News & Updates

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Nov. 6 as the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada. The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country. The idea for the day, which will be celebrated annually...

Elections will be held during the next 2 months to select members to fill the following HSA positions for the coming year: 1. Chief Steward2. Assistant Chief Steward3. General Stewards4. Occupational Health & Safety Stewards and5. Labour Council Delegates (for chapters that are affiliated to their local labour council) Stewards play an essential role within HSA and the workplace. All...

On October 14, 2008 Canadians will head to the polls to elect a new federal government. The Members of Parliament we elect can have a huge impact on the health care and community social services that HSA members provide. HSA urges members to examine the positions of the parties on these issues, and to vote for candidates who will support...

The ProvinceBy Ian Austin A year-long study of the effect of private clinics on the Canadian public health-care system has concluded that wait times are longest in areas where private clinics take personnel from the public system. "We found evidence of wait times that are highest in areas with the most privatization, as resources -- financial and human -- are...

Hundredsof HSA members across BC participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, held SundayOctober 5. HSA is a gold-level sponsor. In Victoria, Leslie Connie (left,mammography technologist at CML Healthcare), Sharon Eggertson (centre,dietitian at Royal Jubilee Hospital), and Val Avery (right, physiotherapist andRegion 1 Director) volunteered for HSA's Run for the Cure team. For moreinformation on HSA's participation in the...

BC Health Coalition calls on British Columbians to reject BCAA queue jumping insurance and demand government action to enforce health care legislation.The BC Health Coalition is deeply disturbed by BCAAs recent announcement to begin offering insurance that will allow its members to jump the health care queue and obtain services at for-profit clinics. The actions of BCAA clearly contravene both...

HSA members who are running for office or working on campaigns in the provincial by-elections in Vancouver-Burrard and Vancouver-Fairview can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund: 1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run...

Notice of Chapter Meeting Help keep your union strong!HSA Stewards: ­ Advocate on behalf of members Keep members informed about union activities Provide democratic leadership Are the backbone of the union HSA offers ongoing leadership, grievance handling, and contract interpretation training for new and experienced stewards. Nominations and Voting: Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2008 Place: Paetzold Health Education Centre Multipurpose...

HSA is sponsoring an Occupational Health and Safety Conference -Connections ... Advocating for a Safe and Healthy Workplace" November 20 and 21, 2008Hilton Vancouver Airport HotelThis conference is designed for experienced safety stewards to develop their understanding and to help ensure safe working conditions for all members. Learn from presenters from agencies such as OHSAH, WorkSafeBC, and other experts.Learn more...

The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4 by REID JOHNSON Gordon Campbell just wants you to shut up BC. That was the message unions delivered through advertising when the B.C. government introduced Bill 42, the election law that limits organizations' ability to comment on government's actions. -The legislation effectively muzzles discussion about the throne speech, the budget, and any...