2012: News Archive

Comox Valley Record Dear editor, Thank you for focusing on medical diagnostics in your recent editorial (Record, March 20). Health authorities in B.C. have determined that the average cost of providing an MRI scan within the public system is about $225 per scan, provided free of charge to patients. As noted in your editorial, private, for-profit clinics charge $800 or...

On the heels of yet another reorganization that means the loss of music therapy services for BC patients, the Music Therapy Association of BC will highlight the value of music therapy with the screening of the documentary, The Gift of Music: Stories of Music Therapy this week at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver. This month, through a reorganization of therapeutic...

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) exchanged their opening proposals during the first round of contract talks, which began February 27.Over the course of the two week bargaining session, which concluded on March 16, unions and the employer laid the groundwork for future talks with a discussion of each partys issues...

A recent article in The Report contained incomplete information about tax deductions. The potential for deducting for LTD premiums only applies if you are on an accepted LTD claim. A member who is on an accepted LTD claim may be able to claim on their tax returns for LTD premiums they have previously paid. Whether they are eligible to do...

HSA members have reconfirmed that concessions on extended and dental benefits are not negotiable. After learning that government appears to be set to propose to save money by getting health care workers to pay for some of their health and dental benefits, HSA conducted an informal telephone survey of members on the weekend to alert members to this pending proposal...

Talks at the Health Science Professionals bargaining table today opened with an announcement from the Health Employers Association of BC that the plan to roll back the temporary market adjustment for pharmacists has been rescinded.HSA President Reid Johnson applauded the efforts of hospital pharmacists across the province who spoke out against the 9 to 14 per cent wage rollback planned...

HSA members who are able to attend are encouraged to support striking teachers at a rally Wednesday, March 7. Date: Wednesday, March 7 Time: 2 p.m. Place: Vancouver Art Gallery (Hornby & Georgia) The following speakers will be featured at the rally: Susan Lambert, BCTF Jane Bouey, former COPE school trustee Irene Lanzinger, BCFED Gwen Giesbrecht, parent Debbie Pawluk, VSTA...

-Unions worked together to secure our right to free collective bargaining, and well work together to defend that right." Sinclair warned the BC Liberal government that Bill 22 wasnt just an attack on the rights of teachers, but also on the right to free collective bargaining. -Christy Clark has a choice, she can withdraw Bill 22, and join teachers, trustees...

Bargaining bulletin #2 ... March 5, 2012 The Community Social Services Union Bargaining Association met with the employer last week (week of February 27 to March 2). The bargaining protocol was agreed and both parties exchanged the first bargaining proposals. Members have made it very clear that a fair deal is a priority, and the bargaining committee is committed to...

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