News & Updates
Code Pink
December 1, 2009
The Report: December 2009 vol.30 num.5
HSA MEMBERS ARE PROTECTING CO-WORKERS FROM BULLYING
IMAGINE A WORKPLACE where all employees feel valued and respected by an employer who cares about their wellbeing. An inclusive environment where ideas are openly expressed and differences honored. A world of teamwork, clear communication, and harmony.
If that doesnt sound like your workplace, statistics say you arent alone.
Community builder
December 1, 2009
The Report: December 2009 vol.30 num.5
SOCIAL WORKER DARWIN WREN BELIEVES IN GETTING INVOLVED
by LAURA BUSHEIKIN
FOR SUCH A BUSY MAN, HSA member Darwin Wren comes across as remarkably calm. Perhaps thats because hes very clear about what is at the heart of his many different activities. -Building community is what it is all about," he says. -I really love helping people, advocating, and making my community a healthier place."
Dec 1: World AIDS Day highlights need for continued action
November 27, 2009
A recent global survey found that fifty per cent of educated youths admit they dont know enough about HIV and AIDS, according to AIESEC International, the worlds largest student organization.
However, in the eight years since the United Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS was signed in 2001, HIV infections have been reduced by 17 per cent, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization.
HSA reaches agreement to reduce impact of Fraser Health social worker layoffs
November 27, 2009
HSA has reached an agreement with Fraser Health Authority for social workers working in acute care facilities, as well as Queens Park Care Centre, who are facing job loss as a result of government-ordered budget cuts.
The measures are expected to reduce the number of involuntary layoffs and displacements, and give affected members options including voluntary reduction of hours, job-sharing, and support for education and relocation.
Health Sciences Association speaks out on government's broken promise to protect health care services
November 23, 2009
The Health Sciences Association of BC, the union that represents more 15,000 health science professionals who deliver the diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services in BCs hospitals and communities, is sounding the alarm about the provincial governments broken promise to protect health care services.
In an intensive province-wide radio campaign, HSA blows the whistle on the cuts to health services ... including the reduction of more than 10,000 MRI scans in the Vancouver area alone.
HSA and Fraser Health enter mediated negotiations
November 20, 2009
In early November, the Fraser Health Authority announced a series of cuts impacting HSA members including social workers, registered psychiatric nurses and youth care counsellors. HSA has responded by presenting a variety of options to Fraser Health intended to minimize the effect of displacements on HSA members. To date HSA and Fraser Health have been unable to reach an agreement to create a labour adjustment plan.
Letter to editor: Re: Public sector unions should push for more private involvement
November 19, 2009
Vancouver Sun
Re: Public sector unions should push for more private involvement, Nov. 17
Let's be clear about what privatized health care is about. It has nothing to do with universal access. It is a method of generating enormous profits from your illness or injury -- no more, no less. Dr. Brian Day, author of the Issues & Ideas piece, wants to divert attention from the real issue on his mind: profit.
HSA to hold important information meetings
November 19, 2009
HSA invites its Fraser Health Authority members affected by the cuts and their stewards to attend special meetings to discuss the cut backs to social workers, registered psychiatric nurses and youth care counsellors. These meetings are an opportunity to get accurate information on your collective agreement rights from the union's labour relations specialists.
HSA also encourages members to access the Fraser Health intranet, and ensure that your seniority information is accurate.
SPECIAL MEETING FOR HSA SOCIAL WORKERS IN FRASER HEALTH AUTHORITY
Courts allow BC Health Coalition to participate in private clinics lawsuit; Audit of Dr. Days Cambie Clinic to proceed
November 17, 2009
(Vancouver) Today, Madame Justice Smith announced her ruling to allow the BC Health Coalition and their pro-medicare partners to participate as intervenors in the pivotal B.C. Supreme Court case launched by Dr. Brian Day and a consortium of private for-profit clinics against the B.C. Medical Services Commission and the provincial government.
Rally for National Medicare Week!
November 13, 2009
No more cuts and broken promises!
Join representatives from across Vancouver Island to deliver their messages to Kevin Falcon & Gordon Campbell: It's time to protect public health care, not destroy it!
Date:Wednesday, November 18, 2009Time:12:00 Noon
Location:Front Lawn of the BC Legislature, Victoria
Buses leaving from Campbell River, Port Alberni, Parksville & Nanaimo -- to book your seat, call 604-681-7945.