2008: News Archive

The Report: April / May 2008 vol.29 num.1 by ALISON HIETANEN Im covered by the health science professionals contract, but I was injured on the job. Currently, I am on an accepted long term disability claim and receiving monthly benefits. I now feel well enough to try returning to work. What steps should I take? Do I have to return...

The Report: April / May 2008 vol.29 num.1 by ANNE LECLERC mployment in a residential care facility can be very rewarding! After working in a 52-bed hospital in northwestern British Columbia for over two decades, I accepted the challenge of working at St. Vincents Langara ... a large urban residential care facility caring for 221 elders. The facility is run...

The Report: April / May 2008 vol.29 num.1by LAURA BUSHEIKIN ancouvers Downtown Eastside, known as the -worst postal code in Canada" due to the despairingly high level of drug addiction, homelessness, mental illness, extreme poverty and general social dysfunction experienced by its residents, is ‘the office for HSA member Sandra Boyd. Her clients have both a mental health and addiction...

The Report: April / May 2008 vol.29 num.1 orkload and resulting stress is a chronic problem in HSA workplaces, both in health care and in the social services sector. HSA members know first hand that BC is experiencing a shortage of skilled, highly-trained health care and social services staff. And BC is not alone. In 2005, health science professionals working...

The Report: April / May 2008 vol.29 num.1 Too tired to work? WorkSafeBC Regulation can provide relief espite well-documented risks, alternating or rotational shiftwork remains a significant part of many HSA members work schedules. This is exacerbated by staffing shortages, resulting in an increase in extra and extended shifts, as well as constantly changing schedules that cycle from days, afternoons...

HSA members in Region 10 have elected Heather Sapergia, a medical laboratory technologist at Prince George Regional Hospital, as their representative on the union's Board of Directors. The other candidate for election was Mandi Ayers, a medical laboratory technologist at Bulkley Valley District Hospital. Heather ‘s activities in HSA include terms as an OH&S Steward, General Steward and Chief Steward...

HSA members in Region 2 have elected Valerie Avery, a physiotherapist at Royal Jubilee Hospital, as their representative on the union's Board of Directors. The other candidates for election were Derrick Hoyt, a pathologists assistant at Royal Jubilee Hospital, and Anna Morton, a social worker at Queen Alexandra Centre for Childrens Health. Valerie has been a member of HSA for...

NUPGE releases new leaflet on renewing community-based social servicesOttawa (20 March 2008) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has released a new leaflet calling for a re-investment in our communities. It is called, No way to show we care: Renewed funding for community-based social services.Year after year, as governments relentlessly cut social service budgets, a crisis...

Local and regional issues are on the agenda for a New Westminster and District Labour Council meeting March 26th as part of the labour council's 2008 Municipal Election Program. The Think Community Forum will open with guest panelists who will share their experiences and innovative approaches to bring lasting, positive change to our communities and schools. Discussion group topics are...

Rights, Not Wrongs, a conference focussing on emerging human rights issues, featuring leading BC human rights specialists in Aboriginal, peace, antipoverty, women's rights, antiracism, international issues and more, is being organized by the BC Teachers' Federation Committee for Action on Social Justice and the BC Federation of Labour. The conference will be held April 3 to 5 at the Fairmont...