News & Updates

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 ENPs get new wage rate HSA welcomed approximately 35 Electroneurophysiologists (ENPs) into the union inDecember 1996, when they were deemed paramedical professionals following an application tothe Labour Board under Bill 48. On September 30, HSA and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) finally reachedagreement on the placement of these ENPs into...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 For the second year running, a student has won NUPGEs visible minoritiesscholarship through HSAs affiliation to the National Union. Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees offers four scholarshipsthat reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. These scholarships are opento the children of NUPGEs 320,000 members who...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 by CINDY STEWART In recent years, government relations has become an important part of representing theinterests of HSA members. Whether it is meeting with Ministers, ministry officials or MLAs, we have recognizedthat it is vital that decision-makers are educated about HSA, our membership and ourpriority issues. While it takes time and resources...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 by RICK LAMPSHIRE There is a common misconception held by many that once a contract is ratified,negotiations are concluded. That is not the case. The activities that flow from theParamedical Professional table illustrate how the process of negotiations continues wellbeyond the ratification date. Just the printing of a new collective agreement is...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 by SARAH O'LEARY This is part two in a series about the grievance and arbitration process. In mylast article I discussed the steps to follow when an issue arises which concerns you inyour workplace. I suggested that it would be advisable to have your steward present whenyou meet with your employer at...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 On October 24, 1999, the Life Quilt for Breast Cancer was unveiled in its entirety– a dream fulfilled for the woman who first conceived of it five years ago, and whosepersonal odyssey with breast cancer continues to inspire Canadians from coast to coast. Judy Reimer, former Registered Nurse and single mother of...

The Report: October / November 1999 vol.20 num.3 The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association is demanding that the provincialgovernment intervene in the on-going dispute between the unions and the employer overlevelling money. Although the paramedical collective agreement was ratified more than eight months ago,many union members are still waiting to receive the levelling money awarded in thecontract. HSA chief negotiator Rick...

The Report: August 1999 vol.20 num.2 by CINDY STEWART With all of the workplace restructuring that has occurred in healthcare and social services, HSA members are frequently called upon to participate inemployer-driven -consultation" processes. The processes are characterized as anopportunity for health care and social services workers to have input into restructuringinitiatives and provide feedback with respect to the operational...

The Report: August 1999 vol.20 num.2 by CHERYL GREENHALGH Breast cancer has touched most of us in one way or another. Many of our patients,co-workers, friends and family have been affected by this disease, and HSA members arevery involved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. That is why HSA has been a sponsor of the BC Breast Cancer...

The Report: August 1999 vol.20 num.2 by SARAH O'LEARY Often members who file grievances which must proceed to arbitration are unsure whatto expect and want to know what to anticipate as the matter proceeds towards a hearing.This is the first of a two-part series which looks at the grievance and arbitrationprocess. It outlines the steps that must be followed when...