Provisions to address workload issues come at the expense of BCs future nurses, and thats too high a price to pay, says HSA president Reid Johnson.

The unions board of directors is recommending HSA members, registered psychiatric nurses covered by the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) collective agreement, vote -NO" to the tentative collective agreement reached last week between the NBA and Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).

Union members who work in Community Health Services and Support sector have voted 86 per cent in favour of job action.

HSA President Reid Johnson said this strong mandate is a clear message to employers. "Our members in community health help hold our communities together," he said. "It's time for the Health Employers' Association of BC and the BC government to recognize the invaluable services provided by these members, and to value the needs of their patients and clients."

Over the next few months, various organizations will be offering election campaign training. HSA members may apply for Political Action Fund support to attend election campaign training which is:

Over the next few months, various organizations will be offering election campaign training.  HSA members may apply for Political Action Fund support to attend election campaign training which is:

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: October 19 & 20, 2012

For 50 years the Labour College of Canada has been a catalyst for leadership in the labour and social justice movements in Canada. Today, it offers a four-week Intensive Program of post-secondary learning for active union members who want to enhance their leadership

The Nurses Bargaining Association has reached a tentative agreement with health employers on a new provincial contract that addresses members key concerns ... providing safe patient care and addressing workload through safe staffing, enhancing job security and improving compensation.

The tentative deal was reached in a very tough fiscal climate, with the provincial government insisting on its cooperative gains mandate for public sector bargaining. Negotiations began last February and continued until yesterday.

HSA, on behalf of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA), has achieved a significant win in the continuing dispute regarding the application of interim classification modifications which affect reporting relationships and rates of pay. The interim measures were tied to the work of the Joint Classification Committee (JCC) negotiated in the 2010-2012 collective agreement and do not stand alone.

Fall 2012 Basic Steward Training

Stewards play a vital role in the union.  Particularly important is the stewards role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure.  In recognition of the need for educating new stewards in these areas, HSA is offering a 3-day Basic Steward Training workshop at the HSA office this fall:

Dates:  November 5, 6, 7, 2012
Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver

Job action in Community Social Services is likely in the coming weeks, unless the government mandate regarding monetary issues changes significantly.