News & Updates

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...

There has been some progress at the bargaining table over the last week, and discussions continued through the weekend. The community social services bargaining committee hopes to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, including a wage increase. Your multi-union bargaining committee remains focused on the issues that were identified as priorities by our members. HSA will continue to provide updates...

The bulk of savings announced in the Liberal government's last-ditch attempt to convince British Columbians they can present a balanced budget is coming out of the health care system, Finance Minister Mike de Jong said today in releasing the Liberal government's last budget before this spring's election. "If you reduce spending in health care, you reduce services to British Columbians...

Workers in Community Health have voted 86% per cent in favour of a two-year contract that provides an across-the-board wage increase, and improved workplace and scheduling provisions. The agreement comes after one year of difficult negotiations with the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC). Ratification votes were held across the province over the past four weeks. Highlights include: 3% wage...

Health science professionals represented by HSA are invited to participate in one of two telephone town hall meetings scheduled for next week. Telephone town hall meeting details: Tuesday, February 19 at 7pm PST Wednesday, February 20 at 7pm PST To join the call, simply answer your personal phone, and you will be connected. Please ensure HSA has your personal /...

Winner will serve as representative on HSA Board of Directors During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 5 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA's Board of Directors. Nominations for the position closed with five members declaring their candidacy: Ramzan Anjum, a medical laboratory technologist at BC Children's Hospital John Christopherson, a counsellor at the...