News & Updates
Lower Mainland Health Information Management: HSA negotiating to minimize disruption
June 16, 2011
Since January 11, 2011, health employers have been attempting to consolidate Health Information Management (HIM) Lower Mainland wide.
HSA has been making attempts to negotiate a labour adjustment agreement to minimize impacts to our health information management members caught up in this process.
To date, HSA does not have an agreed upon labour adjustment agreement with Providence for HIM Lower Mainland consolidation.
We understand that the employer has gone ahead in implementing their organizational structure for HIM.
Deadline extended for members to apply to act as HSAs representatives on enhanced disability management
June 14, 2011
The deadline for expressions of interest to act as union representatives playing an active role in ensuring members realize the greatest benefit from the recently agreed to Enhanced Disability Management Program has been extended to June 30, 2011.
The extension is as a result of the excellent response to the initial call for representatives, and several requests for opportunities to learn more about the program and the role of the union in supporting its implementation.
CANCELLED: Fair Deal Rally June 16
June 10, 2011
Community social services workers and their supporters are taking their call for a fair collective agreement into the streets of Vancouver on Thursday, June 16.
The early morning rally outside the offices of the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA) will draw public attention to the ongoing crisis in community-based services and what needs to be done to improve working and caring conditions throughout the sector.
Overtime / call-back / insufficient off-duty hours: we want to hear from you!
June 9, 2011
In the last contract talks, many health science professionals called attention to a serious issue: because of being required to be on call and work call-backs, staff are being forced to work with dangerously little rest between shifts.
As part of the new collective agreement, the employer and unions committed to a working group to address these issues. The working group will:• review current practices • provide recommendations for initiatives to reduce the need for overtime and call back
Reminder:HSA offers scholarships forSummer Institute for Union Women
June 6, 2011
July 13 ... 17, 2011 - University of Victoria
The BC Summer Institute for Union Women (SIUW) offers an intensive week of learning within a supportive environment in which union women can develop their skills as workers, activists and leaders. Sponsored by the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the Institute will be held at the University of Victoria (UVIC).
A smarter public health care system
June 1, 2011
The Report: June 2011 vol.32 num.2
HSA invited Andre Picard, health reporter for the Globe and Mail, to deliver a keynote address on the future of public health care in Canada. His speech touched on several recommendations for improving the system.
Thank you for the kind introduction. But I recently changed my bio, courtesy of a politician who was angry with one of my columns. He said: -Picard, youre a hard man to ignore -- but its well worth the effort."
Employees under scrutiny with attendance promotion programs
June 1, 2011
The Report: June 2011 vol.32 num.2
What is an attendance promotion program?
Employers are increasingly using programs intended to reduce the amount of money they lose on the sick days taken by their employees.
Two hats, one goal
June 1, 2011
The Report: June 2011 vol.32 num.2
CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN Colette Barker has two jobs. One is with adults; one is with children. One deals with parenting; the other with youth sexuality. Both fully engage Barkers passion for helping people whose needs are easily overlooked or misunderstood.
For instance, there are persistent misconceptions about children with sexual behaviour problems, says Barker. These are the clients she works with under the auspices of the Boundaries Program, run by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Finding a long-term solution
June 1, 2011
Vernon Morning Star
Overcrowding at a hospital has potentially fatal consequences. It's not just a matter of discomfort and indignity.
Contract Interpretation: in the event of flooding
June 1, 2011
In recent weeks, many BC communities have experienced flood warnings or evacuation orders. What are your rights in the event of flooding?
Q: I work at a hospital that is subject to flooding if the river rises too high. My manager has told me that in the event of a flood, I may be relocated for my job. Can my employer do that? A: The River Forecast Centre of British Columbia has predicted that spring runoff could be higher than normal this year, and that there is potential for flooding in some communities.