News & Updates
Q&A: Are pension benefits like dental guaranteed?
July 4, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JULY 2016
Q: I have been following the recent announcement that our pension plan is making changes to retiree benefits in 2017 – including eliminating subsidies for dental coverage. As someone planning to retire in about 10 years, I’m wondering if I can count on benefits still being available when I retire. If not, I may have to adjust my retirement horizon to compensate for additional expenses in retirement.
HSA supports fight against proposal to have nurses do lab and imaging work
June 29, 2016
HSA has sent a letter of support to the US Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers, whose members are now threatened by policy changes that would allow nurses to perform their laboratory and imaging work.
"As the union representing 75 unique health science professions here in BC, we know that these professions require extensive training and unique skills," writes Val Avery, president of HSA.
Choosing to be stronger
June 29, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE JULY 2016
BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT
I am very proud of what we have achieved in the last 45 years.
I am especially proud of what we have been able to achieve in these last few years.
In the face of governments determined to squeeze our members for every penny, we have adapted, finding ways to achieve security in the face of sweeping change, wage growth in the face of austerity, and protection of hard-won benefits in the face of cuts.
Unions score major workers’ compensation win at Supreme Court of Canada
June 24, 2016
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HSA launches local leadership training
June 22, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE JULY 2016
As HSA adapts to a changing world and chooses to be a stronger, more innovative union, the Local Leadership Training program will provide members with cutting-edge training and professional skills to improve HSA workplaces, protect our professions and build a stronger union.
HSA members face increased pressure from governments and employers, attacks on our members' professional integrity from the leadership of the BCNU and health care funding cuts from our provincial and federal governments.
First-ever increase to Canada Pension Plan a good start for improved security for retired workers
June 21, 2016
While yesterday's announcement of improvements to the Canada Pension Plan is being welcomed by Canadian unions, retirement security is still out of reach for many Canadians, and the labour movement will continue to stand for retired workers.
See the Canadian Labour Congress' reaction to the news here:http://canadianlabour.ca/news/news-archive/canadian-unions-celebrate-ann...
Jas Giddha, radiation technologist, man of action
June 21, 2016
Jas Giddha is justifiably proud of this bulletin board
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JULY 2016
BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN
"My goal is pretty simple: to make a positive difference in any way I can," says Jas Giddha, a medical radiation technologist at Surrey Memorial.
This goal fuels Giddha's work, his HSA involvement, and his many other volunteer activities.
Get ready for the provincial election
June 21, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE JULY 2016
The outcome of the May 2017 provincial election will have a huge impact on HSA members, and the patients and clients we serve.
"HSA is a non-partisan union, and proudly so," says HSA President Val Avery.
"But that doesn't mean we won't warn our members –or the public – about dangerous, short-sighted policies proposed by governments of any stripe."
That's why HSA members may apply for support from HSA's Political Action Fund to work on election campaigns, attend election campaign training, or even run for political office.
HSA Board of Directors recommends members vote "Yes" for tentative agreement reached with West Coast Medical Imaging; Information Meetings Set for Next Week
June 21, 2016
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OHS conference examines mental health issues in workplace
June 20, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE JULY 2013
Activists from around the province gathered in early June for a conference on occupational health and safety.
The OHS conference provided an opportunity for OHS and Enhanced Disability Management Stewards to come together, share experiences and find solutions to health, safety and injury prevention concerns in their workplaces. Seventy-five activists spent time in plenary sessions and workshops discussing a wide range of issues important to HSA members.