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Health science professionals strike to hit Okanagan on Friday

May 22, 2001
The unions representing 14,000 health science professionals started strike activity today with a province-wide ban on overtime and a one-day withdrawal of services in the Kootenays. Health science professionals were set to rally at noon today in Nelson to send a message to the Health Employers' Association of BC and the government about the need to attract and retain health science professionals in the province's health care system.

Health science professionals to strike; walk-out set for Tuesday in Kootenays

May 18, 2001
The unions representing 14,000 health science professionals served strike notice today. As a first step, about 475 health science professionals in the Kootenays will withdraw services from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22. Essential services will be maintained. The job action also includes a province-wide ban on overtime. Health science professionals will hold a rally at noon in Nelson to send a message to the Health Employers Association of BC and the new government.

Mediator asked to book out of talks; health science professionals plan job action

May 14, 2001
The unions representing 14,000 health science professionals today asked mediator Stephen Kelleher to book out of talks. "After three months of negotiations, including several weeks with Mr. Kelleher's help, it's clear that the employer isn't interested in negotiating an agreement that will help keep highly skilled health care professionals here in BC," Health Sciences Association (HSA) President Cindy Stewart said.

Newspaper advertisement - May 5/6 Sun, Province & Times-Colonist (PDF file)

May 5, 2001
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Talks in jeopardy if employer refuses to make wage offer

May 1, 2001
With talks between health science professionals and the Health Employers Association of BC at a stalemate, the Health Sciences Association today threatened to walk away from mediated talks and serve strike notice. But the union was convinced to stay at the table after mediator Stephen Kelleher extracted a commitment from the employer to return to the table Thursday with a wage offer.

Health science professionals vote for strike; mediator enters talks

April 20, 2001
HSA members have delivered a strong message to the Health Employers Association of B.C with a 90 per cent vote in favour of a strike. But the HEABC pre-empted any immediate job action by applying for mediation in negotiations for a new contract for about 14,000 health science professionals.

Nurses announce new round of job actions

April 18, 2001
Overtime ban imposed 7 am Thursday to 7 am Sunday. Community nurses will hold study sessions Monday to plan action for substantial boost in vehicle mileage rates. The Nurses Bargaining Association today announced a new round of job action in its drive for a contract that will enable BC to compete globally to retain and recruit the nurses needed during the international nursing shortage.

No money offer means no talks in health professionals bargaining

April 11, 2001
Contract talks between health science professionals and the Health Employers Association of BC deteriorated today when the employer refused to table a wage proposal or to remove concession demands from the table. "HSA tabled a proposal that offers solutions for the severe shortage of health science professionals in the BC health system almost two weeks ago. The solution is professional pay for professional work. But HEABC refuses to come to the table prepared to talk," said HSA Chief Negotiator Rick Lampshire.

Wage improvements key to health science professionals' bargaining

April 1, 2001
The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by MIRIAM SOBRINO Bargaining for a new collective agreement for 14,000 health science professionals is off to a slow start, with the Health Employers Association of BC clearly reluctant to make any real moves to facilitate negotiations. In the last week of March, the unions tabled a wage demand, calling for a 30 per cent increase in wages for health science professionals.

Workload survey proves members are overworked

April 1, 2001
The Report: April / May 2001 vol.22 num.2 by DAN KEETON H SA members at Vernon Jubilee hospital knew they were being seriously overworked. Now, after initiating a survey of members at the facility, they have proof. The chapter at the Okanagan hospital is also a bit of a Cinderella story. It now has several active stewards and regular union-management meetings to discuss workload and other issues, thanks to a rigorous application of what is called the organizing model of trade unionism.

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