News & Updates
New poll shows support for teachers still strong, especially among parents
August 27, 2014
Vancouver – A new Insights West poll commissioned by the B.C. Federation of Labour (BCFED) shows that parents support BC’s teachers 2-to-1 in the current dispute with the BC Liberal Government, and agree with teachers on key issues at the heart of the ongoing negotiations.
Fairness Express arrives in BC
August 15, 2014
BC leg of campaign on income inequality launches in Victoria Saturday
After hugely successful tours in the Atlantic provinces, Ontario, and Manitoba, the National Union of Public and General Employees' Fairness Express is now rolling west making its way into British Columbia. Over the months of August and September, the big green buses will be reaching out to people about why we all need to be working together to fix the problem of income inequality.
Join the Fairness Express!
July 18, 2014
NUPGE’s “Fairness Express” bus will be touring BC from August 16th to September 21st. The Fairness Express is part of our National Union’s ongoing campaign to promote income equality, fair taxation, and the value of public services and unions.
HSA Political Action Fund support for upcoming local government elections
June 25, 2014
HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in BC’s upcoming local government elections may apply for financial support from HSA’s Political Action Fund as follows: 1. Members who are candidates may apply for up to 10 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.
Important scheduling information meetings for HSA BMETs
June 23, 2014
HSA will hold information meetings for Biomedical Engineering Technonologists (BMETs) this week and next to update members on the implementation of the 37.5 hour work-week and the introduction of evening shifts.
The meetings are scheduled as follows. Members are invited to attend any of the three meetings.
VANCOUVER:
Thursday, June 26
6 – 8 p.m.
Holiday Inn (Ballroom East), 711 West Broadway
SURREY:
Make your HSA team the best it can be! Fall 2014 Basic Steward Training
May 29, 2014
Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's 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 Basic Steward Training workshop at the HSA office this fall:
Dates: September 15, 16, 17Location: HSA Office, 300 – 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver
BC teachers forced onto picket lines next week
May 23, 2014
BC teachers will conduct rotating strikes beginning next week to back demands for a fair contract that puts students first.
The union has provided advance notice of their picket action in order to ensure parents are able to make alternative arrangements. For information about the picketing in your school district, see here: http://www.bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/Public/Parents/RotatingStrikesMessageToParents.pdf
OH&S Conference
April 24, 2014
This conference is open to any HSA member representing the union on a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Wage loss, travel and hotel costs will be covered according to HSA policies.
On-line registration is open until midnight, Sunday, May 25
The proposed agenda is as follows:
DAY 1: Monday, June 16th
HSA set to represent registered psychiatric nurses at Nurses Bargaining Association contract talks
April 15, 2014
HSA will be at the bargaining table May 15 to represent the interests of registered psychiatric nurses as the Nurses Bargaining Association kicks off contract talks.
HSA will be represented at the table by Larry Bryan, an RPN at Haro Park Centre and a member of the Provincial Occupational Health, Safety and Violence Prevention Committee, and a member of the Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum Working Group.
Also representing RPNs will be experienced negotiator Dani Demetlika, a senior labour relations officer at HSA.
The contract expired March 31.
Arbitrators rule implementation of 37.5 hour work week inconsistent
April 11, 2014
Work needed to complete files to include in expedited hearing process
Employers who failed to follow a fair and negotiated process for a transition to the 37.5 hour work week will have to start over, thanks to a decision by arbitrators Vince Ready and Corinn Bell.