FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Health Sciences Association, the union representing 12,000 health science professionals who provide the diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services in the public health care system, welcomed the deal hammered out over the weekend to force the government to step back from its attack on health support workers.

Most HSA esential services levels in place

Mediator Stephen Rinfret has booked out of mediation with the Facilities Health Services & Support Bargaining Association and Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC).

Bargaining between the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association and Health Employers Association of BC has been temporarily suspended.

To: HSA Chief Stewards

Re: Agreement with HEABC re on-call and call-back provisions during a strike

HSA and the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association reached agreement with HEABC last night at the Labour Relations Board, to resolve ongoing disputes regarding on-call and call-back pay during the provision of essential services. Resolution of these disputes was necessary in order to complete essential services designations.

Unions' priorities include fair bumping and job posting processes

Union representation a key issue in most recent talks

Late Tuesday afternoon the Labour Relations Board issued its written decision setting the boundaries for new expanded seniority lists in the health care sector. This follows an oral decision delivered Friday.

The decision is available for download as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, with an accompanying separate appendix listing worksites by area.