Did you know that some health authority staff like youth counsellors are not allowed to text their patients? Is there any other way to communicate with a young person?
Members are advised that Pacific Blue Cross will suspend its pay direct and online claim services for one week to allow for a major transition to an upgraded health and dental system.
The services will be suspended from March 27 to April 3, 2014.
HSA members are increasingly looking to get their information in a digital format. Whether it's email, web sites or social media, members are using desktop computers, tablets and smartphones to keep informed.
BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES
As many members know, the process of transitioning to a 37.5 hour work week has been frustrating.
From the beginning, employers have misunderstood and misinterpreted the terms of the negotiated agreement. They have attempted to reduce hours of work, eliminate earned days off and even layoff members.
None of this is allowed by the agreement, which states that managers must work with staff in good faith to develop mutually-agreed schedules.
BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION
Negotiating contracts is a big part of what unions do for their members. But it's not the only thing.
Members of the multi-union Community Health Bargaining Association (CBA) – including almost 800 HSA members -- have voted 78.7% in favour of accepting a new collective agreement with the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC).
The five-year collective agreement expires on March 31, 2019 and covers over 15,000 union members working in community health across the province.
HOW TO VOTE
HOW TO VOTE ON COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES CONTRACT
All HSA members covered by the Community Social Services Bargaining Association have been mailed an information package via personal email or Canada Post. Information and voting meetings will be held over the next few weeks, and members are now being contacted with information about where and when they are being held. You can also see the full list below.
The Community Health Bargaining Association (CBA) reached a tentative agreement in late November for the over 15,000 union members working in the community health sector across the province.
It is a five-year agreement effective April 1, 2014 until March 31, 2019 and your HSA Board of Directors supports your bargaining committee’s recommendation that members VOTE YES to accept the agreement.
The Community Health Bargaining Association (CBA) has reached a tentative agreement for the more than 15,000 union members working in the community health sector across the province.
It is a five-year agreement effective April 1, 2014 until March 31, 2019.
"This tentative agreement provides stability for the community health sector for the next five years and takes an important first step in bringing members' wages and benefits in-line with other health care workers doing the same type of work," said HSA President Val Avery.
