News & Updates

The 2014 – 2019 Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) contracts have been printed and are beginning to be distributed to members at worksites across the province. Employers are responsible for the distribution of the collective agreements to every employee. If you do not receive a copy of your collective agreement, please contact your Human Resources department to receive one...

HSA members covered by the Municipal Pension Plan are reminded about free seminars offered by your pension plan, the Municipal Pension Plan. There are still spots available for members within five years of retirement at seminars in Chetwyn, Slamon Arm, Fort St. John, Revelstoke, Surrey, Vernon, and Nelson in May. For members who are new- or mid-careet, seminars explaining pension...

The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC) have ratified the trust agreement that formally establishes the Joint Health Science Benefits Trust (JHSBT). The 2014-2019 HSPBA collective agreement included a Letter of Agreement committing the parties to establishing the joint trust for provision of health and welfare benefits. A joint trust is a self-funded...

HSA President Val Avery said she is pleased to have attended today's BC government summit on violence in the health care system. The summit, hosted by Health Minister Terry Lake in response to Avery's recent call for action, included representatives from other health care unions, health authorities, occupational health and safety experts and other industry stakeholders. "Violence has affected health...

Following HSA President Val Avery's proposal, Health Minister Terry Lake will convene a summit to address the continuing problem of violence in health care workplaces. The provincial government has invited HSA to help conduct the day-long solutions-oriented discussion Tuesday April 7 in Richmond. "In December, HSA called on government to bring together health care workers, employers and workplace safety experts...

Members at a number of affiliate employers under the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association, the Nurses Bargaining Association and the Community Bargaining Association collective agreements. will soon be participating in the Enhanced Disability Management Program. EDMP, which is already supporting thousands of HSA members working in health authorities, has a proven track record of helping members who are absent from...

A Working Group established as part of the 2014-2019 Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association collective agreement has been working for the past year to take the steps required to establish a Joint Health Science Benefits Trust, which will be a jointly trusteed plan to administer members’ benefits. Under this plan, to be established by April 1, 2016, members’ benefits will...

Members holding a Chief Medical Technologist position can now breathe a little easier, given PHSA's agreement to have a Chief Medical Technologist position at every facility within its Lower Mainland Pathology & Laboratory Services. PHSA intends to title the position "Site Supervisor". PHSA previously announced that certain positions would not be directly affected by its redesign plans, namely Grade I...

On March 31st, communities across the country are rallying to call for federal leadership on health care. Last year, the Federal Government let the Health Accord expire. Without an Accord, there is no agreement between Ottawa and the provinces to ensure equal access, proper funding, and high standards for health care in Canada. The provinces are asking for a new...

The employer cancelled this week's meeting due to illnesses. We expect to meet with them again shortly, and will keep you posted. Background In early February, PHSA served section 54 notice that it intended to introduce a change to Lower Mainland pathology and laboratory services focusing on employees who have been in supervisory roles such as section heads, technical coordinators...