In the lead up to provincial bargaining, policy discussions have begun with representatives from all health authorities plus Providence Health Care, Ministry of Health, Health Employers' Association of BC and the Nurses Bargaining Association (BC Nurses Union, Health Sciences Association and Union of Psychiatric Nurses). Participants include BCNU Council members representing nurses in each Health Authority and Providence as well as representation of HSA and UPN.

HSA President Cindy Stewart has written to Premier Gordon Campbell calling on the government to apply the same factors and considerations that led to a 15 per cent wage increase for MLAs to the governments preparations for setting a wage mandate for other public sector workers, including the health care and community social services workers represented by HSA.

HSA is preparing for the next round of contract negotiations between the Nurses' Bargaining Association and the Health Employers Association of B.C. The current provincial collective agreement expires March 31, 2006.

All HSA registered psychiatric nurses will receive a questionnaire in the mail. The survey is designed to identify working conditions and members' bargaining priorities.

Direct employees of health authorities, including all HSA members, will have access to work in the event that HEU members in a first contract dispute with Sodexho erect picket lines. Each of the worksites affected has been designated locations where picketing is allowed, and access is guaranteed to ensure 100 per cent levels of service by direct employees of the health authorities.

HSA today received notice that the Hospital Employees' Union has issued 72-hour strike notice against Sodexho. The parties have been bargaining for a first collective agreement since March 11.

The earliest potential for job action is Thursday, Sept. 15. Because of orders issued by the Labour Relations Board, HSA and other union members will not be affected by picket lines, except that access to the worksite will be through designated entrances.

The provincial agreement between the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) and the Health Employers Association of BC effective April 1, 2004 - March 31, 2006 has been printed and should reach employers by July 18, 2005.

Employers are responsible for ensuring all members working under the contract receive a copy.

If you do not receive a copy of the contract, you may request one through the human resources department or contact at your workplace.

All Health Sciences Association members who work in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and are covered by the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association and Nurses Bargaining Association collective agreements will benefit from agreements reached to develop single seniority lists for each of the bargaining associations.