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

Nominations for the position closed with two members declaring their candidacy:

• Derrick Hoyt a pathologist's assistant at Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital

• Anna Morton, a social worker at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Child Development

Health science professionals will soon have greater control over their benefits thanks to a new joint benefits trust. The trustees will become part of an innovative and progressive approach that gives them the flexibility to design a benefit structure that aligns with members' needs. It is fitting that health science professionals were first to sign onto this initiative, given how central innovation is in their day to day practice.

We're happy to announce that on April 1, 2016, the first of three compensation comparability wage increases for Community Social Services (CSS) workers will take effect. This 2.5% increase, combined with the Economic Stability Dividend of .45% will result in an increase for all members covered by the Community Living Services and General Services collective agreements.

HSA is aware that the BC Nurses Union is soliciting HSA members to apply for more than 1,500 nursing jobs announced jointly with the provincial government last week. The jobs are to replace the use of casual nurses and overtime to address staffing challenges in nursing across the province.

Occupational health and safety is important to HSA members. Safety stewards and representatives on joint OH&S committees play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and preventing injuries.

HSA is offering the following OH&S workshop in Victoria for stewards and representatives on joint occupational health and safety committees in Regions 1 & 2.  This workshop is participatory and discussion-oriented, providing an opportunity to examine examples from your own workplace.

Occupational health and safety is important to HSA members. Safety stewards and representatives on joint OH&S committees play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and preventing injuries.
 
HSA is offering the following OH&S workshops in the New Westminster office. These workshops are participatory and discussion-oriented, providing an opportunity to examine examples from your own workplace.

This year, Regional Director elections will take place in Regions 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.  All HSA members in these regions are encouraged to put their name forward for these important positions.

The Board of Directors meets quarterly, and directors take an active leadership role in representing the union.  They receive wage replacement at their regular rate of pay for the time they spend in official meetings.  Part-time and casual members are reimbursed as if they were at work during the meetings they attend.

The Community Social Services Labour Adjustment and Education Fund Committee is calling for new applications from members working in the community social services sector.

Applicants must:

Educational Objective:

To explore the issue of social justice and some of the efforts HSA and its partners are undertaking to bring about just conditions both locally and globally.

Target Audience:

All members interested in social justice.

Workshop Goals:

HSA, on behalf of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA), has now concluded negotiations for a labour adjustment plan with PHSA . This labour adjustment plan will address the implementation of the PHSA laboratory technical leadership redesign in the most supportive and respectful manner for our laboratory technologists.

Lab stewards and members have done an exemplary job at articulating concerns about the employer's redesign plan. It has resulted in no net loss of positions.