Highlights effects of health and social service cuts

This week, the Coalition to Build a Better BC announced that more than 25 groups have joined together to oppose provincial government funding cuts and to work on real solutions to build a better province. HSA is among the members of the Coalition, which includes groups from the arts community, first nations, health care, community services, organized labour, post-secondary students, youth, environmental and faith groups.

International Womens Day: When our mothers entered the workforce a generation ago, job postings still listed higher wages for men ... -mens rates" ... alongside lower -womens rates," for people working side by side, doing exactly the same job.

While women have fought for and achieved many significant gains, the wage gap between women and men today remains staggering: almost 30 per cent. Women working full-time still only make 70 cents for every dollar men are paid.

In spite of a budget speech that boasts a commitment to health care, British Columbians should brace themselves for another round of cuts to health care services around the province, Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC said in response to the provincial budget released today.

-With a status quo budget for health care, we know that health authorities will be forced to continue to cut services as they have been doing the past year," Johnson said.

TO: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

RE: IWD ... VANCOUVER RALLY AND CONFERENCE - MARCH 6, 2010

-WOMENS VOICES AT THE TABLE"

A diverse group of community and labour women have been meeting to organize the large Vancouver community event for this years International Womens Day (IWD) celebration in Vancouver. This year, the IWD Rally at the Art Gallery will be followed by a Conference at the Vancouver Public Library.

The top priority for the upcoming federal budget, due to come out March 4, 2010, must be to preserve and create good jobs. The budget should also invest in building a healthier, smarter, greener and more secure Canada, says NUPGE president James Clancy.

Follow the link for the full story, including how you can participate in the national budget consulation.

http://www.nupge.ca/content/president-s-commentary-budget-advice-national-union-harper-government

In 2004, West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) collaborated with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) to produce an in-depth study about the effects of cuts to legal aid. Legal Aid Denied: Women and the Cuts to Legal Services in BC examined the recent history and cumulative effects of cuts, undermining the health, safety, livelihoods, and families in need of legal assistance.

HSA's board of directors has made a $10,000 donation on behalf of HSA members to the Haitian relief efforts.

HSA joins with individuals, organizations, and governments around the world that are mobilizing to provide food, shelter, and medical aid for the Haitian people devasted by the January 12 earthquake that has demolished large parts of the country and left hundreds of thousands dead or homeless.

You and your family depend on BC's public services. So why doesn't the BC Government undestand that when they cut public services, they hurt your family and community.

HSA and other unions have joined to support the BC Federation of Labour "Cuts Cost You More," advertising campaign.

Visit the BC Federation of Labour website to hear the radio ad and see the print ad.

Despite wide-spread public outcry and media attention, the Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) program for children with autism is closing its doors this week due to government funding cuts.

At Queen Alexandra Center for Child Health on Vancouver Island, 40 experienced and highly-trained therapists have lost their jobs. Today is their last day of work.

These cuts were triggered this fall by Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak, who announced funding for autism services for children under age 6 would be cut by more than $3 million.

HSAs board of directors voted this week to recommend rejection of the tentative agreement reached last month in the Community Health Services and Support sector between the bargaining associations lead union, BCGEU, and the provincial government.

The board agreed with HSAs negotiating team representing members in the sector that the agreement asks members to give up too many hard-won benefits.