2014 Basic Steward Training

Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure. In recognition of the need for educating new stewards in these areas, HSA is offering four 3-day Basic Steward Training workshops at the HSA office as follows -

Dates: January 13 – 15, 2014

              February 3 – 5, 2014

              February 24 – 26, 2014

              March 10 – 12, 2014

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

HSA joins other unions across Canada today in recognizing the dedication and professionalism of the workers in community living group homes and day programs, shelters, and supported housing; sexual assault centres, transition houses, and victims' services; infant development programs and child care centres; and the diverse array of programs that provide counselling, rehabilitation, recreation, employment training, outreach, advocacy and referral services.

The week of November 19, HSA will hold bargaining proposal conferences related to the four public sector contracts under which members work.

Local union meetings are being held for members to discuss proposals for consideration at the conferences, which will set the direction for bargaining new collective agreements. The contracts all expire March 31, 2014.

A new Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) negotiated into the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association and Nurses' Bargaining Association contracts in the last round of bargaining comes into effect today.

The program replaces disability management programs previously run by individual health authorities.

Jointly developed with employers and other unions over several year, EDMP is an employee-centred, proactive, and customized disability management program for employees with occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries.

Do I have to get the flu shot?
The policy upheld by the arbitrator states that if you do not get a flu shot, you can still work, but must wear a mask at all times during the declared flu season.

When does flu season start?
Flu season is declared by the Provincial Health Officer. It is typically declared between late-November and March.

Are you a woman considering either running for elected office, or working in a key position in a future election campaign? If so, then the Canadian Women Voters Congress Women's Campaign School is for you.

Dates:  November 29 (evening) & November 30 (all day)
Location:  SFU Surrey, BC

During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 5 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA’s Board of Directors.

The byelection was required when Region 5 regional director Kimball Finigan was unable to continue to serve in the position. The successful candidate will fill the vacancy until the end of the term, which expires at the end of the 2015 HSA Convention in April.

Nominations for the position closed October 21, with three members declaring their candidacy:   • Ramzan Anjum, a Medical Laboratory Technologist at BC Children’s Hospital

HSA has contracted with Viewpoints Research to conduct a survey of HSA members covered by the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association collective agreement about issues related to upcoming contract negotiations.

Your feedback is important and valuable to your bargaining committee. Note that this is one of many opportunities allowing members to share their thoughts about the upcoming bargaining, the most important of which is the upcoming bargaining proposal conference scheduled for November. Please contact your steward for more information.

HSA announces the second round for applications for professional development funding achieved in bargaining for the 2012-2014 HSPBA collective agreement is now open.

The $225,000 Professional Development Fund is accessible for all HSPBA members, including HSA members, over the term of the collective agreement.

During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 2 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA’s Board of Directors.

The byelection was required when Region 2 regional director Val Avery was named HSA President last month, creating a vacancy on the board of directors. The successful candidate will fill the vacancy until the end of the term, which expires at the end of the 2014 HSA Convention in April.

Nominations for the position closed October 2, with three members declaring their candidacy: