2020: News Archive

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed some major challenges for caregivers and parents. Parents who have lost income since the pandemic hit are facing new struggles to cover household expenses and stay afloat. And when schools shut down in the spring, parents needed to be resourceful and adapt quickly, making childcare arrangements and helping kids with online school. While many daycare...

“Everybody depends on somebody who depends on childcare.” By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications The pandemic has shone a light on existing inequities in Canada, when it became very clear that some groups – such as precarious and racialized workers, women, seniors, and migrants – would be hit hardest by the health crisis and the hurting economy. Gaps in our social...

HSA MIGRANT JUSTICE WORKSHOP DATE: November 4, 2020 TIME: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm LOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to followHSA is pleased to offer this one-day workshop facilitated by Byron Cruz, Sanctuary Health Collective and Migrant Rights Network.It is estimated that there are now 70,000 people working under the Temporary Foreign Worker program here in British Columbia with an...

As the COVID-19 pandemic took root in BC this spring, HSA members working as health science and community social service professionals were on the frontlines where they saw the immediate impacts of this pandemic. As the pandemic has continued, HSA members have also seen other impacts of COVID-19 in their workplaces and their communities, including a troubling increase in domestic...

HSA is again calling on employers to improve supply of personal protective equipment and preventative occupational health and safety measures for health care workers working through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, all members are advised to ensure they have access to appropriate PPE, and to exercise their right to refuse unsafe work if the appropriate PPE is not provided. HSA...

HEABC reports that the payroll departments in two health authorities, PHSA and VCHA, have charged union dues on temporary pandemic pay in error, and that the deductions will be reversed on your next pay cheque. For information about the Temporary Pandemic Pay, see the government website here. For frequently asked questions about COVID-19, visit HSA's COVID-19 information page here.

Upcoming Steward Workshops: Pilot Virtual Basic Steward Training and Pilot Virtual OH&S Training Registration Information: Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Pilot Virtual Basic Steward Training (3 days in series) Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's role in contract interpretation, organizing and the...

HSA has received confirmation from the Ministry of Health that the Temporary Pandemic Pay will be paid out to Health Authority staff on October 9, 2020. The $4 an hour payment applies both to regular and overtime hours worked by health care workers covered by the Health Science Professionals' Bargaining Association (HSPBA), Community Bargaining Association (CBA), and Nurses’ Bargaining Association...

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A Provincial Election has been called; general voting will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Elections are an important time to engage in discussion and debate about the future of our province, our collective priorities and what programs and services are important to us, our families and our communities. HSA strongly encourages members to vote. The work we do...