News & Updates

The Report: July / August 1998 vol.19 num.1 A major hurdle at the paramedical professional bargainingtable is the issue of levelling. For months, members of the bargaining committee have beentrying to get the employer to address levelling issues left over from the 1996negotiations. "Its critical that the employer address the issue oflevelling in a meaningful way so we can move...

The Report: May / June 1998 vol.18 num.8 by DAN KEETON Okay, heres a test. How fast can you say histotechnologist? Forthat matter, do you know what it is? Its a health sciences profession, of course, and it involves thetesting of human tissue for signs of disease. Its also a word that has an aura ofaccomplishment and pride about it...

The Report: May / June 1998 vol.18 num.8 by SARAH O'LEARY My daughter has been gravely ill for many weeks, and she will continue to receive traumatic treatments for many more months. I am so worried for her that I find it almost impossible to perform my job duties. Can I apply to go on long-term disability during this period...

The Report: May / June 1998 vol.18 num.8 by DAN KEETON Workers hoping to collect maternity benefits face a threat from recentchanges to Employment Insurance - formerly, Unemployment Insurance. The changes might alsoadversely affect members applying for SUB benefits under the HEABC collective agreement,although a union committee is working to increase eligibility for SUB benefits. EI has made significant and...

The Report: May / June 1998 vol.18 num.8 by RACHEL NOTLEY April 15, 1998 was the culmination of over five years of work by labouractivists committed to improving health and safety for BC workers. Thats because thefirst major revision of BCs health and safety regulation since 1970 came into effecton that day and workers can now rely on the enhanced...

The Report: May / June 1998 vol.18 num.8 by CINDY STEWART Annual Convention is an opportunity to meet with the many friends whoare committed to advancing our union, and a time to participate in the supreme governingbody of our union. As I write this, the convention is five weeks away, but we will be inthe middle of the proceedings when...

The Report: March / April 1998 vol.18 num.7 by JEANNE MEYERS As a physiotherapist there has never been any question about my paramedical professional status, but the definition seems to be changing. What are the criteria? The criteria were revisited and set out by the Labour Relations Board in its decision no. B444/95. Paramedical professional employees: are engaged in the...

The Report: March / April 1998 vol.18 num.7 The Return to Work fund provides up to $10,000 to successful applicantsfrom the major health care unions, including HSA. The $150,000 fund is open to those onLTD or those waiting for LTD benefits and who wish to return to work but face some kind ofbarrier. Priority will be given to proposed return...

The Report: March / April 1998 vol.18 num.7 by DAN KEETON Wedlidi Speck couldn’t get enthused about the drive to unionize his work place. Infact, the counsellorat the John Howard Society in Courtenay was downright opposed to it. It was an unusual beginning for someone who now takes an active role in his union. Infact, Speck, a nine-year veteran, helped...

The Report: March / April 1998 vol.18 num.7 by CHERYL GREENHALGH Greetings from Region 3. We are HSA members working in almost 40different facilities located on the North Shore and in the cities from Burnaby to MapleRidge. As in other regions, the past year has not been a boring one. Congratulations must go out to our members at SHARE Family...