News & Updates

Obama's election provides an opportunity for progressive labour law reform in the U.S. Washington (10 Nov. 2008) - The election of Barack Obama as president is one of the few moments in recent years that organized labour in the United States has had something to cheer about. Obama has promised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) if passed...

The BC Health Coalition has commitments from 81 municipal candidates who have each signed a pledge to protect public health care. As public health care defenders, the candidates have agreed to: Speak out vigorously against the privatization of health care in their communities Fight to keep and improve local public health services Advocate for open, accountable, and transparent public processes...

All HSA members at St. Pauls Hospital are invited to a meeting. Guest speakers include HSA President Reid Johnson and Rachel Tutte, your representative on HSAs Board of Directors. This will be an opportunity to hear about what HSA is doing on your behalf, and to elect stewards to represent you at work. Wednesday, November 26 Time: noon to 1:30pm...

Reducing the need for higher intensity and for more costly services Vancouver (4 Nov. 2008) - The latest report by B.C. Auditor General John Doyle provides a list of recommendations to improve planning for home and community care programs. "Ministry of Health Services is not adequately fulfilling its stewardship role in helping to ensure that the home and community care...

Community social services workers will receive a new bonus early next year thanks to the efforts of the Community Social Services Bargaining Association of Unions (CSSBA). The bonus is expected to equal about 1 per cent of each employees earnings in 2008. It will be based on reported income on the T4 income tax form, issued by employers by the...

Two FREE Public Events Next Week: On Wednesday Nov. 5th: Who's Minding the Store? The privatization of long-term care and what it means for care quality 7:00PM Unitarian Church - 949 W. 49th Avenue, Vancouver With speakers: Charlene Harrington , professor and researcher Dr. Margaret McGregor , family physician and health services researcher Lyne England , advocacy activist from Victoria...

More than 150 Canadian and international guests will meet Nov. 19-21 in Ottawa to discuss how labour rights are a critical component of human rights, helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic wellbeing of citizens. The international symposium, entitled Labour Rights are Human Rights , is being organized by four of Canadas largest labour...

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights received a big boost to its fundraising campaign this week with a $170,000 donation on behalf of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and four of its Component unions. The donation was announced at the 60th convention of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU/NUPGE) which was held October 24-25...

Generalvoting will be held on Wednesday, October 29 in 2 by-elections in theprovincial constituencies of Vancouver-Fairview and Vancouver-Burrard. Polls are open that day from 8:00 am to 8:00pm. HSA members who live in theseconstituencies are urged to vote in these critical by-elections. Section 74of the BC Election Act states thatemployees are entitled to 4 consecutive hours on October 29 for...

Municipal elections will be held across the province on November 15. The BC Health Coalition is calling on all municipal candidates to declare themselves public health care defenders! Take action now and download the BCHC Candidate Pledge to give to your local candidates, either in person, by e-mail or by fax. If they return it to the BCHC by October...