2009: News Archive

Four unions have reached a settlement with the BC government that provides compensation for community social services workers who lost job security provisions under the Liberal governments 2002 contract-breaking legislation known as Bill 29.The settlement amounts to $425,000 divided among four unions, including Health Sciences Association of BC. The other unions are the BC Government and Service Employees Union which...

CML employees in the Victoria clinics are encouraged to read the following memo outlining the impact of new technologies at CML's Victoria clinics. June 12, 2009 Memo re: impact of technological change on staffing

BCs Minister of Health Kevin Falcon faces immediate challenges in his new job, says Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC. -Just this week, it was revealed that health authorities are facing financial pressures that could result in reduced services and increased user fees for British Columbians. In a growing province and where were seeing increasing acuity...

You are invited to a Nanaimo town hall meeting June 11 as part of a national campaign to allow Canadians from all walks of life input into the discussion about the current economic crisis and to ensure thatgovernments find solutions that work for all Canadians. The -experts" had their chance. We tried it their way: it didnt work, and now...

Ergonomic workstation resources available The Injury Prevention department at OHSAH will release two new print items this month: a workstation assessment checklist (Computer Workstation Assessment Checklist) and poster (Avoid Discomfort at your Workstation). Both the poster and the checklist contain visual guidelines to personal workstation improvements. To order your copy, you can contact @email or download them from our webpage...

At a national conference this weekend, the Canadian Association of Labour Media awarded its highest honour to The Report, the magazine for HSA members. The Report won "Best Overall Publication" demonstrating the best combined use of writing, graphics, design, and editorial content and judgement. The category includes all local, provincial, and national union publications produced by staff, including federations of...

Dates: Friday, June 12 (Vancouver - HSA office) FULLTuesday, June 16 (Vancouver ... HSA office)Thursday, June 18 (Victoria ... Hotel Grand Pacific) The June 12 workshop is now full. Another workshop has been added for Tuesday, June 16 at the HSA office. HSA members who work in a supervisory role will have the opportunity to attend a one-day workshop in...

Tuesday, May 12 is BCs provincial Election Day. Polls are open that day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time). All HSA members are urged to vote in this critical election. Right to time off Section 74 of BCs Election Act states that any employee who is entitled to vote is entitled to have four consecutive hours free...

In recent years, HSA activists at Mission Memorial Hospital have spearheaded efforts to call attention to a possible cancer cluster at their workplace. The employer, HSA, and The Occupational Heath and Safety Agency for Healthcare (OHSAH) participated in a lengthy process on this topic. Following this investigation of the site, OHSAH is now conducting a survey of past and current...

HSA encourages all members to take precautions and ensure safety. The National Unions website outlines the necessary steps and equipment required for health-care workers to appropriately plan and protect themselves. Keep checking HSAs website at www.hsabc.org for updates as they become available; the union is continuing to coordinate with the health authorities, Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare (OHSAH)...