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Registered Psychiatric Nurses: Update on bargaining, several agreements reached

March 30, 2012
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.

Federal budget will increase income inequality; hurt families and the economy

March 30, 2012
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).

Bargaining for health science professionals set to resume next week

March 30, 2012
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 been only a limited exchange of specific language on the substantive issues," Meyers said.

Georgetti says budget fails on jobs, pensions: CLC president says middle class under attack

March 29, 2012
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."

Walk for Community Social Services ... March 31 in Victoria

March 28, 2012
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:

Private health providers violating Canada Health Act

March 27, 2012
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.

While health authorities continue to eliminate services, film highlights value of music therapy

March 26, 2012
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 services, Lions Gate Hospitals Evergreen House music therapy program was eliminated.

Community Social Services: Unions, employer exchange preliminary proposals during second week of contract talks

March 20, 2012
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 and concerns.

Incorrect information about tax deduction for LTD premiums paid

March 14, 2012
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 so, and how far back they can claim, is something HSA recommends you discuss with a financial or tax professional.

Members confirm shared benefit costs a non-starter

March 13, 2012
HSA members have reconfirmed that concessions on extended and dental benefits are not negotiable. After learning that government appears to be set to propose to save money by getting health care workers to pay for some of their health and dental benefits, HSA conducted an informal telephone survey of members on the weekend to alert members to this pending proposal, and to get preliminary feedback from members.

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