News & Updates
Health employers drop punitive measures of employee flu vaccine policy
December 4, 2019
* updated December 13, 2019 to clarify that under the amended policy, it is still mandatory to report vaccination status, but no longer mandatory to wear a mask if not vaccinated.
After years of controversy surrounding the province’s “vaccinate or mask” policy for health care workers during the flu season, the provincial policy has been amended to remove the disciplinary portion of the policy, where health care workers were at risk of being fired if they did not get a flu shot.
2020 Scholarships and bursaries available for HSA members and their families
November 21, 2019
HSA is offering scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children. Ten scholarships will be awarded for full-time studies, twenty bursaries for full-time studies and four bursaries for part-time studies. Two indigenous bursaries will be awarded to indigenous students in BC.
The criteria and details are set out on the application forms available on the HSA website.
Updated links to new community social services 2019-2022 collective agreements
October 31, 2019
The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) have published the 2019-2022 Community Living Services, General Services and Indigenous Services collective agreements which are now available at the updated links below:
2020 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
October 29, 2019
One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2020.
The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour oriented courses. To support HSA's ability to represent HSA members effectively and help build a stronger union, members can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.
For dates and course information, please see Information Sheet.
An historic moment: BC to become first Canadian province to legislate UNDRIP
October 24, 2019
This morning the BC government introduced Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
This bill requires all provincial laws to align with UNDRIP, and is an important and concrete step to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into a provincial legislative framework. Once passed, BC will be the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of UNDRIP into provincial law.
HSA Prevention of Violence in the Workplace Workshop
October 16, 2019
PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
All workers have a right to a safe work environment. Unions have a significant role to play in ensuring that our workplaces are safe. Workplace violence can take the form of physical aggression such as hitting, biting or kicking. It also includes verbal threats, swearing, name-calling and bullying. Violence is not part of anyone’s job and the repercussions of workers being exposed to violence can be devastating, affecting their physical and mental health as well as their job satisfaction.
CSS collective agreements now available
October 9, 2019
The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) are pleased to announce that the Community Living Services, General Services and Indigenous Services collective agreements are now available.
HSA Basic Steward/OH&S Training Dates 2020
October 9, 2019
HSA Basic Steward/OH&S Training Dates 2020
Email your MLA: Deliver paid leave for sexual and domestic violence survivors
October 3, 2019
BC is failing workers experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Paid, job-protected leave from work is critical for employees experiencing violence who may need to relocate or seek community services, such as medical attention, legal services, or counselling.
HSA President Val Avery: Walk with me in the River Walk for Hospice
September 26, 2019
A message from HSA President Val Avery
I would like to invite HSA members to join me in supporting the New West Hospice Society by participating in the River Walk for Hospice, happening Saturday, Oct. 5. The River Walk for Hospice is an opportunity to gather in community, raise money for a good cause, and honour the memory of loved ones.