2013: News Archive

Penticton Herald More than 100 people didn't let a light rain dampen their enthusiasm for the proposed $300-million expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital. The placard-waving crowd turned out for Wednesday's outdoor rally next to the hospital, reiterating previous calls for provincial government money for the project. Dozens of passing motorists honked their horns in support. The rally followed the recent...

Health science professionals have voted 83 per cent in favour of accepting a new contract that includes wage increases totaling three per cent, and protects the wages of hospital pharmacists who were threatened with wage rollbacks of up to 14 per cent. The agreement was reached between the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and Health Employers’ Association of BC...

Last call to apply for HSA support to work on the provincial election HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in the upcoming provincial election may apply to HSA for financial support from HSA’s Political Action Fund. 1. Members who are candidates may apply for up to 30 days of wage replacement and/or up to...

Times Colonist (Victoria) Workers who care for some of the province's most vulnerable citizens have reached a tentative two-year deal with the B.C. government. The agreement calls for community social service workers to receive 1.5 per cent wage increases on April 1 and Jan. 1, 2014. In response to one of the unions' key demands, entry-level workers will get an...

After a marathon bargaining session of 13 days, the multi-union Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) has reached a tentative collective agreement with the employer. The two-year proposed agreement includes an across the board wage increase while protecting health and welfare benefits. Highlights include: A wage increase for all employees: 1.5% on April 1, 2013; 1.5% on January 1, 2014...

The Canadian Cancer Society – UBC Cancer Prevention Centre invites HSA members to participate in this study: Are you a woman who works shifts? You may be eligible to participate in a sleep improvement program that may improve your quality of life, and help reduce breast cancer. Research has shown that women shift workers exposed to light at night are...

castanet.net The public is invited to disco dance for a good cause in Penticton on Thursday night. The South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society is holding SOVAS Goes Disco to benefit its financially challenged men's counselling program. “We are desperate for funding to keep this going,” said Amberlee Erdmann, resource development coordinator for SOVAS. “Our hope is the community comes together...

There has been some progress at the bargaining table over the last week, and discussions continued through the weekend. The community social services bargaining committee hopes to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, including a wage increase. Your multi-union bargaining committee remains focused on the issues that were identified as priorities by our members. HSA will continue to provide updates...

The bulk of savings announced in the Liberal government's last-ditch attempt to convince British Columbians they can present a balanced budget is coming out of the health care system, Finance Minister Mike de Jong said today in releasing the Liberal government's last budget before this spring's election. "If you reduce spending in health care, you reduce services to British Columbians...

Workers in Community Health have voted 86% per cent in favour of a two-year contract that provides an across-the-board wage increase, and improved workplace and scheduling provisions. The agreement comes after one year of difficult negotiations with the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC). Ratification votes were held across the province over the past four weeks. Highlights include: 3% wage...