News & Updates

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...

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...

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...

Are you a woman considering either running for elected office, or working in a key position in a future election campaign? If so, then the Canadian Women Voters Congress Women's Campaign School is for you. Dates: November 29 (evening) & November 30 (all day) Location: SFU Surrey, BC The Canadian Women Voters Congress is a nonpartisan, grass roots organization, dedicated...

During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 5 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA’s Board of Directors. The byelection was required when Region 5 regional director Kimball Finigan was unable to continue to serve in the position. The successful candidate will fill the vacancy until the end of the term, which expires at the...

In August 2012, health authorities in BC introduced a punitive seasonal flu immunization policy for health care workers. The Health Sciences Association of BC opposed the policy and launched a grievance. After 14 days of hearing the arbitrotation, the union is awaiting the arbitrator's decision. HSA impressed on the arbitrator the desire to receive a decision in advance of the...

HSA has contracted with Viewpoints Research to conduct a survey of HSA members covered by the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association collective agreement about issues related to upcoming contract negotiations. Your feedback is important and valuable to your bargaining committee. Note that this is one of many opportunities allowing members to share their thoughts about the upcoming bargaining, the most...

HSA Registered Psychiatric Nurses are encouraged to access funding available through the union for professional development. “Continuing education is important to Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and HSA has structure this fund – obtained through contract bargaining – to provide access to training dollars to as many members as possible,” said HSA President Val Avery. “HSA recognizes the expenses related to professional...

HSA announces the second round for applications for professional development funding achieved in bargaining for the 2012-2014 HSPBA collective agreement is now open. The $225,000 Professional Development Fund is accessible for all HSPBA members, including HSA members, over the term of the collective agreement. “Professional development has long been a priority for health science professionals, and this was an important...

THE REPORT: OCTOBER 2013 BY DAVID DURNINGOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER WorkSafeBC has ruled that posters and hard copies of first aid information must be properly posted and readily available to workers throughout FHA work locations. BACKGROUND Last fall, WorkSafeBC advised the Fraser Health Authority they were in violation of Section 3.17 (2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation...