An important message for HSA RPNs from HSA President Val Avery

Dear HSA Registered Psychiatric Nurse,

I want you to know that two unions – BCNU and UPN – are trying to take you out of your union, HSA.

This past week these unions filed applications to represent RPN at various HSA worksites. In the coming days the Labour Relations Board will hold votes at those worksites. If there is a vote at your worksite, please take the time to vote. Your vote counts and the result of the vote will impact the amount and type of union services you are able to receive.

BCNU and UPN have been working together to take you out of a union that cares about the rights and unique jobs of Registered Psychiatric Nurses and to lump you into unions that charge you more in dues and provide fewer services than you have access to at HSA.

The BCNU has, in fact, for years worked to ensure RPNs don't get a chance to apply for jobs in psychiatry ahead of lesser trained RNs. And while HSA, representing the interests of RPNs at the bargaining table has been vocal and fought for you, UPN negotiators have sat silent, and let the BCNU speak up for RNs to take psychiatry jobs. Remember that UPN is affiliated to BCNU and pays dues to BCNU. HSA was the only union that encouraged our members to vote against the last contract because we understood the impact of the changes to the Pharmacare coverage, and the unfair treatment of new hires.

UPN has only one labour relations professional to provide services to members. HSA has 41 labour relations professionals including two full time labour lawyers. HSA's labour relations team is dedicated to providing leadership and support for Registered Psychiatric Nurses and is a leader in addressing nurse safety and other issues in the acute care setting.

HSA staff resources include specialized staff working to support members in the areas of:

  • Grievance and work place complaints,
  • Occupational health and safety,
  • Disability management,
  • Return to work arrangements,
  • Pension and benefits issues,
  • Representation at CRPNBC college hearings
  • Long term disability appeals
  • WCB appeals
  • Bargaining - one RPN and a professional negotiator is always at the bargaining table representing HSA RPNs

Compare this to the UPN, which has only one labour relations professional for the whole union. HSA has been working to improve our services provided to RPNs. Each year at convention RPNs from around the province meet to brainstorm on issues regarding their profession, their collective agreement, and their union. RPNS give many suggestions for positive changes and here are some of the steps HSA took this year:
• HSA now has two full time Labour Relations Officers who are the RPN/Nurses Bargaining Association leads.
• 19 RPN stewards were elected since January 2013 which reflects our efforts to engage RPNs and get them more involved in their union.
• 60 RPNs attended HSA-funded steward training since January 2013RPNs attend Basic Steward Training and Occupational Health and Safety training. All expenses are paid by HSA.
• HSA provides PRF training on site for RPNs.
HSA provided financial support for RPNs to attend the CRPNBC Education day in Kelowna this year, and provides RPN professional development funding achieved in bargaining. So far in 2013, more than 30 members have been approved for professional development funding.

RPNs have always been able and welcome to run for HSA elected positions. Audrey McMillan, an RPN in the Fraser Health Authority served on the board for several years. Elections are held annually and ALL HSA members are welcome to run.

If you want a union that delivers the whole package: specialized services for the best value for your dues dollar, a union that protects your right to healthy and safe workplaces, and a union that advocates for opportunities for you to apply for jobs you are qualified for, I urge you to support the union that isn't afraid to speak up for you. I urge you to support HSA.

Votes will be held in the coming days at worksites around the province. We will keep you informed about when and where you can go to vote for lower union dues, superior representation, and a union that cares about the issues important to RPNs.

Please make sure you get informed and understand the consequences of your decision.

I urge you to vote to stay in HSA.

If you have any questions please contact the HSA office and check the HSA web page www.hsabc.org/rpns for voting dates and times.

HSA office:
604-439-0994
1800-663-2017
@email