News & Updates

The Report: June / July 2003 vol.24 num.3 by RITU MAHIL Are union stewards entitled to their full regular salary when they perform steward duties during work time? Yes. Article 5.09 of the collective agreement provides that “Union stewards shall be allowed reasonable time while on duty without loss of salary consistent with the operational requirements of the employer to...

The Report: June / July 2003 vol.24 num.3 by DAN KEETON Perhaps it was all those lonely hours staring through a microscope – something laboratory technologist Heather Sapergia enjoys, although she also seeks out human interaction. Or maybe it’s due to her belief that if you want something changed, you must get inside of it and change it yourself. Heather...

The Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) will kick off its 32nd annual convention Friday, April 11 at the Hilton Metrotown Hotel in Burnaby.HSA represents health science professionals providing diagnostic, rehabilitation and clinical services in the health care system. HSA also represents workers in community social services and community health care.More than 200 delegates will participate in the two-day convention...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by LEILA LOLUA and JANICE DAVIS ast spring, almost 100 HSA activists participated in specially-designed member mobilizing workshops.Since attending the workshop, members have continued their efforts to protect health and social services around the province. Here are some highlights: St. Michael’s Centre / Lions Gate Hospital Susan Summers (chief steward and music...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by PAM BUSH lmost one year after the health authorities unveiled their -health service delivery redesign plans," its clear that this really meant cuts to health services in BC. For HSA members, the most significant cuts have been reductions in acute care services, fewer choices available for seniors and the disabled, and...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by CAROL RIVIERE and YUKIE KURAHASHI he provincial Liberals have instructed BCs Workers Compensation Board to begin dismantling BCs Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, an essential tool in building and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. Many members are familiar with the four blue booklets containing the OH&S Regulation and related information. The...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by SARAH O'LEARY ost people dont stop to think about what kinds of guarantees and protections we have under our Workers Compensation system ... not, that is, until it is too late. Once you are injured, you are caught up in the system and you can be in for a rude surprise...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by DAN KEETON hanges to the province’s Pharmacare plan are certain to drive up drug costs for middle income earners. And that situation could worsen for those who have not registered with the plan by May 1. They could face skyrocketing pharmaceutical bills because the plan will impose an automatic $10,000 deductible...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by RON OHMART ou can’t get something for nothing. It’s a common cliché. We’ve all heard it. Most of us have said it. But in the caring professions, there are few who live it. Over the past several months, as funding sources are attacked and contract rights are tested more and more...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by CHERYL GREENHALGH have vivid memories of attending my first HSA convention 15 years ago and feeling quite strongly that HSA not be involved in anything -political." It is probably not surprising that I have changed my opinion on that and several other issues during my years of serving on the Board...