News & Updates
HSA welcomes $4/hour pandemic pay premium for frontline health care and social services workers
May 19, 2020
Health Sciences Association, the union representing 20,000 specialized health care and social services workers in British Columbia, welcomes today’s announcement by BC Finance Minister Carole James of a $4 an hour pandemic pay premium for frontline health care and social service workers working in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
HSPBA pandemic response fund on hold
May 8, 2020
The HSPBA Pandemic Response Fund negotiated by HSA on behalf of BC’s health science professionals will be reviewed following the announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of $4bn in federal funding to recognize and support the work of essential workers.
Health science professionals must be considered in BC plan to restart elective surgeries
May 7, 2020
Today's public briefing by Premier John Horgan and Health Minister Adrian Dix was short on details about how shortages and chronic challenges in recruitment and retention of health science professionals will be addressed in the plan.
HSA has been advocating for several weeks that the plan must include all members of the healthcare team, including specialized health science professionals.
Did you miss the telephone town hall with Health Minister Hon. Adrian Dix?
April 23, 2020
The recording of the telephone town hall and question and answer session is now available here.
N95 mask supply running low: new guidelines on PPE for health care workers
April 23, 2020
With supply of N95 masks running low, Ministry of Health directs shift to alternative PPE guidelines
Government announces additional mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
April 9, 2020
To ensure British Columbians have increased access to vital mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services to support British Columbians.
“If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or disconnected because of COVID-19, I want you to know that you are not alone,” said Premier John Horgan. “Our government is working to give you more options for mental health support as we all stay home to prevent the spread of this virus.”
April 8 update to HSA members in the Community Bargaining Association collective agreement
April 8, 2020
To: All HSA members in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) collective agreementFrom: HSA President Val AveryDate: April 8, 2020
Message from Val Avery, President: Update on HSA's work on premium pay, and safety of members working in COVID-19
April 5, 2020
I know that all of you are working tirelessly at jobs that have changed dramatically over the course of just a few weeks.
As front line health care workers, you have the additional stresses of worrying about your personal health and safety, being separated from family, and not knowing where you may be redeployed to work.
United Way of Greater Victoria teams up with Accent Inns to provide "Hotels for Frontline Workers"
April 2, 2020
Are you an essential health care worker in Greater Victoria?
The United Way of Greater Victoria has teamed up with Accent Inns to provide free rooms for health care workers who need a place to stay.
See the details here: https://uwgv.ca/news/show-your-local-love-to-our-frontline-service-superheroes-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Health and Safety issues during COVID-19: Short survey for HSA stewards and joint committee members
April 1, 2020
HSA is gathering information from HSA OHS stewards and joint committee members about how the Joint Occupational Health and Safety committees are functioning at worksites during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
WorkSafe BC has confirmed these committees must continue to function during the pandemic.