News & Updates
HELP COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY WILDFIRE
August 22, 2017
HELP COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY WILDFIRE
In communities across BC, thousands of people are suffering BC’s worst forest fire season in many years.
HSA regional meeting schedule set
August 4, 2017
HSA's annual regional fall meetings have been scheduled for September and October 2014.
Regional meetings are an excellent forum for HSA members to review the issues and activities of the past year, and to discuss the opportunitie and challenges that lie ahead for the union. Delegates from in odd-numbered regions will also elect Members-at-Large to represent them on union committees.
Please see the schedule below for information about the meeting and workshop in your region.
For information about attending your regional meeting, please contact your Chief Steward.
Locked out Pacific Blue Cross workers need your help
July 28, 2017
Members of CUPE Local 1816 have been involved in a lengthy labour dispute with Pacific Blue Cross over the company’s decision to claw back retiree benefits for current employees. PBC has refused to withdraw this serious concession and will not attend the bargaining table unless the union accepts the concession. Since July 7, these workers have been locked out by the company. During this period, all benefit claims for PBC members have been processed by non-union exempt employees of Pacific Blue Cross.
Nanaimo Child Development Centre workers choose HSA
July 6, 2017
Health science professionals at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre have voted by a strong majority to join the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). The union's 34 new members include health science professionals who deliver services in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, infant development program, family development, Vancouver Island Children's Assessment Network, preschool, and supported child development.
Members invited to share priorities for health science professionals bargaining
June 28, 2017
HSA’s board of directors has set a plan to consult with members in advance of contract negotiations for health science professionals in 2018. Although the current HSPBA collective agreement is not due to expire until March 31, 2019, the union’s leadership wants to ensure members share their ideas on how to improve the strained health care system in British Columbia through innovative agreements with government and health care employers.
HSA Basic Steward Training and OH&S Steward Training Fall 2017 Dates
June 8, 2017
Please note: training dates for 2018 will be posted soon
Scholarships and Bursaries - Updates and Approaching Deadlines
June 8, 2017
HSA offers and provides access to scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children throughout the year. Please note below the announcement of a new scholarship, a reminder of approaching deadlines, and a reminder of an open call for an HSA scholarship.
*New* CLC/UWCC POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIP
Violence is pandemic among HSA members
June 6, 2017
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017
BY GERI GRIGGHSA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
On March 13, the Toronto Star printed an article calling the incidence of violence toward health and social services workers an epidemic.
HSA disagrees. The incidents of violence occurring in all HSA worksites, without a common cause is a pandemic.
So we have a joint benefits trust. Now what?
June 6, 2017
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017
BY DENNIS BLATCHFORDHSA PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ADVOCATE
I received HSA's recent clarification on payroll changes and the reference to members' long-term disability contributions now being directed to the new Joint Health Sciences Benefit Trust (JHSBT). Since the JHSBT is now receiving benefit contributions, I'm wondering what members might expect now.
Reminder to HSA RPNs: Submit receipts for 2017 college fees
June 1, 2017
HSA’s registered psychiatric nurses are reminded again that as a result of a settlement reached under the Nurses Bargaining Association, members may submit receipts for registration or renewal of their college fees as proof of eligibility for damages payment by the Nurses Bargaining Association. The damages that are being put toward the fees paid to the CRPNBC arise out of compensation paid by the employer for failure to implement the 2012 safe staffing provisions.