Community social services workers will receive a new bonus early next year thanks to the efforts of the Community Social Services Bargaining Association of Unions (CSSBA).

The bonus is expected to equal about 1 per cent of each employees earnings in 2008. It will be based on reported income on the T4 income
tax form, issued by employers by the end of February, 2009. All employees of Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA)
agencies who earned income in 2008 will receive a bonus.

Two FREE Public Events Next Week:

On Wednesday Nov. 5th:

Who's Minding the Store?
The privatization of long-term care and what it means for care quality

7:00PM
Unitarian Church - 949 W. 49th Avenue, Vancouver

With speakers:

Charlene Harrington, professor and researcher
Dr. Margaret McGregor, family physician and health services researcher
Lyne England, advocacy activist from Victoria

More than 150 Canadian and international guests will meet Nov. 19-21 in Ottawa to discuss how labour rights are a critical component of human rights, helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic wellbeing of citizens.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights received a big boost to its fundraising campaign this week with a $170,000 donation on behalf of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and four of its Component unions.

The donation was announced at the 60th convention of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU/NUPGE) which was held October 24-25 in Winnipeg.

Generalvoting will be held on Wednesday, October 29 in 2 by-elections in theprovincial constituencies of Vancouver-Fairview and Vancouver-Burrard.  Polls are open that day from 8:00 am to 8:00pm.  HSA members who live in theseconstituencies are urged to vote in these critical by-elections. 

Section 74of the BC Election Act states thatemployees are entitled to 4 consecutive hours on October 29 for the purpose ofvoting.  Elections BC has provided thefollowing interpretation of this requirement:

Municipal elections will be held across the province on November 15.

The BC Health Coalition is calling on all municipal candidates to declare themselves public health care defenders!

The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour orientated courses.  Past HSA participants have rated the courses and the experience highly.  The school offers an opportunity to meet people from other unions and workplaces across BC.  To support HSAs ability to represent HSA members effectively and to help build a stronger union, members and/or stewards can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.

There is still room available in the two-day OH&S Steward Training workshop on December 1 & 2, 2008.  Please register as soon as possible if you are interested in attending this workshop.

OH&S Steward Training:
December 1 and 2, 2008

Eligible stewards should print a pre-registration form off the HSA websiteat www.hsabc.rog (go to Member Services, then Education) and return it to the HSA Office (Attention:  Karin Herbert) as soon as possible.  HSA will call you to confirm your registration.

Oct. 22 marks the seventh annual day of appreciation for child care workers and early childhood educators

Ottawa (17 Oct. 2008) ... The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is joining with Canadians across the country in acknowledging the contributions made by child care workers and early childhood educators in the development of children, families and communities.

BC Health Coalition

Who's Minding the Store?
The privatization of long-term care and
what it means for care quality

Wednesday Nov. 5th - 7-9 pm
Unitarian Church - 949 W. 49th Avenue,
Vancouver

With speakers: