News & Updates
HSA welcomes report, commits to address systemic racism in health care
November 30, 2020
HSA welcomes today’s release of In Plain Sight, the report by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in BC’s health care system.
The report includes 24 recommendations for action, all focused on addressing the unacceptable experience of Indigenous people in the province’s health care system, as described in the report:
Apply now for an HSA Scholarship to the VIRTUAL 2021 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
November 21, 2020
2021 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School (VIRTUAL)
UPDATED BULLETIN - see additional scholarship opportunity available
One of Canada's best labour schools, for the first time ever virtually in January and February 2021.
The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of four-day, quality labour-oriented courses. To support HSA's ability to represent HSA members effectively and help build a stronger union, members can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.
Draft 2019-2022 Health Science Professionals Collective Agreement Now Available
November 19, 2020
The draft 2019-2022 Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) contract is now available on the HSA website for members to download or use online.
Members and stewards should be aware that this draft version may contain errors and omissions that will be corrected over the next few months as the agreement is finalized and printed. Once the printed version is finalized, employers will be responsible for the distribution of the collective agreement books to every employee covered by the HSPBA.
New province-wide policy provides greater protection for health care workers
November 6, 2020
The Ministry of Health has released an updated policy concerning the wearing of masks by workers, patients, and visitors in all health care facilities, programs, and services. The policy applies to all facilities and settings where health care services are provided, including outpatient clinics, as well as long term care and seniors assisted living facilities. HSA members began to raise concerns as soon as the COVID pandemic emerged early this year.
NUPGE rejects Canadian Labour Congress endorsement of Bill Morneau candidacy for OECD
November 5, 2020
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) released a statement this week condemning the endorsement on behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) by President Hassan Yussuf of Bill Morneau's candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and develiopment (OECD).
The endorsement was made in a joint statement with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
2021 Scholarships and bursaries available for HSA members and their families
November 3, 2020
HSA is offering scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children. Ten scholarships will be awarded for full-time studies, twenty bursaries for full-time studies and four bursaries for part-time studies. Two indigenous bursaries will be awarded to indigenous students in BC.
The criteria and details are set out on the application forms available on the HSA website.
2020 Annual Report Now Available
November 3, 2020
In preparation for the rescheduled 2020 Annual Convention, HSA's Annual Report is now available for all members to read at http://www.hsabc.org/about/annual-reports.
Featuring executive reports from HSA's President and Executive Director of Labour Relations and Legal Services, reports from HSA's committees, and audited financial statements, the Annual Report provides members and the public with transparency and operational accountability.
Municipal Pension Plan Changes – New Resources for Plan Members
October 30, 2020
Following a comprehensive review of the Municipal Pension Plan, the pension plan for most HSA members, the Plan Partners – which includes employee and employer representatives who govern the jointly trusteed pension plan – have developed a package of proposed changes to update the plan.
Solidarity with AUPE
October 29, 2020
In Alberta, front-line hospital workers who are members of the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) walked off the job earlier this week in response to news that Alberta Health Services would be cutting 11,000 jobs. HSA has sent a letter of solidarity to AUPE expressing our support for their fight against government cuts and health care privatization. The text of the letter follows:
Dear AUPE President Guy Smith
Virtual Basic Steward Training
October 29, 2020
VIRTUAL BASIC STEWARD TRAINING
Registration Information:Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Virtual Basic Steward Training (3 days)