Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations
April 28th, 2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Day of Mourning. Held in 100 countries around the world, it is a day to reflect on the terrible toll of workers killed and injured on the job. Last year, 160 workers in BC were killed or died as the result of an occupational disease. Since 2002, workplace fatalities and serious...
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) are urging health care workers and members and the public to take note of an announcement by Ontario's chief medical officer concerning an outbreak of severe respiratory illness (SRI) that began in Mexico and is spreading globally. For more information, follow this link.
Delegates to HSA's 38th annual convention April 24 and 25 called on the union to take action on publicizing the impact of cuts to legal aid services. A concrete step members can take is to sign the WestCoast LEAF and Pivot Legal Society petition calling for the restoration of legal aid in the province. The recent continuation of cuts to...
The BC Health Coalition is urging the provincial government to investigate recent charges by a Kelowna surgeon that private surgical companies are illegally billing patients for publicly insured cataract surgeries across the province. In a March 24th letter to the Health Minister, Dr. Francois Theriault cited a BC College of Physicians and Surgeons report that 4,482 cataract extractions were performed...
HSA is one of several unions, community organizations, churches and others endorsing this weekend's Grand March For Housing organized by the Citywide Housing Coalition. March participants will send a message to candidates in the upcoming provincial election that ending homelessness is a key to developing healthy communities. Join the march this Saturday, April 4 at one of these starting points...
Although all working people report they are suffering from more stress related to balancing responsibilities at work and at home, the greater burden is falling on women. Statistics reveal that women bear the brunt of duties associated with child care, are the primary caregivers for the elder care of aging parents and are responsible for the majority of household chores...
On February 6, 2009, the government tabled legislation that will radically change the rules governing pay equity in the federal public sector. The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act - which has been included as part of the omnibus Budget Implementation Act - will remove the right of public sector workers to file complaints for pay equity with the Canadian Human...
Are you a woman planning to participate in the upcoming provincial election campaign? If so, then the BCFLs Womens Campaign School may be for you. Dates: March 21-24, 2009Location: Harrison Hot Springs, BCThis School will bring together the labour movement and progressive women candidates to offer women of all experience levels the opportunity to learn about ways to participate in...
HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working on campaigns in the May 12, 2009 provincial election can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund: 1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred...
Todays budget tabled by the BC Liberal government makes it clear that the BC Liberals are in a holding pattern until the next provincial election, says Reid Johnson, president of the Health Sciences Association of BC. HSA represents more than 15,000 health science professionals who provide clinical, diagnostic and rehabilitation services in hospitals and community facilities. -Finance minister Colin Hansen...