News & Updates

More than 300 people braved the rain on March 31 to show their support for programs and services that support victims of violence, youth at risk, people with developmental disabilities, women in transition, immigrant families and many others. Victorias 4th Annual Walk for Community Social Services was the final event, wrapping up a month of activities aimed at promoting a...

In a short bargaining session at the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association bargaining table this week, the union bargaining association tabled anti-bullying language to address issues in the workplace.-The unions presented language that helps improve personal safety for health science professionals at work," said HSPBA chief negotiator Jeanne Meyers.-The pace at the bargaining table has been very slow. There has...

After a month of talks, nurses have made several gains from issues arising out of the 2009 contract extension and from employer cost savings from disability management. As of April 1, 2012, the waiting period for Long Term Disability eligibility will be reduced from five months to four months. For members waiting for LTD who have no source of employment...

The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery. Ottawa (29 March 2012) - The Harper government's budget fails the Fairness Test [1]because it will increase income inequality and make life harder for vulnerable Canadians, said James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)."Income inequality...

OTTAWA ... The President of the Canadian Labour Congress says the federal budget tabled on March 29 has failed Canadians by destroying valuable public services and jobs and attacking pensions. -The government could have used this budget to help struggling middle class and working Canadians," Georgetti says, -but it chose to not to do so."Georgetti says the government has borrowed...

On March 31, 2012, the Community Social Services Matter campaign is organizing a walk in Victoria in support of community social services, and to raise awareness about the vital role these services play in our communities. Details: Saturday, March 31, 2012Centennial Square, VictoriaStart Time: 11:00 amWrap up BBQ: 12 noon WILL YOU JOIN US?Community social services include everything from child...

Comox Valley Record Dear editor, Thank you for focusing on medical diagnostics in your recent editorial (Record, March 20). Health authorities in B.C. have determined that the average cost of providing an MRI scan within the public system is about $225 per scan, provided free of charge to patients. As noted in your editorial, private, for-profit clinics charge $800 or...

On the heels of yet another reorganization that means the loss of music therapy services for BC patients, the Music Therapy Association of BC will highlight the value of music therapy with the screening of the documentary, The Gift of Music: Stories of Music Therapy this week at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver. This month, through a reorganization of therapeutic...

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) exchanged their opening proposals during the first round of contract talks, which began February 27.Over the course of the two week bargaining session, which concluded on March 16, unions and the employer laid the groundwork for future talks with a discussion of each partys issues...

A recent article in The Report contained incomplete information about tax deductions. The potential for deducting for LTD premiums only applies if you are on an accepted LTD claim. A member who is on an accepted LTD claim may be able to claim on their tax returns for LTD premiums they have previously paid. Whether they are eligible to do...