News & Updates

The B.C. Liberal government began debate last week on Bill 18, legislation that fundamentally alters bargaining in the health sector. In a brief opening to the debate in the B.C. legislature, health minister Margaret MacDiarmid claimed the legislation was in line with last year’s raid by the BC Nurses’ Union on Licenced Practical Nurses represented by HEU and other unions...

Representatives of the Community Social Services Bargaining Association met earlier this week to plan for upcoming ratification votes, which will be held between mid-March and the third week of April. A vote schedule, and a comprehensive report outlining the terms and conditions of the proposed collective agreement, will be made available to members later next week. In addition to producing...

On March 8, International Women's Day, people will join across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and their contributions to a better world and a better society. This year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is celebrating the work of women activists in the campaign to tackle the income inequality crisis. Through the All Together...

Penticton Herald More than 100 people didn't let a light rain dampen their enthusiasm for the proposed $300-million expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital. The placard-waving crowd turned out for Wednesday's outdoor rally next to the hospital, reiterating previous calls for provincial government money for the project. Dozens of passing motorists honked their horns in support. The rally followed the recent...

Health science professionals have voted 83 per cent in favour of accepting a new contract that includes wage increases totaling three per cent, and protects the wages of hospital pharmacists who were threatened with wage rollbacks of up to 14 per cent. The agreement was reached between the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and Health Employers’ Association of BC...

Last call to apply for HSA support to work on the provincial election HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in the upcoming provincial election may apply to HSA for financial support from HSA’s Political Action Fund. 1. Members who are candidates may apply for up to 30 days of wage replacement and/or up to...

Times Colonist (Victoria) Workers who care for some of the province's most vulnerable citizens have reached a tentative two-year deal with the B.C. government. The agreement calls for community social service workers to receive 1.5 per cent wage increases on April 1 and Jan. 1, 2014. In response to one of the unions' key demands, entry-level workers will get an...

After a marathon bargaining session of 13 days, the multi-union Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) has reached a tentative collective agreement with the employer. The two-year proposed agreement includes an across the board wage increase while protecting health and welfare benefits. Highlights include: A wage increase for all employees: 1.5% on April 1, 2013; 1.5% on January 1, 2014...

The Canadian Cancer Society – UBC Cancer Prevention Centre invites HSA members to participate in this study: Are you a woman who works shifts? You may be eligible to participate in a sleep improvement program that may improve your quality of life, and help reduce breast cancer. Research has shown that women shift workers exposed to light at night are...

castanet.net The public is invited to disco dance for a good cause in Penticton on Thursday night. The South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society is holding SOVAS Goes Disco to benefit its financially challenged men's counselling program. “We are desperate for funding to keep this going,” said Amberlee Erdmann, resource development coordinator for SOVAS. “Our hope is the community comes together...