News & Updates
2020 Annual Report Now Available
November 3, 2020
In preparation for the rescheduled 2020 Annual Convention, HSA's Annual Report is now available for all members to read at http://www.hsabc.org/about/annual-reports.
Featuring executive reports from HSA's President and Executive Director of Labour Relations and Legal Services, reports from HSA's committees, and audited financial statements, the Annual Report provides members and the public with transparency and operational accountability.
Municipal Pension Plan Changes – New Resources for Plan Members
October 30, 2020
Following a comprehensive review of the Municipal Pension Plan, the pension plan for most HSA members, the Plan Partners – which includes employee and employer representatives who govern the jointly trusteed pension plan – have developed a package of proposed changes to update the plan.
Solidarity with AUPE
October 29, 2020
In Alberta, front-line hospital workers who are members of the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) walked off the job earlier this week in response to news that Alberta Health Services would be cutting 11,000 jobs. HSA has sent a letter of solidarity to AUPE expressing our support for their fight against government cuts and health care privatization. The text of the letter follows:
Dear AUPE President Guy Smith
Virtual Basic Steward Training
October 29, 2020
VIRTUAL BASIC STEWARD TRAINING
Registration Information:Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Virtual Basic Steward Training (3 days)
Invitation: Indigenous Workers Gathering
October 23, 2020
The BC Federation of Labour is hosting their first Indigenous Workers Gathering This full day Gathering is open only to those who identify as Indigenous, and will feature deep connection, reconciliation planning, and goal setting. It will be facilitated by renowned Indigenous Planning Expert Elaine Alec.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 28 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm - and - from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
President's Message: Vote for public services and an inclusive economy
October 21, 2020
By HSA President Val Avery
Voting in our Provincial Election will take place this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. This is one year before our next fixed-date election, which would have been on Oct. 16, 2021. The reality is that – early election call or not -- this provincial election was always going to be held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HSA calls again for access to appropriate PPE
October 16, 2020
With mounting evidence of aerosol transmission of SARS CoV-19, and the impact of that transmission on the health and safety of members , HSA has called on HEABC to ensure access to appropriate PPE is available, and reminds members of their right to conduct individual point of care assessments with every patient or client interaction in determining the appropriate level of PPE. See October 14 letter to HEABC here.
How unionizing transformed our workplace
October 15, 2020
By Zayn Wiwchar, HSA memberIn February and July of 2020, the Victoria branch staff of the Canadian Mental Health Association joined HSA and entered the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) —a decision that has given me the opportunity to be a part of incredible changes in our office over the past year.
Practicing anti-racism as a health science professional
October 14, 2020
By Easter Tocol, HSA member
“Where are you from? No, where are you really from?”
“I’m not a racist, I have so many friends of colour.”
“Well, shouldn’t all lives matter?”
These are just some of the racist microagressions that I hear every day in the workplace.
The choice between joblessness and risky work
October 13, 2020
By Jill Slind, Co-chair of the HSA Young Workers' Advisory Group
As a full-time permanent employee with a few years of seniority under my belt in my unionized position in HSA, I knew when going into BC’s Phase One in March that my job in the healthcare sector wasn’t likely on the line.