News & Updates

The series of atmospheric rivers that hit southwestern British Columbia in late November caused flooding and mudslides that affected the lives of many HSA members, with those living in Merritt and Princeton among the worst hit. HSA’s Board of Directors created a flood relief fund to assist members with immediate expenses caused by evacuations. We spoke to a few members...

By Lisa Daechsel, HSA member “I don’t want to be strapped to the bed” “I’m scared of loud noises” “I hate needles” “There is no way my child can lay still for that long” These are just some of the things that I hear from children and families regarding MRI imaging. For many children and families, the MRI experience can...

The Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC) tabled their initial wage proposal for the Community Health agreement, and we are deeply disappointed. We need a significant investment in front-line workers to address the staffing crisis in community health and we won’t accept anything less. We expect challenging monetary negotiations, but the last weeks of bargaining have shown us that when...

Last week was week five of negotiations between the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA). Negotiations opened on Tuesday, March 1 st by recognizing that March is Community Social Services Month, a time to honour and reflect on the important work that community social service professionals do for our social safety net...

Bargaining for the new Health Science Professional collective agreement has begun. Earlier today representatives from the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) sat down with the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) Committee, a team including professional negotiators, labour relations specialists and rank and file union members elected by their peers from around the province. The bargaining committee is guided...

In its submission to the federal government's consultation around Budget 2022 released this week, NUPGE (National Union of Generaland Public Employees Union) has pointed to the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that government has the capacity to improve public services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government showed that it could act quickly to mobilize the...

Virtual Basic Steward Training Registration Information: Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Virtual Basic Steward Training (three days in series) 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...

HSA is pleased to offer another opportunity to attend this two-day workshop! DATES: April 5 & 6, 2022 TIME: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm LOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to follow This two-day virtual workshop will help non-Indigenous HSA members to develop the skills, compassion, and abilities required to recognize and change colonial systems and practices in their personal and...

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) tabled proposals last week as talks began with the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC). At this point in time, we are pushing to achieve non-monetary priorities that members identified as important measures to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector. The employer has recognized that we share some common goals. They are...

Three candidates to represent HSA members who work in HSA Region 4 on the union’s board of directors will be on the ballot for the March 2022 Regional Director election. The three candidates in the election are Tammam El-Khodor, Joseph Sebastian, and Alexandra Thomson. Candidate statements will be included with voting credentials to be sent to members by email and...