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Private health providers violating Canada Health Act

March 27, 2012
Comox Valley Record Dear editor, Thank you for focusing on medical diagnostics in your recent editorial (Record, March 20). Health authorities in B.C. have determined that the average cost of providing an MRI scan within the public system is about $225 per scan, provided free of charge to patients.

While health authorities continue to eliminate services, film highlights value of music therapy

March 26, 2012
On the heels of yet another reorganization that means the loss of music therapy services for BC patients, the Music Therapy Association of BC will highlight the value of music therapy with the screening of the documentary, The Gift of Music: Stories of Music Therapy this week at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver. This month, through a reorganization of therapeutic services, Lions Gate Hospitals Evergreen House music therapy program was eliminated.

Community Social Services: Unions, employer exchange preliminary proposals during second week of contract talks

March 20, 2012
The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) exchanged their opening proposals during the first round of contract talks, which began February 27. Over the course of the two week bargaining session, which concluded on March 16, unions and the employer laid the groundwork for future talks with a discussion of each partys issues and concerns.

Incorrect information about tax deduction for LTD premiums paid

March 14, 2012
A recent article in The Report contained incomplete information about tax deductions. The potential for deducting for LTD premiums only applies if you are on an accepted LTD claim.   A member who is on an accepted LTD claim may be able to claim on their tax returns for LTD premiums they have previously paid. Whether they are eligible to do so, and how far back they can claim, is something HSA recommends you discuss with a financial or tax professional.

Members confirm shared benefit costs a non-starter

March 13, 2012
HSA members have reconfirmed that concessions on extended and dental benefits are not negotiable. After learning that government appears to be set to propose to save money by getting health care workers to pay for some of their health and dental benefits, HSA conducted an informal telephone survey of members on the weekend to alert members to this pending proposal, and to get preliminary feedback from members.

Pharmacists' wage rollback rescinded

March 6, 2012
Talks at the Health Science Professionals bargaining table today opened with an announcement from the Health Employers Association of BC that the plan to roll back the temporary market adjustment for pharmacists has been rescinded. HSA President Reid Johnson applauded the efforts of hospital pharmacists across the province who spoke out against the 9 to 14 per cent wage rollback planned for April 1, 2012 announced January 6.

Rally at Legislature Tuesday to support BC's teachers

March 5, 2012
HSA members  are encouraged to join the rally in Victoria tomorrow (Tuesday, March 6) to oppose Bill 22 and to support a fair and negotiated agreement for BC teachers. Date:  Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Time: 11:00 am gather at Centennial Square, Victoria BC         12:00 pm Rally at the BC Legislature      

See here for events around the province to support striking BC teachers

March 5, 2012
http://www.standupforbc.com/calendar

First proposals exchanged during first week of bargaining

March 5, 2012
Bargaining bulletin #2 ... March 5, 2012 The Community Social Services Union Bargaining Association met with the employer last week (week of February 27 to March 2). The bargaining protocol was agreed and both parties exchanged the first bargaining proposals. Members have made it very clear that a fair deal is a priority, and the bargaining committee is committed to that mandate. The next bargaining dates are set for the week of March 12 ... 16. Please stay tuned for further updates.

Rally at the Legislature to protest Bill 22

March 5, 2012
  -Unions worked together to secure our right to free collective bargaining, and well work together to defend that right." Sinclair warned the BC Liberal government that Bill 22 wasnt just an attack on the rights of teachers, but also on the right to free collective bargaining.

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