News & Updates
How unionizing transformed our workplace
October 15, 2020
By Zayn Wiwchar, HSA memberIn February and July of 2020, the Victoria branch staff of the Canadian Mental Health Association joined HSA and entered the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) —a decision that has given me the opportunity to be a part of incredible changes in our office over the past year.
Practicing anti-racism as a health science professional
October 14, 2020
By Easter Tocol, HSA member
“Where are you from? No, where are you really from?”
“I’m not a racist, I have so many friends of colour.”
“Well, shouldn’t all lives matter?”
These are just some of the racist microagressions that I hear every day in the workplace.
The choice between joblessness and risky work
October 13, 2020
By Jill Slind, Co-chair of the HSA Young Workers' Advisory Group
As a full-time permanent employee with a few years of seniority under my belt in my unionized position in HSA, I knew when going into BC’s Phase One in March that my job in the healthcare sector wasn’t likely on the line.
Parenting during a pandemic
October 13, 2020
Childcare: No longer invisible
October 13, 2020
“Everybody depends on somebody who depends on childcare.”
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications
Migrant Justice Virtual Workshop
October 8, 2020
HSA MIGRANT JUSTICE WORKSHOP
DATE: November 4, 2020TIME: 9:00 am to 4:00 pmLOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to follow
HSA is pleased to offer this one-day workshop facilitated by Byron Cruz, Sanctuary Health Collective and Migrant Rights Network.
Helping Our Communities During a Pandemic
October 7, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic took root in BC this spring, HSA members working as health science and community social service professionals were on the frontlines where they saw the immediate impacts of this pandemic.
HSA renews call for enhanced PPE for workers in vulnerable settings
October 7, 2020
HSA is again calling on employers to improve supply of personal protective equipment and preventative occupational health and safety measures for health care workers working through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, all members are advised to ensure they have access to appropriate PPE, and to exercise their right to refuse unsafe work if the appropriate PPE is not provided.
Payroll error: Dues payments on temporary pandemic pay
October 7, 2020
HEABC reports that the payroll departments in two health authorities, PHSA and VCHA, have charged union dues on temporary pandemic pay in error, and that the deductions will be reversed on your next pay cheque.
For information about the Temporary Pandemic Pay, see the government website here.
Pilot Virtual Basic Steward Training and OH&S Training
October 2, 2020
Upcoming Steward Workshops:
Pilot Virtual Basic Steward Training and Pilot Virtual OH&S Training
Registration Information: