HSA has completed negotiations with Lower Mainland health authorities for a transition to a region-wide consolidation of diagnostic imaging services. The agreement allows for the significant restructuring of services without displacements and layoffs of diagnostic imaging staff.

Highlights of the Section 54 agreement include:

- Provisions for seamless employment transfer

- Expanded opportunities in job postings and bumping rights

- Increased opportunities for clinical specialization, and

This Sunday, October 3, join us in the annual Run for the Cure.

Its not too late to join our team!  Visit HSAs website and follow the links to the Breast Cancer Foundations Run registration page.

This year, HSA President Reid Johnson will be running with Fraser Valley members at the Abbotsford Run.

Look for HSAs booth at the Run in your community.  Send us your photos of the Run: if we publish your photo in The Report magazine or on our website, well send you a gift.

Bargaining for the community social services sector contract resumed this week, but quickly stalled.

Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -In the absence of meaningful discussion that could lead to an agreement, the Community Social Services Bargaining Association has asked the employer for dates to begin discussion on essential service levels," he said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in BC is looking for individuals to serve on the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the CAPC Advisory Committee is to make recommendations on CAPC-specific funding and policy, including program implementation and evaluation, to PHAC. By participating as an Advisory Committee member, an individual has the opportunity to provide input that will shape the delivery of the program in BC.

PHAC is currently seeking representation from the following:

Health science professionals who work with children have been receiving employer notifications regarding the requirement for criminal records checks.

As a result of amendments to the Criminal Records Review Act which came into effect in January 2008, all employees who work with or have unsupervised access to children (under age 19) must undergo a criminal records check every five years ... not just upon hire.  The deadline for compliance is December 31, 2010.

New evidence of Canada Health Act violations, BC Court of Appeal ruling affirming government authority to audit for-profit clinics, and resolution at next weeks UBCM Convention all signal need for immediate government response.

New research conducted by the BC Health Coalition has revealed evidence that for-profit clinics across the province continue to openly charge patients additional fees to jump the queue for health services already covered by Medicare.

The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met this week to prepare for bargaining resuming next week.

Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -Were looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working life and conditions of our members," he said. -We hope the employers are willing to actively participate in collective bargaining after almost a year of talks."

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010
Classes 9:00 ... 4:30 pm, registration 8:30 am

Where: Justice Institute of BC, New Westminster Campus, 715 McBride Blvd

The New Westminster & District Labour Council is hosting the following labour education courses:

HSA is offering a 2-day OH&S steward workshop this fall:

Date: November 8 & 9, 2010

Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver

Occupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops are participatory and discussion oriented. We encourage you to bring examples from your workplace for discussion. Please refer to the attached pre-registration form for further details.

The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is urging the Harper government to stop stalling and start working with provincial and territorial governments to bring in a universal public Pharmacare program.

The coalition has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper appealing for action following the release of a report laying out a formula for Pharmacare that would not only offer coverage to all Canadians but could save up to $10.7 billion annually in the process.