News & Updates
Applications now open for professional development funding for HSA members covered by HSPBA contract
December 19, 2019
Applications are now being accepted for funding to support HSA members who work under the Health Science Professionals Collective Agreement (HSPBA) and who are pursuing professional development.
The continuing funding was negotiated in the 2019-2022 collective agreement, with a $400,000 contribution to the fund each year.
Nominations now open for HSA Board of Director elections – Jan. 23 deadline
December 17, 2019
Nominations are now open for Regional Director elections in HSA Regions 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. This is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to the leadership of the union and to represent the interests of other members.
HSA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 10 regional directors elected by members in the regions, and the president, who is elected every two years by delegates to the union’s convention.
100 years ago: The world surrounding the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919
December 16, 2019
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications
2019 marks the 100th year anniversary off the Winnipeg General Strike, when 35,000 unionized and non-unionized workers in Winnipeg walked off the job in support of striking building and metal workers.
How we took action to improve ergonomics at our workplace
December 13, 2019
By Vicky Grant, HSA member
I have been working at BC Cancer as a radiation therapist for almost 25 years. Most of that time has been at the Surrey Centre, formerly known as the Fraser Valley Cancer Center. Radiation therapists are involved in planning and delivering radiation therapy treatment to cancer patients, and assist in assessing and managing the treatment’s side effects.
Network of healthcare professionals delivers care to people with precarious status
December 13, 2019
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications
Ingrid Mendez and her partner didn’t come here from Guatemala because they thought Canada was a beautiful country.
Creativity and curiosity thrive at Nanaimo CDC expanded preschool
December 13, 2019
When the Nanaimo Child Development Center (CDC) opened over 50 years ago, the preschool was one of its first community programs, said HSA member Kathleen Silvey.
As Brian Day's court case ends, the future of healthcare hangs in the balance
December 13, 2019
Successful Charter challenge to provisions banning extra-billing, private insurance would create two-tier systemBy HSA President Val Avery
Public health care is one of Canada’s greatest achievements. But our most-cherished social program is under threat.
HSA 49th convention set for April 2-3: resolutions deadline January 28
December 13, 2019
Preparations for HSA’s annual convention, where delegates representing members from throughout the province set goals, debate policies, and recommend actions for the union and its members to carry out for the year, are already underway.
HSA Social Justice Day Workshop
December 12, 2019
HSA SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY WORKSHOP
DATE: Thursday, February 20, 2020TIME: 8:30am – 4:00pm PLACE: HSA Head Office - 180 East Columbia St. New Westminster, BC The Committee on Equality and Social Action invite you to a workshop to explore different aspects of the Climate Emergency.
Health employers drop punitive measures of employee flu vaccine policy
December 4, 2019
* updated December 13, 2019 to clarify that under the amended policy, it is still mandatory to report vaccination status, but no longer mandatory to wear a mask if not vaccinated.
After years of controversy surrounding the province’s “vaccinate or mask” policy for health care workers during the flu season, the provincial policy has been amended to remove the disciplinary portion of the policy, where health care workers were at risk of being fired if they did not get a flu shot.