2008: News Archive

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Nov. 6 as the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada. The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country. The idea for the day, which will be celebrated annually...

The ProvinceBy Ian Austin A year-long study of the effect of private clinics on the Canadian public health-care system has concluded that wait times are longest in areas where private clinics take personnel from the public system. "We found evidence of wait times that are highest in areas with the most privatization, as resources -- financial and human -- are...

Hundredsof HSA members across BC participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, held SundayOctober 5. HSA is a gold-level sponsor. In Victoria, Leslie Connie (left,mammography technologist at CML Healthcare), Sharon Eggertson (centre,dietitian at Royal Jubilee Hospital), and Val Avery (right, physiotherapist andRegion 1 Director) volunteered for HSA's Run for the Cure team. For moreinformation on HSA's participation in the...

BC Health Coalition calls on British Columbians to reject BCAA queue jumping insurance and demand government action to enforce health care legislation.The BC Health Coalition is deeply disturbed by BCAAs recent announcement to begin offering insurance that will allow its members to jump the health care queue and obtain services at for-profit clinics. The actions of BCAA clearly contravene both...

HSA members who are running for office or working on campaigns in the provincial by-elections in Vancouver-Burrard and Vancouver-Fairview can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund: 1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run...

The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4 What are the general guidelines you recommend for scheduling vacations? What happens if my vacation gets cancelled because of staff shortages? As vacation scheduling can be a very sensitive issue, both members and union stewards should be proactive and be aware of deadlines for vacation requests and approvals. Ask for notification of...

The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN n Uganda, there are no biomedical engineers. When medical equipment breaks, it is often just shoved into a storage room. Sometimes, even new, perfectly functioning medical equipment, donated by a well-meaning NGO or foreign government wanting to help this country recover from years of brutal dictatorship and repression, just...

The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4 by CAROLE PEARSON 've had an amazing career," says Cathy Fix, an ultrasound supervisor for Providence Health in vancouver. -Ive been doing ultrasound for 25 years. Ive done sales, clinical applications, and some marketing. Ive done traveling with it. Ive been to places like Bangkok, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the States. For me...

The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4 by REID JOHNSON Gordon Campbell just wants you to shut up BC. That was the message unions delivered through advertising when the B.C. government introduced Bill 42, the election law that limits organizations' ability to comment on government's actions. -The legislation effectively muzzles discussion about the throne speech, the budget, and any...

HSA is sponsoring an Occupational Health and Safety Conference -Connections ... Advocating for a Safe and Healthy Workplace" November 20 and 21, 2008Hilton Vancouver Airport HotelThis conference is designed for experienced safety stewards to develop their understanding and to help ensure safe working conditions for all members. Learn from presenters from agencies such as OHSAH, WorkSafeBC, and other experts.Learn more...