Violence in the workplace, workload, health and safety issues are just a few major challenges community social service workers face.

Since 2008, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has recognized November 6 as Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day. Now two provinces and over 125 communities across Canada also recognize November 6 as a day to show our appreciation for the compassionate work community social service workers do.

The Health Sciences Association of BC has joined the growing list of leading BC unions to endorse Irene Lanzinger for President of the BC Federation of Labour.

"As secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour, Irene has demonstrated that she is a strong advocate for the services our members deliver in health care and social services," said HSA President Val Avery.

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.

Your feedback is important. Note that this is one of many opportunities allowing members to share their thoughts about strategic planning for the next few years.

If you are contacted by Viewpoints Research in the coming weeks, you are encouraged to participate in the telephone survey, which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

October 26 to November 1 is Respiratory Therapist week, and to celebrate, HSA has invited Lily Cheung, an RT at Vancouver General Hospital, to take over the HSA twitter feed for a week and post about daily life on the front lines of respiratory therapy. 

   A screen shot of the web site.

On Monday, HSA launched a new series of ads designed to promote the work of our diverse professions.

The series of five ads, appearing on radio stations across the province for the next six weeks, demonstrate how our many professions connect to each other, and how we connect the public to modern health care.

RPN members are advised that the BCNU is taking advantage of an error made by Fraser Health Authority to try to raid members at Mission Memorial Hospital.

Ebola Backgrounder

There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Canada.

In areas where Ebola is present, the virus can spread through:

In the next few days, you'll receive an invitation to participate in a process that is crucial to the future success of your union. Are you ready to take part?

As announced earlier this month, HSA has launched an inclusive and comprehensive planning process to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan will be presented to membership at HSA's Annual Convention in May 2015.

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 a 3-day Basic Steward Training workshop at the HSA office this fall:

Dates:  November 3, 4 and 5
Location:  HSA Office, 300 – 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver