News & Updates

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by SARAH O'LEARY ost people dont stop to think about what kinds of guarantees and protections we have under our Workers Compensation system ... not, that is, until it is too late. Once you are injured, you are caught up in the system and you can be in for a rude surprise...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by DAN KEETON hanges to the province’s Pharmacare plan are certain to drive up drug costs for middle income earners. And that situation could worsen for those who have not registered with the plan by May 1. They could face skyrocketing pharmaceutical bills because the plan will impose an automatic $10,000 deductible...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by RON OHMART ou can’t get something for nothing. It’s a common cliché. We’ve all heard it. Most of us have said it. But in the caring professions, there are few who live it. Over the past several months, as funding sources are attacked and contract rights are tested more and more...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by CHERYL GREENHALGH have vivid memories of attending my first HSA convention 15 years ago and feeling quite strongly that HSA not be involved in anything -political." It is probably not surprising that I have changed my opinion on that and several other issues during my years of serving on the Board...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by KATHY McLENNAN I am a physiotherapist. I used to report to a physiotherapy supervisor, but our hospital has restructured our work so that I now report to a nurse. How are employees who report to a different discipline evaluated against the classification definitions? * A paramedical who is required to report...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by PAUL DAYSON drea Rusnak is a “people person.” Her job as a recreational therapist is about people. Her role as HSA chief steward at Surrey Memorial Hospital is about people. The focus of her concerns about the future of health care in British Columbia is also about people. Adrea Rusnak Chief...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by NADENE REHNBY ts hard to keep pace with Colya Kaminiarz. As a respiratory therapist and clinical instructor at BCs largest hospital, Kaminiarz is always on the move. Colya Kaminiarz Steward & respiratory therapist Vancouver General Hospital -Its what I like best about my job," he said, heading out of Emergency, stopping...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 The Committee for Equality and Social Action (CESA) is responsible for a donation budget of $35,865 annually (approximately half a percent of dues revenue). The committee reviews many donation requests, and allocates donation funds to approved requests. This year, the committee reviewed and debated the merits of more than 50 requests before...

Violations of workers' rights so flagrant, they warrant special attention from UN AgencyOttawa - The International Labour Organizations condemnation of the British Columbia Liberals is so sweeping that the United Nations body should visit the province and get a first hand look at how badly the province is violating UN standards, says Canadas second largest union and its BC components."The...

UN body condemns Campbell's Liberals for legislation trampling workers' rightsThe head of the province's labour movement today called on the BC Liberals to comply with international labour standards and stop violating the rights of thousands of public sector workers throughout British Columbia.After extensive investigation, the United Nations body charged with upholding labour standards has concluded that six laws enacted by...