News & Updates

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. Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities want...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: Envisioning labor’s future in the global economy Discussing priorities for working women Developing new ways of organizing Holding elected...

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...

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...

On April 28, workers and their families are invited to pay tribute to those who have been injured or killed on the job, or stricken with occupational disease. Every day in Canada, three workers are killed on the job and 685 workers suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Last year in British Columbia, 181 workers died as a result of...

Community social service workers have voted in favour of a two-year contract that provides a wage increase while protecting health and welfare benefits. Community Living workers ratified the tentative agreement by 71 percent. General Services ratified by 84 percent. The weighted average ratification vote for both sectors was 76 percent. HSA represents almost 800 community social services workers covered by...