News & Updates

The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association continues to meet with the Health Employers Association of BC to negotiate a new collective agreement. Two weeks ago, the union association served notice to the employer that a concessionary package is completely unacceptable to health science professionals. In the ensuing two weeks, discussions have continued. The unions are optimistic that HEABC and the...

HSA is offering scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children. We will be awarding ten scholarships for full-time studies, twenty bursaries for full-time studies, four bursaries for part-time studies, and two aboriginal scholarships. The criteria and details are set out on the application forms. To obtain a copy please see the HSA website. Completed application forms and transcripts...

HSAs bargaining team for CML Healthcare employees has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract providing significant gains. The union represents approximately 200 CML members on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The unions board of directors is recommending acceptance of the agreement. Wage increasesThe contract commences January 1, 2011, and expires December 31, 2015. The contract contains significant...

Union encourages flu shotsHSA encourages health professionals to get immunized against seasonal influenza. Keep your immunization record current and your employee health file up to date by receiving a flu shot at an employer-run clinic. Together with hand washing and safe coughing protocols (eg coughing into sleeve), follow regular safety protocols to avoid seasonal flu. Employer can require flu shots...

This week is National Medicare Week and a time to celebrate a defining feature of Canada. And this year the timing could not be more critical. Promoters of for-profit, privatized health care are on the offensive. Key figures in the federal government have made calls to dismantle national Medicare and end federal health transfers to the provinces. We are increasingly...

After eight months of bargaining for a new collective agreement, the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) last week finished tabling proposals amounting to significant concessions for the provinces health science professionals collective agreement. Chief Negotiator for the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) Maureen Headley said the package tabled is an insult to HSA and other union members covered...

The 2011 Canadian Labour Congress winter school, one of Canadas best labour schools, is scheduled for Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2011. Registration is now open. The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour-oriented courses. To support HSAs ability to represent HSA members effectively and to help build a stronger union, members and/or stewards...

Are you concerned about the BC government's introduction of hospital user fees? Worried about the state of Home and Community Care for seniors and disabilities? Troubled by the growth of for-profit clinics and their legal attack on Medicare?Federal Liberal Health Critic Ujjal Dosanjh has organized a Special Town Hall meeting on the future of Canadian Health Care to in Vancouver...

The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and the Early Childhood Educators of BC is seeking participation in a survey on an Integrated System of Early Care and Learning in BC. The Emerging Plan for an Integrated System of Early Care and Learning in BC responds to the growing role ministries of education are playing in the early years...

BC Health Coalition Action Alert: Dear Friend of Medicare, This week, take a moment to call your MLA and tell them to scrap BCs user fee scheme for hospital care. During the Weeks of Action on Home and Community care, public health care supporters are meeting with decision-makers in dozens of BC ridings to demand a stop to hospital user...