News & Updates

The Report: October 1998 vol.19 num.3 In 1996, HSA launched a major campaign calling on the provincialgovernment to enhance the role of public providers in the delivery of laboratory services. Finally, it seems the government is ready to act. On September 4, 1998, HSAs Director of Labour Relations RickLampshire signed a Public Sector Accord on Strengthening BCs Public Health CareServices...

The Report: October 1998 vol.19 num.3 by SARAH O'LEARY Does the employer have the right to use secret surveillance of employees in the interests of security? We recently had a case in one of our hospitals where the employer was concerned that someone was using a computer to download pornography. The employer installed video cameras that secretly taped the employees...

The Report: September 1998 vol.19 num.2 The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board knows the value of front-line careproviders. Human resources issues were identified as a key factor in the review of acuteand rehabilitation services (ROARS), which was adopted by the health board at their Julymeeting. The review began in June 1997 and was designed to identify changeswhich could be achieved over the...

The Report: September 1998 vol.19 num.2 HSA members at Paragon Orthotics in Victoria have ratified a newcollective agreement ending a bitter eight-day labour dispute that saw the employer, Dr.Glenn Cornwell, make several attempts to intimidate workers. Despite difficultnegotiations, HSA members achieved a deal that reflects the significant contribution theyhave made to the companys success. In the end, Dr. Cornwells tactics...

The Report: September 1998 vol.19 num.2 by REBECCA MAURER A dance troupe in Victoria that -celebrates large womensstrength, size and attitude" is proving that you dont need to be young andwaiflike to participate in the dance world. -Big Dance," founded by performer and choreographer LyndaRaino, is a group of eight large-sized women. The troupe performs modern dance piecesaround the province...

The Report: September 1998 vol.19 num.2 by REBECCA MAURER Recent changes to the Screening Mammography Program of BC have raisedconcerns among many HSA members. As a union, HSA has a unique perspective on the changes;not only is the unions membership 90 per cent female, but HSA represents themammographers who provide this important service on a daily basis. At the recent...

The Report: September 1998 vol.19 num.2 by SARAH O'LEARY I recently suffered an injury that prevents me from working. The human resources department at my workplace told me that I have to use up all my sick leave credits before I can apply for LTD. Is this correct? Most of us never have to learn the process required to apply...

The Report: July / August 1998 vol.19 num.1 A major hurdle at the paramedical professional bargainingtable is the issue of levelling. For months, members of the bargaining committee have beentrying to get the employer to address levelling issues left over from the 1996negotiations. "Its critical that the employer address the issue oflevelling in a meaningful way so we can move...

The Report: July / August 1998 vol.19 num.1 HSA members from CSSEA facilities held their first-ever bargainingproposal conference May 6 and 7 in Vancouver. The conference provided an opportunity forHSA members who work in the community social services sector to compare wage and benefitprovisions and develop proposals for group bargaining. "Weve had joint conferences for child development centresbefore but never...

The Report: July / August 1998 vol.19 num.1 Effective January 1, 1998, Municipal Pension Plan members will bevested for all pensionable service ("fully vested") with two years ofcontributory service or five years of continuous employment, whichever comes first. Theywill be locked-in for post-1992 service only. This means, if a member is employed on or after January 1, 1998, themember is...