News & Updates

Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the stewards role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure. In recognition of the need for educating new stewards in these areas, HSA is offering a 3-day Steward Training ... Level 1 workshop at the HSA office this fall: Dates: October 26, 27, 28, 2009 Location: HSA Office...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 by TARYN HUBBARD undreds of people gathered in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery April 28, the 25th annual National Day of Mourning, to honour all of the workers in British Columbia who lost their lives or were injured on the job. -We are remembering sisters and brothers, friends, relatives and coworkers...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 SWORN AT, SPIT ON, HIT, BITTEN, STABBED...or worse! None of us accepted a career in health care to endure violence in our work ... but that is the reality of what can happen when you are a health care worker. According to CBC investigative reporter David McKie in his presentation to HSAs...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 Education leave has always been an important part of the Agreement by JULIO TRUJILO I thought I was entitled to Education Leave under Article 17.02 of the health science professionals agreement, but my employer tells me they didnt budget any money for it this year. Is this right? No it isnt right...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 Radiation technologist Allen Peters will keep advocating for safety in the workplace by LAURA BUSHEIKIN ALTHOUGH HE APPRECIATES receiving this years David Bland Award for outstanding advocacy in occupational health and safety, HSA member Allen Peters has no intention of resting on his laurels. In fact, for Peters, the award was a...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN Medical Radiation Technologist Charmaine Nathan guides students through their practicum year AS MEDICAL RADIOLOGY clinical educator at St. Pauls Hospital, Charmaine Nathan has a job that fulfills both her passions. Throughout her 14-year career as a sonographer and medical radiation technologist, Nathan has moved back and forth from clinical...

The Report: July / August 2009 vol.30 num.2 IN JUNE, I JOINED WITH BC Government and Service Employees Union President, Darryl Walker, at a community meeting in Nanaimo to hear from members of the community about the impact of the economic situation on regular people. The meeting was part of a nation-wide campaign organized by the National Union of Public...

Members of United Food and Commercial Workers 1518 have been on strike since December, 2008 over wages and benefits. Join the members at a New Westminster and District Labour Council-organized Pancake Breakfast Rally to show your support. Date: Saturday, June 20 Time: 10 a.m. to noon Place: Extra Foods, corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and 224th in Maple Ridge Download...

Four unions have reached a settlement with the BC government that provides compensation for community social services workers who lost job security provisions under the Liberal governments 2002 contract-breaking legislation known as Bill 29.The settlement amounts to $425,000 divided among four unions, including Health Sciences Association of BC. The other unions are the BC Government and Service Employees Union which...

CML employees in the Victoria clinics are encouraged to read the following memo outlining the impact of new technologies at CML's Victoria clinics. June 12, 2009 Memo re: impact of technological change on staffing