News & Updates
BCFED Health & Safety Centre - FREE COVID-19 Webinars!
May 20, 2020
BC FED OHS Centre free webinars for OHS activist during COVID-19
The BCFED OH&S Centre has scheduled free COVID-19 related online webinars as follows:
OH&S Committee role during COVID-19 Tuesday May 26, 2020 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
BC Federation of Labour: BC has historic opportunity to build an economy that works for everyone
May 20, 2020
(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver BC) - As BC’s economy slowly reopens, the province’s labour movement is encouraging British Columbians to think beyond just rebuilding the economy we had before the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We have an unprecedented opportunity not just to restart the economy we had, but the economy we want,” said BCFED president Laird Cronk as the federation released its blueprint for BC’s recovery.
HSA welcomes $4/hour pandemic pay premium for frontline health care and social services workers
May 19, 2020
Health Sciences Association, the union representing 20,000 specialized health care and social services workers in British Columbia, welcomes today’s announcement by BC Finance Minister Carole James of a $4 an hour pandemic pay premium for frontline health care and social service workers working in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
HSPBA pandemic response fund on hold
May 8, 2020
The HSPBA Pandemic Response Fund negotiated by HSA on behalf of BC’s health science professionals will be reviewed following the announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of $4bn in federal funding to recognize and support the work of essential workers.
Health science professionals must be considered in BC plan to restart elective surgeries
May 7, 2020
Today's public briefing by Premier John Horgan and Health Minister Adrian Dix was short on details about how shortages and chronic challenges in recruitment and retention of health science professionals will be addressed in the plan.
HSA has been advocating for several weeks that the plan must include all members of the healthcare team, including specialized health science professionals.
Did you miss the telephone town hall with Health Minister Hon. Adrian Dix?
April 23, 2020
The recording of the telephone town hall and question and answer session is now available here.
N95 mask supply running low: new guidelines on PPE for health care workers
April 23, 2020
With supply of N95 masks running low, Ministry of Health directs shift to alternative PPE guidelines
Government announces additional mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
April 9, 2020
To ensure British Columbians have increased access to vital mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services to support British Columbians.
“If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or disconnected because of COVID-19, I want you to know that you are not alone,” said Premier John Horgan. “Our government is working to give you more options for mental health support as we all stay home to prevent the spread of this virus.”
April 8 update to HSA members in the Community Bargaining Association collective agreement
April 8, 2020
To: All HSA members in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) collective agreementFrom: HSA President Val AveryDate: April 8, 2020