HSA responds to proposed redesign of lab services at PHSA

Earlier this month Provincial Health Services Authority served section 54 notice that it intends to introduce a change to Lower Mainland pathology and laboratory services focusing on employees who have been in supervisory roles such as section heads, technical coordinators and chiefs.

HSA, on behalf of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association, has delivered a three-level response:

1. The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association takes the position that the proposed changes fundamentally depart from the classification provisions set out in the collective agreements negotiated by HSPBA and Health Employers' Association of BC, and that PHSA failed to disclose its intended revisions and their projected cost savings during the recent round of bargaining. As HSPBA was not properly afforded the opportunity to consider these intended revisions and savings as we developed our bargaining strategy, we will now pursue any and all legal remedies available.
2. HSPBA plans to file a policy grievance concerning PHSA's wrongful assignment of bargaining unit work to certain excluded positions.
3. HSPBA will begin negotiations with PHSA's committee on February 24th, having now fully established our own committee of medical technologist representatives for that purpose. HSPBA's participation in this regard is strictly on a without prejudice basis to the legal and policy grievance proceedings above.

HSA Membership Services Coordinators Kathy McLennan and Sheila Vataiki will serve as co-leads during these negotiations, joined by Senior Labour Relations Officers Dani Demetlika, Ernie Hilland and Sharon Geoghegan.

HSA is currently scheduling information meetings for members that will take place the week of February 23 at several locations. Details about meeting locations and times will be circulated shortly.

Stay updated

• As we learn more and have more information to report, we will be posting updates at http://www.hsabc.org/PHSA-lab-redesign
• Please direct your specific questions, comments, or information, to: @email so that the appropriate HSA staff may respond as efficiently as possible.