The Report

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by CAROL RIVIERE Adverse health effects from exposure to perfumes and fragranced products are becoming more frequent, both in and out of the workplace. Adverse reaction to fragrances include irritation of the upper and lower respiratory system (including asthmatic reactions), dermatitis, migraines, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and in extreme cases, anaphylactic reactions. In...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by CINDY STEWART May 16 marked the end of a political era as British Columbians elected 77 Liberals and two New Democrats to represent them in the BC Legislature. It is an astounding mandate and one that we will watch with a mixture of uncertainty, trepidation and, quite frankly, curiosity – as...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by BRIEGE McCONVILLE As the newly-elected representative for Region 4, writing this report came as quite a challenge. After some thought, I decided that my own experience as one of the often-reported demographically aging members of HSA might be relevant to many fellow members who are in the same boat. As with...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by RICK LAMPSHIRE After bargaining for several months, which included mediated talks, negotiations for a new collective agreement for the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association broke down on May 9. Right from the start of negotiations, the HEABC has made it clear that the employer’s – and the government’s – priority is nurses...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3by BRUCE WILKINS What are -essential service" staffing levels? I have always considered the job I do to be essential to the public. Why was my work not included in the -essential service" designations set by the labour board? Recently the threat of strike action has sent the whole health labour relations sector...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by DAN KEETON Shari Shabits Speech/Language Pathologist North Okanagan Neurological Association If you were to describe HSA member Shari Shabits as a person with a mission, you wouldnt be far off the mark. The Vernon speech language pathologist and HSA assistant steward is waging a personal effort to reduce waiting lists for...

The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by MIRIAM SOBRINO Bargaining for a new collective agreement for 14,000 health science professionals is off to a slow start, with the Health Employers Association of BC clearly reluctant to make any real moves to facilitate negotiations. In the last week of March, the unions tabled a wage demand, calling for a...

The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by DAN KEETON H SA members at Vernon Jubilee hospital knew they were being seriously overworked. Now, after initiating a survey of members at the facility, they have proof. The chapter at the Okanagan hospital is also a bit of a Cinderella story. It now has several active stewards and regular union-management...

The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by ANITA BLOY and SALLY HALLIDAY Chances are, many of you know somebody in your personal or professional life who is the victim of spousal violence. An astounding fifty one per cent of Canadian women have been or are victims of physical or sexual abuse. Violence against women in intimate relationships touches...

The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by CINDY STEWART With a throne speech and budget that spelled out a commitment to health care, the NDP government set the stage last month for an election campaign with a strong commitment to health care. The timing couldn’t be better – for HSA members and for all British Columbians. The four...