The government announced today through the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) that bargaining a fair collective agreement for health science professionals ... who have been without a contract since April 2012 ... is not on the agenda.

The day after the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) tabled a framework agreement that includes a modest wage increase, HEABC returned to the table, explaining its hands are tied by the Ministry of Health, which refuses to apply the governments cooperative gains mandate for meaningful bargaining at the table.

After more than six months of talks, the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSBPA) today tabled a wage proposal in contract discussions with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).

The proposal is for 2% wage increases effective April 1, 2012 and April 1, 2013.

Stop ignoring critical resource needs in underfunded sector, workers tell government

Rotating job actions are again underway this week in targeted community-based social services agencies, where workers are calling on government to provide the resources needed to improve their wages and working conditions.

Noon-hour protest

Hospital pharmacists are chronically understaffed. Theyre overextended in caring for patients who are increasingly acutely ill when they arrive at hospital. Clinical pharmacists ... along with other health science professionals -- are concerned that a chronic recruitment and retention crisis is eroding clinical care in BC.

Clinical pharmacists have been speaking up to government representatives and reaching out to supporters about their important role in quality health care:

HSA is holding a 2-day, non-partisan election campaign school for members 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 2013 provincial election, but will also touch on municipal and federal elections. 

If you want to help elect representatives who will support public health care and community social services, or are considering running for elected office, then this campaign school is for you!

A College for Workers - A Legacy of Leadership

2013 Intensive Program Dates:

First Session:  May 4-18, 2013
Second Session:  August 11-23, 2013

Application Deadline:  November 5, 2012

For more information, please click here.

One of Canadas best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2013

The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour oriented courses. 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.

HSA offers a number of scholarships which cover full reimbursement for wages, travel, registration, accommodation (twin), meals and dependant care. In addition, HSA provides one Ann Hallman Scholarship.

How do we work together against violence in health care workplaces? For the first time ever, the annual international conference to counter violence in the health sector is taking place in North America.

More than 470 participants from around the world have gathered at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Richmond to hear from experts and take part in workshops at the Violence in the Health Sector ... Linking Local Initiatives with Global Learning conference.

Summary

• High profile targeted strike action by community social service workers took place in Vancouver, Kamloops and Prince George last week, with considerable public support and excellent media coverage;
• Political action also took place today at Social Development Minister Moira Stillwells office in Vancouver;
• Further targeted job action will take place late this week, with details to be announced.

Last week

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) ... representing 14,000 community health services and support workers ... met on October 18 to discuss next steps in trying to achieve a collective agreement with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC).

No new bargaining dates have been set.

So far, significant progress has been made in resolving many of the non-monetary issues, including the renewal of many Memoranda of Understanding attached to the collective agreement, and improvements to the grievance and arbitration provisions.