The Report

The Report: July / August 2004 vol.25 num.4 by CINDY STEWART ith the federal election behind us, the election of a minority Liberal government produces an interesting dynamic - one that presents a wonderful opportunity for HSA members to ensure issues important to you remain front and centre. During the election campaign, all the parties acknowledged that health care is...

The Report: July / August 2004 vol.25 num.4 by LEANNE M. WALSH I heard that there is a recent court case about discrimination against employees based on "family status." What are the issues? Why is this court case important? HSA recently won this precedent-setting case argued in the BC Court of Appeal by HSA's legal staff on behalf of an...

The Report: June 2004 vol.25 num.3 record number of members attended HSA’s 33rd annual convention, held April 23 and 24 in Burnaby. Delegates spent two days listening to reports and guest speakers, and vigorously debating resolutions to help determine the union’s course of action over the next year. Delegates spoke passionately about the devastating effects of the provincial Liberals’ cuts...

The Report: June 2004 vol.25 num.3 by CINDY STEWART ith less than a year left in the Liberal government’s mandate, we have come through a very turbulent period in labour relations in British Columbia. It started three years ago when the government legislated health science professionals back to work and then imposed a contract on HSA members. It continued with...

The Report: June 2004 vol.25 num.3 by BRUCE WILKINS A recent reorganization in my department has compounded what was already an acute workload problem. My coworkers are all on the verge of burnout. What should we do? As the demands on HSA members become greater due to staffing shortages and government cutbacks, the issue of workload has come to be...

The Report: June 2004 vol.25 num.3 by CAROLE PEARSON armela Vezza is a good person to have on your side. “I realized quite young,” she says, “that in order for people to get services they needed they had to have an advocate, somebody who could dig around and find out what was available and pursue it. I realized I was...

The Report: April / May 2004 vol.25 num.2 by JACKIE SPAIN hen we are angry as workers about what is happening in BC in the health care system and our society in general, we have to remember that we were the architects of our own destiny. The province had a democratic vote for the government of choice. The people voted...

The Report: April / May 2004 vol.25 num.2 by LEANNE WALSH My mother is very ill. I have heard that there is a new employment insurance paid leave for which I can apply so that I can take time off work to care for her. What are the details? There have been recent changes to the Employment Insurance Act. As...

The Report: April / May 2004 vol.25 num.2 by CAROLE PEARSON t’s a great profession,” says physiotherapist Amanda Bartlett about her job. “You get to work with so many wonderful people as your patients and you can see first hand the magnitude of the effect you can have on their lives.” Amanda Bartlett Physiotherapist Kelowna General Hospital (and beyond) Bartlett...

The Report: April / May 2004 vol.25 num.2 s is the case with many unions representing professional, public sector employees, HSA and its members have become more active in the political arena. As an organization, and as individuals, HSA members have become increasingly vocal about government decisions which affect their patients and clients, and which affect themselves as health care...