News & Updates

The Report: July 1999 vol.20 num.1 At convention this year, lesbian, bisexual and gay delegates and their supporters established an informal network to keep in touch on issues affecting them in the workplace, within the context of union activism. The network is facilitated by HSAs Equality of Rights Committee. In order to be included on this mailing list, lesbian, bisexual...

The Report: July 1999 vol.20 num.1 by CINDY STEWART I write this on the first day of summer: June 21. When I began my work on the Executive of HSA, first as a Board member, then as President, I heard rumours that ‘things slowed down in the summer, affording a breather from the hectic pace maintained throughout the rest of...

The Report: July 1999 vol.20 num.1 Over 250 delegates rose to their feet at HSAs 28th Annual Convention, after acclaiming Cindy Stewart as President of the Health Sciences Association for a fourth term. Stewart was visibly moved as she thanked the delegates for their support. -This is a great honour and a privilege. I am so proud to represent HSA,"...

The Report: July 1999 vol.20 num.1 by SARAH O'LEARY and JUDITH McCORMACK PICTURE THIS. Your employers private investigator is hidden outside your home, holding a video camera and taping your every move. Sound ridiculous? Unfortunately, some workers have become unwitting home movie stars, thanks to employers who think they are faking illness or disability. Usually these cases involve workers who...

Union says 1.5 per cent cut could lead to longer waiting listsThe union that represents pre-school teachers and therapists who work with children with special needs, has added its voice to those who say that cuts by the Ministry for Children and Families could lead to even longer waiting lists for children who require therapy."Child development centres and infant development...

A plan to end wage and benefit discrimination, employment security and protection of contracts through successorship are key elements of a tentative settlement reached late last night between the four unions representing 10,000 community social services workers and the Community Social Services Employers' Association.The tentative five-year agreement was reached with the assistance of mediator Don Munroe. The unions will recommend...

The four unions representing 10,000 striking community social services workers have agreed to return to the bargaining table on Monday, May 17, 1999 in an effort to reach a contract settlement.The unions agreed to resume bargaining at the request of mediator/facilitator Don Munroe, who advised them that he has had extensive discussions with the unions and the employers' bargaining representative...

Over 1,000 angry community social services workers rallied in downtown Vancouver today, demanding the government make good on its promises to end wage and benefit discrimination against 10,000 workers in this sector."I am angry that after two months on the picket line, we're still waiting for the government to honour its commitment to the women and men who care for...

MEDIA ADVISORYStriking community social services workers, angry and frustrated at the government's continued refusal to end wage and benefit discrimination in the sector, will hold a noon-hour rally tomorrow, May 13, in Vancouver. The rally will be held:12 noonThursday, May 13, 1999Library Square (southwest corner at Homer and Robson)The rally comes in the wake of strong public statements by the...

The four unions representing 10,000 striking community social services workers are charging the employers' bargaining representatives with bargaining in bad faith for withholding costing information.The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Hospital Employees' Union and Health Sciences Association filed an unfair labour practice complaint today with the Labour Relations Board against the Public Sector Employers'...