News & Updates
2017 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
November 1, 2016
One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2017
It's HSA steward election time
October 19, 2016
Stewards are union representatives who offer support and advice to members. They play an essential role within HSA and the workplace by advocating for members, keeping members informed of union activities and providing democratic leadership. HSA provides training and ongoing support for members elected to these positions.
Elections will be held in many HSA chapters during the coming few weeks to select members to fill the following HSA positions for the coming year:
Take part in HSA's member survey
October 19, 2016
HSA has contracted with Viewpoints Research to conduct a survey to find out more about how HSA members feel about how their union responds to concerns and communicates important information. The survey will include questions related to contract negotiations, workload, member communications and other current issues.
The survey will be conducted on line. Members will receive email invitations starting October 20, and the survey will be open until November 1. It takes 8-12 minutes to complete.
Last Call for HSA Election Campaign School
October 7, 2016
Space is still available in HSA's 2-day, non-partisan election campaign school for members who are interested in working on election campaigns or running for political office. The school will focus on opportunities for HSA members to be involved in the May 2017 provincial election, but will also touch on municipal and federal elections.
HSA launches member video contest
October 6, 2016
HSA's member professions play an incredibly important role in modern health care and community social services. But it's not an easy story to tell.
On TV, doctors and nurses are everywhere, often depicted doing the specialized work of pharmacists, lab technologists, radiation technologists, social workers, counsellors and other key professionals in health care and community social services. The public needs to know more about who we are, and what we do. That's why HSA regularly advertizes on TV, radio and on line. But it's hard to fit all these professions in a 30-second spot.
President's report to 2016 Regional Meetings
September 27, 2016
Your elected HSA representatives and staff have been hard at work since the union's 45th convention in May. The upcoming regional meetings will be a good opportunity to provide updates on that work, and a chance for stewards and other activists to connect and discuss the issues in your region.
In preparation for those meetings, please take a few minutes to review some of the important work HSA has been involved in.
HSA launches new ad on shortages
September 20, 2016
Members have told HSA that workload issues caused by shortages of key health science professionals have reached critical levels.
In a series of surveys conducted over the summer, members from across BC and a range of professions expressed concern that workload was making it difficult to deliver quality care, and leaving patients waiting too long for important procedures.
To address these concerns, HSA has launched a new province-wide ad aimed at raising public awareness of how shortages of health science professionals is impacting wait times and health care.
Time to get your pride on!
July 29, 2016
You're invited to join with HSA and other labour unions as part of the Multi-Union Pride group in the Vancouver Pride Parade on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Arrive between 12 and 12:30 pm. Marching is open to all HSA members, their families and friends. We will meet on Thurlow Street, between Robson and Haro, by 12:15 pm at the latest. Just look for the HSA and other union flags.
West Coast Medical Imaging members vote to ratify new contract
July 8, 2016
Members working at West Coast Medical Imaging have voted in favour of accepting the terms of a new collective agreement. 73% voted in favour of ratification during votes in Vancouver and Victoria earlier this week.
The agreement provides improvements in sick leave, family illness, vacation access and uniform policy.
Over the coming months, HSA and the employer will meet to finalize the collective agreement for distribution and implementation.
HSA supports fight against proposal to have nurses do lab and imaging work
June 29, 2016
HSA has sent a letter of support to the US Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers, whose members are now threatened by policy changes that would allow nurses to perform their laboratory and imaging work.
"As the union representing 75 unique health science professions here in BC, we know that these professions require extensive training and unique skills," writes Val Avery, president of HSA.