News & Updates
Help make your workplace safe!
June 25, 2013
2013 OH&S Basic Steward Training
HSA is offering the following 2-day OH&S steward training workshops at the HSA office:
Help celebrate National Aboriginal Day
June 21, 2013
Ottawa (21 June 2011) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is pleased to encourage all members to join with Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians across the country in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
National Aboriginal Day is marked each year on the same date to honour the achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in all areas, including the arts, language, reverence for the land and spirituality.
Help the BC Health Coalition stop wheelchair fees for seniors
June 14, 2013
IF MOM CAN'T AFFORD A WHEELCHAIR, SHOULD SHE JUST STAY IN BED?
Imagine if you or your loved one were living in a care facility and were unable to get out of your room and go down the hall to the dining room because you can't afford to buy or rent a wheelchair.
New Pharmacare coverage now in effect
June 14, 2013
Health Science Professional members of HSA are reminded that changes to extended health benefits coverage took effect on June 1st with the implementation of PharmaCare Tie-In. As part of these changes, all HSP members should by now have received a BlueNet card. The BlueNet card direct-pay of eligible prescriptions when picking them up at the pharmacy instead of paying up front then submitting receipts for reimbursement.
Take time to vote Tuesday May 14th
May 9, 2013
HSA members are urged to vote in the provincial election. The outcome of this election will have a profound effect on the health care and community services our members provide, as well as other public services that our families, friends and communities rely on.
Tuesday, May 14th is BC's provincial Election Day. Polls are open that day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Right to time off
HSA celebrates Nursing Week: Psych Nurses are a leading force for change
May 6, 2013
In celebrating Nursing Week, HSA President Reid Johnson thanks Registered Psychiatric Nurses across the province for their expertise and dedication. "The theme of this year's Nursing Week is 'a leading force for change,' and BC's psych nurses are lighting the way," Johnson said.
"With their specialized intensive training, Registered Psychiatric Nurses have long been recognized as the caregivers of choice in mental health," he said.
Vote early in the provincial election
May 6, 2013
HSA members are urged to vote in the provincial election. The outcome of this election will have a profound effect on the health care and community services our members provide, as well as other public services that our families, friends and communities rely on.
Eligible voters may vote on the general voting day, May 14, or may vote between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time on any of the following advance voting days:
HSA offers scholarships for Summer Institute for Union Women
May 3, 2013
June 25 – 29, 2013 - University of Washington, Seattle
The Summer Institute for Union Women (SIUW) is a 4-day residential school designed to empower women as leaders in the labour movement through participatory education and community-building.
Participants will work on:
Wage increase for Health Science Professionals
April 26, 2013
Under the terms of the new collective agreement, a further wage increase of 1 per cent for all members, excluding pharmacists, is effective the first pay period after April 1, 2013, which is the pay period of April 12 to April 25, 2013.
Members are encouraged to check their pay stubs to ensure the increases are applied effective April 12, 2013.
Transitioning to a 37.5 hour work week
April 25, 2013
To realize wage gains won through bargaining, health professionals are moving to a 37.5 hour workweek.
In bargaining, the employers agreed to a cooperative, consultative process when implementing the 37.5 hour workweek. In this process, staff, supervisors and managers will consult in each department, section or work unit that has a current schedule with extended workdays (i.e. workdays of more than 7.5 hours per day) and revise the schedules.