News & Updates

The Report: November / December 2005 vol.26 num.6 by RITU MAHIL A senior colleague of mine has retired and her job has been posted. I would like to apply but the employer has revised the job description and added all sorts of qualifications that were not required before. Could this possibly be the subject of a grievance? Yes. Qualifications must...

The Report: November / December 2005 vol.26 num.6 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN he old adage -Think globally, act locally" is nicely embodied in the person of Thalia Vesterback. As an HSA Member at Large for Region 9, Vesterback appreciates the opportunities union activism gives her. When she can help improve conditions for herself and colleagues, she is satisfied. Thalia Vesterback Member...

On November 19, 2005 British Columbians head to the polls to elect mayors, municipal councillors, school trustees, and regional district representatives. These local representatives make decisions that affect our everyday lives, and play a critical role in making our neighbourhoods, towns, and regions places where we want to live. Local politicians also speak up for communities on important local, provincial...

One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2006 The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour orientated courses. Past HSA participants have rated the courses and the experience highly. The school offers an opportunity to meet people from other unions and workplaces across BC. To support HSA's ability...

The BC Federation of Labour offers two scholarships for attendance at the 2006 CLC Winter School: The Debra Mills Scholarship (information and application form available for download below) is intended for persons with disabilities to attend a one-week course. See attached course schedule or check the CLC website http://pacific.clc-ctc.ca/> for more information. The scholarship will be decided by a...

A coalition of BC unions says the Workers' Compensation Board can protect workers from deadly injuries and save the health care system millions by requiring the use of safety needles and other sharps.

BL10081 With the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association contract set to expire March 31, 2006, planning is underway to prepare HSA's priorities to present at the bargaining table. Delegates to the January 23 to 25, 2006 Bargaining Proposal Conference will set the bargaining priorities based on proposals submitted by HSA members at local chapter meetings. Delegates from each region were elected...

BL10080The Bargaining Proposal Conference for members covered by the Community Social Services collective agreement has been re-scheduled from Wednesday, November 16, 2005 to Thursday, November 24, 2005. The conference will be held in Burnaby, location to be announced.In order to prepare for the Bargaining Proposal Conference, you must hold a Chapter meeting to identify bargaining issues and to elect your...

HSA members who are running for municipal office, or working on campaigns to elect candidates for local government positions, can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund: Members who are candidates can apply for up to 5 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for...

HSA offered three one-day workshops this fall: Dates: Saturday October 29, 2005 Vancouver, HSA Office FULL Saturday November 5, 2005 Kelowna, Coast Capri CANCELLED Saturday November 19, 2005 Nanaimo, Bastion Inn HSA members who work in a supervisory capacity still have the opportunity to attend a workshop in Nanaimo. Supervisors have particular concerns and needs and sometimes feel caught in...