the province will gather to address common issues and advance shared concerns at the Union of BC Municipalities AGM. The cities of Victoria and New Westminster have brought forward a resolution that calls on the province to stop the expansion of for-profit surgical and MRI/CT clinics. These businesses lead...

For immediate release Despite strong community opposition and media attention, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority continues to dismantle the outpatient Domestic Violence Program at Vancouver General Hospital. The 18-year-old program is slated to close at the end of this week. HSA President Reid Johnson said the sudden closure of this program puts vulnerable women at risk. -In-patient care is very...

For immediate release Reid Johnson, president of Health Sciences Association, today urged the Vancouver Island Health Authority not to waste time conducting experiments in ideology when they could be taking action to reduce MRI wait times immediately. Johnson was commenting on VIHAs decision to seek bids to perform 6000 MRI scans in private facilities outside the public system, where MRI...