Paramedical professionals have voted 92 per cent in favour of the tentative contract reached this summer between the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association (PPBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC).

"Clearly, paramedical professionals recognized that this was the best contract possible given the current political climate," says Ron Ohmart, chief negotiator for the PPBA.

All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are reminded that any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred between May 5 and December 31, 2003 must be submitted to Pacific Blue Cross no later than October 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has notified HSA that it has developed recommendations for a redesign of laboratory services.

The VCHA has stated that its proposals will result in changes to the VCHA sites or transfers between the sites, impacting staffing levels, shift rotations, full-time equivalents, and required skill mix. However, the health authority has indicated that they will work with HSA to minimize the "involuntary" impact on staff.

The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association (PPBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC) have reached an agreement on an outstanding dispute regarding extended health care benefits.

The dispute stems from HEABC's directive to Pacific Blue Cross that the collective agreement did not require it to cover the additional costs arising from the BC government's decision to de-list physiotherapy, chiropractic services, massage therapy and podiatry.

HSA has scored a significant victory for Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association members who have been denied on-call pay when they were called back to work.

Under the collective agreement, members receive premium pay for the hours they are scheduled on call. The current rate is $3 an hour for the first 72 hours in a month, and $4.25 per hour for any additional on-call hours.