News & Updates

Deadline to submit extended health receipts extended to November 15

October 29, 2004

BL10010 All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are encouraged to submit any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred by members or dependents between May 5 and December 31, 2003 to Pacific Blue Cross no later than November 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement. The deadline has been extended one month to November 15 because of administrative delays.

Are you getting paid properly for working a stat holiday? (PDF file)

October 7, 2004

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Paramedical professionals ratify contract

September 28, 2004

BL10000 Paramedical professionals have voted 92 per cent in favour of the tentative contract reached this summer between the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association (PPBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC). "Clearly, paramedical professionals recognized that this was the best contract possible given the current political climate," says Ron Ohmart, chief negotiator for the PPBA.

Important reminder re: extended health care receipts from May 5 - December 31, 2003

September 21, 2004

BL9995 All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are reminded that any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred between May 5 and December 31, 2003 must be submitted to Pacific Blue Cross no later than October 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.

HSA establishes Adjustment Plan Committee following VCHA laboratory redesign announcement

September 20, 2004

BL9994 The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has notified HSA that it has developed recommendations for a redesign of laboratory services. The VCHA has stated that its proposals will result in changes to the VCHA sites or transfers between the sites, impacting staffing levels, shift rotations, full-time equivalents, and required skill mix. However, the health authority has indicated that they will work with HSA to minimize the "involuntary" impact on staff.

Agreement reached on extended health care benefits for paramedical professionals

September 13, 2004

BL9993 The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association (PPBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC) have reached an agreement on an outstanding dispute regarding extended health care benefits. The dispute stems from HEABC's directive to Pacific Blue Cross that the collective agreement did not require it to cover the additional costs arising from the BC government's decision to de-list physiotherapy, chiropractic services, massage therapy and podiatry.

Vancouver City Council denounces cuts to programs and services for vulnerable people (PDF file)

August 26, 2004

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OH&S Steward Training

August 26, 2004

EB04-07 HSA is offering the following OH&S steward workshops: Workshop I - October 25 & 26, 2004 - Basic Training "*CANCELLED"* Workshop II - November 8 & 9, 2004 - Basic Training Workshop III - December 6 & 7, 2004 - Advanced Training

New joint program will assist ill or injured community social services workers to return to work

July 20, 2004

BL9991 CSSEIP is a pro-active, customized return to work program Today the Union Bargaining Association (UBA) and Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA) launched a new joint program to assist workers who are ill or injured return to work. The new program is called CSSEIP - the Community Social Services Early Intervention Program. It involves employers, employees, unions and the Healthcare Benefit Trust (HBT) all working together in a proactive, customized return to work program for workers who are ill or injured.

BARGAINING UPDATE #11: Health science professionals urged to vote YES!