News & Updates
Read the tentative agreement for health science professionals
November 18, 2013
HSA Chief Stewards met in Vancouver today to discuss the tentative agreement reached for health science professionals. Stewards also gathered to discuss the negotiations on September 19.
The complete tentative agreement is now available here:
Derrick Hoyt elected HSA Region 2 Director
November 18, 2013
Derrick Hoyt has been elected as the Regional Director to represent members from Region 2 on the HSA Board of Directors. Hoyt is Pathologist Assistant at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
For 25 years, He has served in many roles as an active union member, including as a Member at Large and Steward.
The byelection was required when Region 2 regional director Val Avery was named HSA President in September. Hoyt will serve on the board until the end of the term, which expires at the end of the 2014 HSA Convention in Vancouver.
Health science professionals reach five-year tentative agreement with provincial government
November 13, 2013
Stewards for health science professionals met in September to discuss the contract negotiations
Ratification vote to be held by mail-in ballot
The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association has reached a tentative agreement for the 17,000 health science professionals delivering modern health care in BC's hospitals and communities.
2014 Canadian Labour Congress WINTER SCHOOL
November 8, 2013
One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2014
The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of week-long, quality labour oriented courses. To support HSA's ability to represent HSA members effectively and help build a stronger union, members can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.
2014 Basic Steward Training and Basic OH&S Steward Training
November 7, 2013
2014 Basic Steward Training
Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure. In recognition of the need for educating new stewards in these areas, HSA is offering four 3-day Basic Steward Training workshops at the HSA office as follows -
Dates: January 13 – 15, 2014
February 3 – 5, 2014
February 24 – 26, 2014
March 10 – 12, 2014
Location: HSA Office, 300 – 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver
November 6 is Community Social Services Appreciation Day
November 6, 2013
HSA joins other unions across Canada today in recognizing the dedication and professionalism of the workers in community living group homes and day programs, shelters, and supported housing; sexual assault centres, transition houses, and victims' services; infant development programs and child care centres; and the diverse array of programs that provide counselling, rehabilitation, recreation, employment training, outreach, advocacy and referral services.
Bargaining proposal deadlines near; surveys still open
November 5, 2013
The week of November 19, HSA will hold bargaining proposal conferences related to the four public sector contracts under which members work.
Local union meetings are being held for members to discuss proposals for consideration at the conferences, which will set the direction for bargaining new collective agreements. The contracts all expire March 31, 2014.
New disability management program in effect November 1
November 1, 2013
A new Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) negotiated into the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association and Nurses' Bargaining Association contracts in the last round of bargaining comes into effect today.
The program replaces disability management programs previously run by individual health authorities.
Jointly developed with employers and other unions over several year, EDMP is an employee-centred, proactive, and customized disability management program for employees with occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Shot Policy
October 24, 2013
Do I have to get the flu shot?The policy upheld by the arbitrator states that if you do not get a flu shot, you can still work, but must wear a mask at all times during the declared flu season.
When does flu season start?Flu season is declared by the Provincial Health Officer. It is typically declared between late-November and March.
Arbitrator rules flu vaccine policy allowable; members who don't comply face risk of firing
October 24, 2013
health care workers who don’t get a flu shot, or wear masks at work, face risk of being fired
An arbitrator has ruled on the controversial flu shot policy for health care workers, siding with the health authority policy that dictates all health care workers must get immunized against seasonal influenza, or wear a mask at all times during the declared flu season. Flu season is typically declared from late-November to March by the Provincial Health Officer.