News & Updates
CBA Bargaining Update - Pushing for solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis in bargaining talks
February 16, 2022
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 aware of the dire situation caused by short-staffing and made worse by the pandemic.
Three Candidates declared in election for Region 4 Representative on HSA Board of Directors; Online voting open March 12 to 27
February 15, 2022
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 are available on the HSA website. All members in the region with a personal email address on file with the union will receive voting credentials for online voting by email.
Two Candidates declared in election for Region 8 Representative on HSA Board of Directors; Online voting open March 12 to 27
February 15, 2022
Two candidates to represent HSA members who work in HSA Region 8 on the union’s board of directors will be on the ballot for the March 2022 Regional Director election. The two candidates in the election are Cherylee Hylands and Heath McLeod Candidate statements will be included with voting credentials to be sent to members by email and are available on the HSA website. All members in the region with a personal email address on file with the union will receive voting credentials for online voting by email.
Mandi Ayers acclaimed as Region 10 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 15, 2022
Mandi Ayers will continue to represent HSA members in Region 10 on the HSA Board of Directors after the deadline for nominations passed with no further nominations.
Nancy Hay acclaimed as Region 6 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 15, 2022
Nancy Hay will represent HSA members in Region 6 on the HSA Board of Directors after the deadline for nominations passed with no further nominations.
She has worked as a social worker for the past 17 years with Providence Health Care and at Lions Gate Hospital. She formerly sat on the Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020, and has served as a general, assistant, and chief steward. Hay will begin her two-year term at the conclusion of the 2022 HSA Annual Convention, running April 28-30 in Vancouver.
Brooke Carter acclaimed as Region 2 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 15, 2022
Brooke Carter will represent HSA members in Region 2 on the HSA Board of Directors after the deadline for nominations passed with no further nominations.
CSSBA Bargaining Update – Bargaining Begins
February 14, 2022
CSSBA BARGAINING UPDATE – BARGAINING BEGINS
Bargaining for the new Community Social Services collective agreement has begun. Last week the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) Committee finalized the unions’ priorities and proposals and on February 2 initiated talks with the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) Bargaining Committee. The parties were able to agree on bargaining protocols on February 3.
HSA survey reveals widespread concerns about staffing levels, patient safety and access to N95s
February 9, 2022
Data now being used in ongoing talks urging government to improve guidelines
Almost 1700 HSA members have responded quickly to a short survey circulated by HSA over the last ten days, and the results indicate deepening concern about the impact of staffing shortages on both working conditions and patient safety. Furthermore, there are ongoing concerns about access to N95 respirators and recent changes to infection control guidelines which increase risk of exposure to COVID-19 for both patients and health care workers.
2022 look-ahead: Bargaining, convention, and opportunities to participate in research surveys to support and protect health care workers
January 28, 2022
2022 is off to a busy start for HSA with preparations underway for contract negotiations for members working in health care and community social services. Contracts covering more than 20,000 members are set to expire March 31, 2022. Also coming up in 2022 is the union’s annual convention April 28-30, planned to be held in person in Vancouver. In the lead-up to the convention, Board of Directors elections are also scheduled, with nominations closing on February 10.
Front Line Members Urged to Complete Survey on PPE and Staffing Levels
January 27, 2022
Facility level data needed to push government for stronger protections against Omicron Since the onset of the pandemic, HSA has been pushing government to protect health science and community social service professionals on the front lines.