The Community Social Services Employers Association and Community Social Services Barganining Association Committee has been working jointly to determine necessary wage adjustments, which are scheduled for April 1, 2017 and April 1, 2018. The wage grids for 2017, including the Economic Stability Dividend and General Wage Increase, will be released shortly.

The committee reviewed all 62 benchmarks and agreed to the following revisions.

Revised Benchmarks
(There are no changes to the grid levels)

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Starting with the first pay period after February 1, 2017, most HSA members can expect a pay increase of 0.35% over and above the 5.5% increase rolling out over the life of the current contract.

On Monday, the Vancouver Sun devoted front-page coverage to HSA's efforts to stop attacks on RPNs:

http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/violent-assaults-on-nurses-by-patients-continue-at-abbotsford-hospital

With flu season around the corner, HSA members are reminded of the provincial influenza control policy in effect in BC.

In spite of changes in other provinces, the flu prevention policy in BC has not changed, and health care workers who choose not to be vaccinated have options available to them, including wearing a surgical mask.

Health care workers must report their vaccination status confidentially through an on-line form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2017

Stewards are union representatives who offer support and advice to members. They play an essential role within HSA and the workplace by advocating for members, keeping members informed of union activities and providing democratic leadership. HSA provides training and ongoing support for members elected to these positions.

Elections will be held in many HSA chapters during the coming few weeks to select members to fill the following HSA positions for the coming year:

HSA has contracted with Viewpoints Research to conduct a survey to find out more about how HSA members feel about how their union responds to concerns and communicates important information. The survey will include questions related to contract negotiations, workload, member communications and other current issues.

The survey will be conducted on line. Members will receive email invitations starting October 20, and the survey will be open until November 1.  It takes 8-12 minutes to complete.

Space is still available in HSA's 2-day, non-partisan election campaign school for members who are interested in working  on election campaigns or running for political office.  The school will focus on opportunities for HSA members to be involved in the May 2017 provincial election, but will also touch on municipal and federal elections. 
 

HSA's member professions play an incredibly important role in modern health care and community social services. But it's not an easy story to tell.

On TV, doctors and nurses are everywhere, often depicted doing the specialized work of pharmacists, lab technologists, radiation technologists, social workers, counsellors and other key professionals in health care and community social services. The public needs to know more about who we are, and what we do. That's why HSA regularly advertizes on TV, radio and on line. But it's hard to fit all these professions in a 30-second spot.