HSA endorses Lanzinger for BC Fed President

The Health Sciences Association of BC has joined the growing list of leading BC unions to endorse Irene Lanzinger for President of the BC Federation of Labour.

"As secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour, Irene has demonstrated that she is a strong advocate for the services our members deliver in health care and social services," said HSA President Val Avery.

"In her four years in this leadership position speaking up on issues important to more than half a million members in the Federation's affiliated unions , and managing the Federation's budgets and campaigns Irene has shown she has the experience and passion to successfully advocate on a broad range of issues. Her work bringing together varied interests in Green Jobs BC to advocate for good jobs that support British Columbians in a sustainable economy is a good reflection of her ability to bring together diverse interests," Avery said.

Before her election as secretary treasurer in 2010, Lanzinger served as president of the BC Teachers Federation and as chief negotiator for teachers bargaining in a very difficult climate. "I've been at the table bargaining with uncooperative governments, and know it takes a lot of skill and leadership to get results for members," Avery added.

"Irene has prepared well for the next step in leadership, and HSA looks forward to the results she will bring for workers – unionized and not unionized – in the years ahead."

Health Sciences Association of BC represents 17,000 health science professionals working in health care and social services in BC.