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Thank you for coming tonight.I want to start my comments by saying the actions of HSA members right across British Columbia these past two days have not been about defying legislation. They have been about achieving a collective agreement.HSA members have shown they are resolved to get a contract that values their contribution to our health care system.They have been...

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Thank you for coming this morning.First of all, I want to update you on the events that have taken place since June 20 when the Liberal government ordered health science professionals back to work after only five days of job action over four weeks.I said at that time it was a difficult day for the union and for our members.I...

The Liberal government set up health science professionals contract negotiations to fail, Health Sciences Association President Cindy Stewart charged today.After a meeting with government-appointed mediator Stephen Kelleher today, the unions representing 14,000 health science professionals said the government-ordered cooling-off period has failed."We headed into mediation seeking a 27 per cent wage increase over two years for health science professionals. We...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by DAN KEETON Shari Shabits Speech/Language Pathologist North Okanagan Neurological Association If you were to describe HSA member Shari Shabits as a person with a mission, you wouldnt be far off the mark. The Vernon speech language pathologist and HSA assistant steward is waging a personal effort to reduce waiting lists for...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3by BRUCE WILKINS What are -essential service" staffing levels? I have always considered the job I do to be essential to the public. Why was my work not included in the -essential service" designations set by the labour board? Recently the threat of strike action has sent the whole health labour relations sector...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by RICK LAMPSHIRE After bargaining for several months, which included mediated talks, negotiations for a new collective agreement for the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association broke down on May 9. Right from the start of negotiations, the HEABC has made it clear that the employer’s – and the government’s – priority is nurses...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by BRIEGE McCONVILLE As the newly-elected representative for Region 4, writing this report came as quite a challenge. After some thought, I decided that my own experience as one of the often-reported demographically aging members of HSA might be relevant to many fellow members who are in the same boat. As with...

The Report: July / August 2001 vol.22 num.3 by CINDY STEWART May 16 marked the end of a political era as British Columbians elected 77 Liberals and two New Democrats to represent them in the BC Legislature. It is an astounding mandate and one that we will watch with a mixture of uncertainty, trepidation and, quite frankly, curiosity – as...