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Be skeptical of big, empty promises

October 1, 2014
THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HSA In early September, HSA learned that the BC Nurses' Union planned to execute a swift takeover of the Union of Psychiatric Nurses before moving on to actively raid HSA's registered psychiatric nurses. This means BCNU organizers will be approaching HSA members at work – and likely at home – and trying to get them to sign a BCNU membership card. Rest assured they will make big promises. I can't even speculate about the misleading tactics they'll employ.

Local governments matter

September 30, 2014
HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY CAROL RIVIERE Choosing the politicians who govern our communities at the municipal or regional district level, and the school trustees who make decisions that affect our children's education, is a critical issue for working families. On November 15th, British Columbians will choose the people who will hold these positions throughout the province for the next four years.

HSA staff is there for you

September 30, 2014
HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES HSA members can count on extraordinary support from hundreds of stewards around the province, and many of you know them well. But the stewards themselves depend on a team of labour relations staff who many members will never meet. I'd like to shine a light on their work today.

HSA insistent on addressing RPN concerns at nurses' bargaining

September 29, 2014
HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 With the Union of Psychiatric Nurses now merging with the BC Nurses' Union, HSA is now the only union advocating for RPN issues at talks dominated by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. While the majority of HSA members' contracts have been negotiated and ratified, the contract for HSA's RPN members is still under negotiations at the Nurses' Bargaining Association, led by BCNU.

Medicare case on hold

September 29, 2014
BC Health Coalition Chair Edith MacHattie and Dr. Vanessa Brcic of Canadian Doctors for Medicare address the media outside Cambie Surgical Clinic September 29 HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY CAROL RIVIERE DR. Brian Day's attempt to use the courts to bring US-style, TWO-tier health care to Canada was scheduled to go to trial on September 8.

The future of HSA: what do you think?

September 26, 2014
In the next few days, you'll receive an invitation to participate in a process that is crucial to the future success of your union. Are you ready to take part? As announced earlier this month, HSA has launched an inclusive and comprehensive planning process to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan will be presented to membership at HSA's Annual Convention in May 2015.

Ingrid Hakanson, respiratory therapist

September 26, 2014
THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN When Vancouver General Hospital Respiratory Therapist Ingrid Hakanson heard that a film crew would be coming into her workplace to make a documentary about the emergency ward, she had no idea she'd end up as a 'star' in a high-quality TV show that put health science professionals like herself at centre stage.

Your pension makes you a pretty savvy investor

September 26, 2014
THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 As a member of HSA, you're practicing smart investment strategies every day. Every two weeks, you invest in your future through your pension plan. You're not spending that money on another latte. You do not have all your eggs in one basket. In fact, you have a diversified real estate portfolio – and it's a great example of responsible investing.

OHS conference sets priorities to make you safer

September 26, 2014
BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER HSA’s Occupational Health and Safety Conference held in June provided a great opportunity for OHS activists to connect with each other, share information and plan for the future. Keynote speakers Dr. Joti Samra and Al Bieksa contributed significantly to a two-day event designed to provide tools, resources and planning opportunities for nearly 100 HSA joint occupational health and safety committee representatives from all across the province.

"Your union helped save my life"

September 26, 2014
HSA REPORT OCTOBER 2014 My name is Mike Pond. I'm five years sober this week and your union helped save my life. When I received my Masters in Social Work in 1995, I thought my days as a psychiatric nurse were behind me. But life has a way of throwing us curve balls. After two decades of successfully helping clients battle addictions, I succumbed to one myself. In a catastrophic free-fall, I lost everything: my practice, my home and my family. What made it worse: as a therapist I was ably positioned to watch myself fall and powerless to prevent it.

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