While there is no general wage increase, the 24-month extension provides a 3 per cent labour market adjustment in 2010 and in 2011. Thats in addition to the 4.2 per cent wage increase already negotiated and scheduled for April 1, 2009.

HSA represents just over 800 Registered Psychiatric Nurses covered by the Nurses' Bargaining Association collective agreement. HSA's nurses will vote on the tentative agreement by mail-in ballot, being distributed to HSA members this week. Completed ballots must be returned to the HSA office by Friday, April 3, 2009.

On February 6, 2009, the government tabled legislation that will radically change the rules governing pay equity in the federal public sector.

Workers' Perspectives: A Violence in Healthcare survey

The Provincial Violence Prevention Steering Committee (PVPSC) wants to hear about workers' experiences with violence to create an accurate picture of violence in healthcare workplaces. This survey is the first tool of its kind that will help identify priority areas for violence prevention efforts. If you are a BC healthcare worker, you are eligible to complete our survey and be entered in a draw to win an iPod.

Why is violence in healthcare a concern?

Are you a woman planning to participate in the upcoming provincial election campaign?  If so, then the BCFLs Womens Campaign School may be for you.

Dates:  March 21-24, 2009
Location:  Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Todays 2009/2010 provincial budget announcements failed to provide any new money for health care in British Columbia until 2011.  In addition, the budget included no movement towards the creation of previously promised not-for-profit residential beds or any new funding for seniors care.

-In times of economic crisis, providing the ability for health authorities to invest in home and community care today would be a productive form of economic stimulus that would benefit communities across the province, said Leslie Dickout, Medicare Campaigner, BC Health Coalition.

Todays budget tabled by the BC Liberal government makes it clear that the BC Liberals are in a holding pattern until the next provincial election, says Reid Johnson, president of the Health Sciences Association of BC. HSA represents more than 15,000 health science professionals who provide clinical, diagnostic and rehabilitation services in hospitals and community facilities.

HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working on campaigns in the May 12, 2009 provincial election can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund:

1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.

HSA members in Region 3 have once again acclaimed Bruce MacDonald as their representative to the HSA Board of Directors. He was acclaimed after the February 12th deadline passed with no further nominations. 
Bruce is a social worker at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. He has been a member of HSA since 2000. 

Bruce was first elected to the HSA Board of Directors in 2006 and currently sits on the unions Constitutional and Organizational Policy committee, Finance committee, and also serves as the unions Secretary-Treasurer.

HSA members in Region 5 have acclaimed Kimball Finigan, a radiation therapist at the Vancouver Centre of the BC Cancer Agency as their representative on the HSA board of directors.  He was acclaimed after the February 12th deadline passed with no further nominations.

HSA members in Region 9 have acclaimed Janice Morrison, a physiotherapist at Kootenay Lake Hospital, as their representative on the HSA Board of Directors.

Since becoming an HSA member in 1990, Janice has been a Steward, Assistant Chief Steward, and Chief Steward at Kootenay Lake Hospital, as well as a Member-at-Large.  She previously sat on the Committee for Equality and Social Action, and the Political Action Committee, and currently serves on the Trial Committee.