News & Updates
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racism
March 21, 2013
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, celebrated every year on March 21, was established to commemorate the day in 1960 when police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid "pass laws" in Sharpeville, South Africa. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. (Resolution 2142 (XXI))
Federal budget puts short-term political interest ahead of long-term public interest
March 21, 2013
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is concerned that the federal government is missing an opportunity to respond to Canada's underlying economic problems by continuing its hands-off, short-term approach in its 2013 budget released today.
See full story at the NUPGE website here.
HSPBA wage increase effective pay period of March 15-28
March 20, 2013
Following the March 6, 2013 ratification of the HSPBA collective agreement, a wage increase of 2 per cent for all members, excluding pharmacists, will be implemented. This increase is effective the first pay period following ratification, which is the pay period of March 15 to 28. Members are currently receiving pay stubs for the pay period of March 1 to 14. There is no wage increase effective for that period.
Members are encouraged to check their pay stubs to ensure the increases are applied.
RPNs: Continuation of Benefits While Awaiting LTD
March 19, 2013
Are you a registered psychiatric nurse with a disability date of April 1, 2012 or later? If you have applied for Long Term Disability benefits and are in the LTD waiting period or you are appealing a decision of the LTD carrier, you may be eligible for premium maintenance for Health and Welfare benefits (Medical, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life and AD&D and LTD premiums). In order to be eligible you must meet the following criteria:
Community social services: Comprehensive report available – plus ratification meeting schedule, telephone town hall details
March 14, 2013
Community social service professionals represented by HSA are invited to participate in a joint multi-union bargaining association telephone town hall scheduled for next week.
Telephone town hall meeting details:
Important information for health science professionals regarding changes to drug coverage under new collective agreement
March 12, 2013
Further to the recently ratified collective agreement between the Health Science Professionals’ Bargaining Association and Health Employers’ Association of BC, the parties have agreed to move the effective date for full implementation of the Pharmacare tie-in to June 1, 2013. Further, the 90-day grace period will be extended to August 31, 2013.
Liberals' legislation without consultation jeopardizes labour relations stability
March 11, 2013
The B.C. Liberal government began debate last week on Bill 18, legislation that fundamentally alters bargaining in the health sector.
In a brief opening to the debate in the B.C. legislature, health minister Margaret MacDiarmid claimed the legislation was in line with last year’s raid by the BC Nurses’ Union on Licenced Practical Nurses represented by HEU and other unions. She then flew to Vancouver to announce Bill 18 at the BCNU convention.
Preparations underway for ratification votes in Community Social Services
March 8, 2013
Representatives of the Community Social Services Bargaining Association met earlier this week to plan for upcoming ratification votes, which will be held between mid-March and the third week of April.
A vote schedule, and a comprehensive report outlining the terms and conditions of the proposed collective agreement, will be made available to members later next week.
In addition to producing written documents detailing the contents of the tentative contract, CSSBA will be holding a one-hour telephone town hall on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
International Women's Day celebrates women organizing for economic equality
March 8, 2013
On March 8, International Women's Day, people will join across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and their contributions to a better world and a better society.
Last Call - Political Action Fund Support
March 6, 2013
Last call to apply for HSA support to work on the provincial election
HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in the upcoming provincial election may apply to HSA for financial support from HSA’s Political Action Fund.
1. Members who are candidates may apply for up to 30 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.