News & Updates
HSA regional meeting schedule set
August 4, 2017
HSA's annual regional fall meetings have been scheduled for September and October 2014.
Regional meetings are an excellent forum for HSA members to review the issues and activities of the past year, and to discuss the opportunitie and challenges that lie ahead for the union. Delegates from in odd-numbered regions will also elect Members-at-Large to represent them on union committees.
Please see the schedule below for information about the meeting and workshop in your region.
For information about attending your regional meeting, please contact your Chief Steward.
Locked out Pacific Blue Cross workers need your help
July 28, 2017
Members of CUPE Local 1816 have been involved in a lengthy labour dispute with Pacific Blue Cross over the company’s decision to claw back retiree benefits for current employees. PBC has refused to withdraw this serious concession and will not attend the bargaining table unless the union accepts the concession. Since July 7, these workers have been locked out by the company. During this period, all benefit claims for PBC members have been processed by non-union exempt employees of Pacific Blue Cross.
BC FED Young Workers' School at Camp Jubilee
July 25, 2017
BC FED Young Workers' School at Camp Jubilee - Registration Now Open
HSA donates to Red Cross wildfire relief efforts
July 18, 2017
HSA's Board and Directors has made a donation of $15,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help support the thousands of British Columbians affected by the BC wildfires.
A message for HSA members from HSA President Val Avery on the BC wild fires
July 12, 2017
I am writing during an incredibly frightening time for many British Columbians, and am reaching out to HSA members in the areas hit by wild fires to let you know your union is thinking of you, and we are here to assist you as needed. Our thoughts are with residents, emergency crews, and the health care and social services workers in the region who are working tirelessly toThe support patietns and clients in this natural disaster, even as you face personal losses.
Unionized benefits provider staff locked out
July 10, 2017
Unionized staff have been locked out at Pacific Blue Cross, the extended health benefits provider for thousands of HSA members.
Nanaimo Child Development Centre workers choose HSA
July 6, 2017
Health science professionals at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre have voted by a strong majority to join the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). The union's 34 new members include health science professionals who deliver services in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, infant development program, family development, Vancouver Island Children's Assessment Network, preschool, and supported child development.
Members invited to share priorities for health science professionals bargaining
June 28, 2017
HSA’s board of directors has set a plan to consult with members in advance of contract negotiations for health science professionals in 2018. Although the current HSPBA collective agreement is not due to expire until March 31, 2019, the union’s leadership wants to ensure members share their ideas on how to improve the strained health care system in British Columbia through innovative agreements with government and health care employers.
An historic opportunity
June 13, 2017
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017
BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT
It wasn't easy to figure out what was going on during election night, but it was apparent right away that BC had voted for change.
What does the election outcome mean for HSA?
June 12, 2017
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2017
Nobody can remember a provincial election like this one.
Most election results can be called about an hour after the polls close on election day. This one left people guessing for weeks.
And while the exceptionally close results mean it’s hard to predict what will happen in the longer term, the governing agreement between the NDP and the Greens holds significant promise for health care and community social services in BC.