News & Updates

The Report: December 2004 vol.25 num.6 What obligation is there on my employer to maintain a safe workplace? All workers have a right to a safe work environment. The Workers Compensation Act of BC requires employers to provide safe working environments for their employees. In addition, HSA has negotiated collective agreement language that defines the obligations of employers to maintain...

The Report: December 2004 vol.25 num.6 by CINDY STEWART fter seven years as a sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations most important fundraising event ... the CIBC Run for the Cure ... HSA members have contributed more than $650,000 to the fight against breast cancer. This contribution represents HSAs annual $25,000 silver-level sponsorship of the Run, the fundraising of...

HSA - VCHA (Joint Bulletin) BL10015HSA and VCHA are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached on a without prejudice basis, for a number of measures designed to mitigate the impact of laboratory restructuring. Restructuring will occur in the laboratories at Lions Gate Hospital, Richmond Hospital, Vancouver Hospital - 12th and Oak Pavilions, and Vancouver Hospital - UBC...

EB04-16 HSA is offering two 2-day basic OH&S steward workshops on: Workshop 1: January 31st and February 1st, 2005 Workshop 2: February 28th and March 1st, 2005 Occupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members. OH&S stewards have a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops will be participatory...

BL10010All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are encouraged to submit any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred by members or dependents between May 5 and December 31, 2003 to Pacific Blue Cross no later than November 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement. The deadline has been extended one month to November 15 because of...

BL10000Paramedical professionals have voted 92 per cent in favour of the tentative contract reached this summer between the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association (PPBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC)."Clearly, paramedical professionals recognized that this was the best contract possible given the current political climate," says Ron Ohmart, chief negotiator for the PPBA."Unfortunately, the government refused to address a...

BL9995All HSA members covered by the paramedical professional collective agreement are reminded that any unclaimed receipts for extended healthcare benefits incurred between May 5 and December 31, 2003 must be submitted to Pacific Blue Cross no later than October 15, 2004 in order to receive reimbursement.Some HSA members may not have submitted their receipts for this period due to directive...

BL9994The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has notified HSA that it has developed recommendations for a redesign of laboratory services.The VCHA has stated that its proposals will result in changes to the VCHA sites or transfers between the sites, impacting staffing levels, shift rotations, full-time equivalents, and required skill mix. However, the health authority has indicated that they will work with...

NUPGE among groups defending public medicare at historic summitOttawa - Defenders of public medicare, including the National Union of Public and General Employees, and HSA President Cindy Stewart rallied Monday as Prime Minister Paul Martin and the first ministers began a three-day historic summit on the future of health care in Canada.Their message to the country's top leaders can be...