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:

HSA has just launched a new TV ad, and it’s being broadcast all around the province for the next six weeks.

It’s our third original TV ad, all developed over the last four years as HSA’s long-term commitment to raising the profile of health science professionals and their vital role in modern health care.

A bylection for election of Regional Director for Region 5, (primarily Provincial Health Services Authority) has been called today to fill a vacancy on the board created by the resignation of Kimball Finigan. Finigan was not able to fulfill his responsibilities as a board member for the term that expires in April 2015.

Nominations for Regional Director must be received by the HSA office not later than Monday, October 21, 2013 at 5 p.m. Balloting will be completed by Monday, November 25, 2013.

A byelection for election of Regional Director for Region 2 (lower Vancouver Island) has been called today to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Val Avery as HSA president. Avery, who has served as HSA’s vice president since May 2009, was appointed president upon the resignation of Reid Johnson, as provided under the union’s constitution.

Nominations for Regional Director must be received by the HSA office not later than Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 5 p.m. Balloting will be completed by Wednesday, November 13, 2013.

HSA's Board of Directors announces the resignation of President Reid Johnson effective today, September 11, 2013.

As provided under the union's constitution, vice president Val Avery, a physiotherapist at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, steps in as the new president. An election will be held at the union's April 2014 annual convention.

RPN members have expressed concern that an upcoming round of votes ordered by the Labour Relations Board will result in HSA members becoming members of another union.

This is not the case.

The votes will not involve RPNs, and to date, the Labour Relations Board has not given any indication that its decision will have any bearing on HSA's right to continue to represent RPN members.

BACKGROUND

HSA members at Paragon Orthotic Lab in Victoria, a manufacturer of custom footwear orthotics, have voted unanimously in favour of accepting a four-year collective agreement.

Highlights of the agreement include wage increases equal to the cost of living, or a minimum of 2 per cent, in the third and fourth years of the agreement, in addition to increased benefit coverage in the third and fourth years of the agreement. The benefit coverage improvements include increases in dental coverage, as well as the introduction of eyeglass coverage for employees’ spouses.

HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in upcoming municipal by-elections may apply to HSA for financial support from HSA's Political Action Fund.

Municipal, Board of Education and Regional District elections

1. Members who are candidates in a civic election may apply for up to 5 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.

A policy grievance arbitration over the unprecedented Influenza Control Program Policy introduced by the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC) last August will open tomorrow in Vancouver.

Fall 2013 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 a 3-day Basic Steward Training workshop at the HSA office this fall:

Dates: November 25 – 27, 2013

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