News & Updates

HSA has contracted with Viewpoints Research to conduct a survey to find out more about how HSA members feel about how their union responds to concerns and communicates important information. The survey will include questions related to contract negotiations, workload, member communications and other current issues. The survey will be conducted on line. Members will receive email invitations starting October...

Space is still available in HSA's 2-day, non-partisan election campaign school for members who are interested in working on election campaigns or running for political office. The school will focus on opportunities for HSA members to be involved in the May 2017 provincial election, but will also touch on municipal and federal elections. If you want to help elect representatives...

HSA's member professions play an incredibly important role in modern health care and community social services. But it's not an easy story to tell. On TV, doctors and nurses are everywhere, often depicted doing the specialized work of pharmacists, lab technologists, radiation technologists, social workers, counsellors and other key professionals in health care and community social services. The public needs...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 BY RANDY NOONAN, HSA LEGAL COUNSEL On May 17, 2016, Fraser Health Authority demonstrated a shocking disregard for the public spending of precious health care dollars. Brenda Daudlin is a dietitian employed by Fraser Health at Burnaby Hospital. Dietitians like her are responsible for a broad range of nutritional practices, some which, if not done...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HSA We're hearing a lot of interesting things from members like you. Over the summer, HSA circulated several surveys and invited members to participate in focus groups. Each explored different challenges and opportunities facing our union, and we'll be following up this fall with additional surveys, worksite visits and the annual...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 Member surveys reveal that workload and shortages continue to be the greatest workplace concern -- and HSA is taking action. After consulting extensively with members through a series of surveys over the summer, HSA is rolling out a multi-level effort to raise public awareness and get the provincial government to take action on the dire...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN "I love what I do. I can't believe I get paid for it." HSA member Eric Cheng is a respiratory therapist at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, and a co-founder of the Canadian charity Respiratory Therapists Without Borders. Being a respiratory therapist (RT) puts Cheng on the front lines of health...

Your elected HSA representatives and staff have been hard at work since the union's 45th convention in May. The upcoming regional meetings will be a good opportunity to provide updates on that work, and a chance for stewards and other activists to connect and discuss the issues in your region. In preparation for those meetings, please take a few minutes...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 HSA members are looking ahead to the May 9, 2017 provincial election, and getting the training they need to make a real difference. Stasia Hasumi is already jumping in with both feet. "I've been a community activist for a while, but after serving on HSA's Political Action Committee last year, I saw how important it...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016 BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER In recent months there have been reports of hazardous asbestos abatement incidents in several BC health care facilities and labs. This is potentially exposing workers and members of the public to deadly asbestos fibres. It's estimated that more than 145,000 Canadian workers are exposed to asbestos in their workplaces...