Vancouver - May 1:

The celebration will run through the afternoon and evening.

Health Sciences Association of BC offers its condolences to members, their families, and community as they deal with the devastating tragedy of the fire at the Lakeland Sawmill in Prince George

"On behalf of all HSA members, I offer our thoughts and prayers to our colleagues and their families in Prince George," said HSA President Reid Johnson.

-The tragedy in Prince George has affected the whole community, including the many HSA members who were called on to respond to emergency medical demands resulting from the explosion and fire," he said.

HSA President Reid Johnson said injury and fatality rates in BC are still far too high. "On the Day of Mourning, we honour workers who have died -- and we recommit to the fight to improve workplace health and safety," he said.

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) resumed bargaining last week in Vancouver, exchanging and discussing proposals for four days with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC).

The parties discussed several issues and exchanged proposals on previously tabled proposals.  Most of the non-monetary issues have been canvassed, and this week work continue to narrow the differences or gain agreement on many issues members have identified as important.

After months of preparation, the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) appeared before arbitrator John Hall Monday to argue an application for interim relief in a policy grievance that alleges HEABC is in contravention of the 2010-2012 HSPBA collective agreement for failing or refusing to work towards the objectives agreed to in bargaining.

FREE PUBLIC FORUM

The Ombudspersons Report on Seniors Care in BC ... Building a Community-Based Response

Featuring a presentation by
BC Ombudsperson
Kim Carter

Saturday, April 28, 2012
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CSI Seniors Activity Centre
in the Brock Shopping Centre
9a - 1800 Tranquille Road, Kamloops

Join us at a community forum on April 28 to discuss BC Ombudsperson Kim Carters comprehensive recommendations for improving quality, accessibility, and accountability in BCs home and community care system.

Following a month-long break the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) ... returned to the negotiating table on April 16 for four days of contract talks with the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA).

CSSBA reports that progress has been frustratingly slow. The bargaining committee is working hard to make the case for a fair and reasonable deal, including a wage increase.

Members of the Health Sciences Association, the union delivering modern health care that represents health sciences professionals who deliver diagnosis, treatment and recovery in BCs hospitals and communities, is meeting this weekend at its 41st annual convention in Vancouver.

Over the course of the next two days members will be debating a number of resolutions as the union adds to and enhances the agenda it has built over the past four decades.

Long-time HSA activist Rachel Tutte has been nominated for a Women of Distinction Award in the Metro Vancouver YWCAs 2012 awards competition.  Recognized nationally as one of Canadas most prestigious awards for women, the Women of Distinction Awards honour women whose outstanding achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our community.

HSA continues to advocate on behalf of Lower Mainland laboratory technologists affected by the employers plans to consolidate services under one health authority.

HSA met with the employer in a Section 54 meeting last Thursday, April 4. The employer has advised that they intend to transfer employment of all lab technologists to the Provincial Health Services Authority in the fall of 2012. However, the employer has not provided any information on plans for the transfer.