Your monthly news & updates!
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January was a very busy time for HSAA in the media, as we held two news conferences of our own, issued a statement on the privatization of community labs, and supported the Parkland Institute's release of Misdiagnosis: Privatization and Disruption in Alberta’s Medical Laboratory Services.
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“Decisions by Alberta Health Services and inaction by the current government mean it’s now a game of chance if there will be an ambulance when you or your family need it most.”
- Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
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“No matter what we’ve encountered, health-care professionals will always be there for Albertans, but after two incredibly stressful pandemic years, many are struggling to keep going. They need help from this government so they can continue to provide us care."
- Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
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“I have some very positive feelings about these conversations … I do have some concerns, though. There is nothing that is going to immediately support a decrease in response times.”
- Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
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“There are three things we need to know for our members and for Albertans. First, what happens to pensions? Our members in the public system have them, our private members don’t. Our workers without pensions must have the opportunity to get them and those with pensions in place must be assured that they will be kept whole. Second, what exactly is included in this transfer? Albertans and lab professionals deserve to know how lab services will be impacted. Third, how much public money is going to guaranteed profit for DynaLIFE? The province must release contract details so Albertans can see how much of their money is going to profits instead of patient care.”
- Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
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"For two years now, lab workers have been giving their all to protect Albertans during the pandemic while being kept in the dark as the UCP blindly plows ahead with its privatization plans."
- Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
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PARKLAND INSTITUTE REPORT:
Misdiagnosis: Privatization and Disruption in Alberta’s Medical Laboratory Services
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In January, the Parkland Institute released a comprehensive report on the state of labs and labs workers in Alberta. The report focuses on what privatization means for workers who are already under the strain of a global pandemic, and how recent policy has affected them and the quality of the work they are able to do for Alberta's healthcare system. This is especially prescient given the recent privatization of lab services by Jason Kenney's government.
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HSAA IN THE NEWS - Executive Liaison's Message
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Not everything we provide to media gets to the public - some of what we provide doesn’t even get accurately reported. While we share a sample of the stories that include HSAA information, it would be hard to get the full picture of what we’ve been talking about from media reports.
HSAA’s executive liaison, Jerry Toews, talks about what we said...and why we said it.
The last few weeks we have watched with disappointment and concern as another preventable Covid wave hit. Time and time again this government demonstrates that, unless held accountable and pressured into acting, they will only do the bare minimum, often at the expense of people's lives. That is why you have asked HSAA to be public advocates for your safety and a strong public health care system.
On Monday, January 17, we held a news conference with media outlets across the province to highlight three areas in which you are telling your union you want to see immediate action.
1. Protect the physical health of health-care professionals.
This includes more than just agreements to provide appropriate PPE - N95 masks must get to all those who work on the front lines of health care. (Note: There has been incorrect media coverage that this ask only applies to EMS - it does not. “N95 masks must get to all those who work on the front lines of health care.”)
2. Protect the mental health of all health-care professionals.
We will continue to be here for Albertans as long as we can, but we need a partner that will live up to their agreements and show compassion to make sure we can do that. Specifically, healthcare workers need to get days off, have an appropriate workload, and not face punishment if they cannot come into work.
3. A plan to retain and recruit health-care professionals.
Ensuring that we don't lose more health-care professionals to mental or physical illness by implementing the measures above is a good start. With over 1000 vacancies, we need to keep the ones we have.
In January, we received coverage in all of the major outlets and a large number of rural ones, too. Our coverage required a response from AHS and Alberta Health, and they continue to mislead Albertans about the severity of what is happening.
So, we need to keep the pressure on and sharing your message through the media is only part of our plan.
We also launched a digital campaign to ask Albertans to sign up to support you.
There will be ads online and on social media over the next few weeks. When people sign up, we will start connecting with them on issues and encouraging them to take actions to support you. Please check out these posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Like, share and comment!
We also launched a commercial, airing across the province, that reminds Albertans that all the hard days and hard moments you endure are for them. We know that people appreciate your skill and sacrifice, but we need to remind them in a way that will motivate them to act for you.
You have stepped up for Albertan’s wave after wave and what we did yesterday is just the start of us working to make sure Albertans start to step up for you.
In solidarity,
Jerry Toews
Executive Liaison
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HSAA CONVENTION 2022 - Call for Resolutions
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As many of you are conducting meetings, don’t forget that resolutions for Convention 2022 are due soon.
Resolutions are the way for you to put forward ideas on how HSAA should be run. They will be debated and decided upon by a majority of the delegates to the Convention.
Local Units should be considering what resolutions they’d like to bring to Convention 2022 during their Annual General Membership Meetings.
Any group of members also has the ability to submit resolutions for consideration. HSAA staff are available to help you draft a resolution if you need.
Guidelines for members wanting to submit resolutions for consideration:
- Resolutions must be submitted to HSAA at least forty-five days prior to Convention. This year’s deadline is April 11. They can be submitted to our Executive Assistant in Governance (nancyb@hsaa.ca)
- Resolutions must be written in 150 words or fewer. The rationale does not constitute part of those 150 words.
- Resolutions must be submitted by at least five members in good standing.
If a matter arises after the forty-five-day deadline that must be dealt with at the upcoming convention, it may be submitted in writing by a delegate as an emergency resolution by the end of the first day of the convention.
A resolution is considered an emergency if the member(s) became aware of the issue less than 45 days prior to the convention, if it could not have been anticipated, and if it is necessary to deal with it at the current convention.
The Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolution Committee will meet at the end of the first day of the Convention to determine whether submitted resolutions meet the criteria to be considered emergencies.
Remember, any proposed changes to the Constitution of HSAA must pass by a 2/3 majority of delegates.
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SURVEY - Challenges Women Face Regarding Work-Mandated PPE
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The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has invited all affiliates to share a survey being done by the CSA Group, an organization that the CLC works closely with on developing occupational health and safety standards.
The survey is part of a research project entitled “Investigating the Challenges Women Face Regarding Work Mandated PPE.” It is a direct survey of workers who identify as women to better understand if personal protective equipment is meeting the needs of Canadian women.
The survey is confidential and should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey will close on February 28, 2022.
A specific link has been created for CLC-affiliated participants and is provided here.
NUPGE (National Union of Public and General Employees) will be sharing this survey with the Advisory Committee on Women’s Issues, the Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat, the Occupational Health and Safety Officers, and other related groups.
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Needing ideas on how to fulfill your continuing education credits for your college? Interested in hearing about current and relevant topics that will keep your brain focused on important matters?
HSAA’s board of directors is hosting a series of virtual lectures throughout March. Each one-hour lecture will be presented by a reputable expert on the subject they are covering, and will conclude with half-hour Q&A session for attendees. And you can attend each lecture from the comfort of your very own home! Following each presentation, you will be awarded a certificate of completion that you may submit to your college for CE credits.
More information and reminders about upcoming speakers will be sent out as we continue to approach the dates of the talks.
March 8, 7:00 p.m. - “Difficult Conversations” presented by Michele Luit
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This seminar provides listeners with an appreciation of the skills associated with managing difficult conversations - whether such conversations are with a colleague, subordinate, superior, or really anyone we establish relationships with throughout our life, both professionally and personally. In addition to exploring what gets in the way of engaging in a difficult conversation, listeners will be encouraged to consider their individual conflict response preference and explore the types of conflict that develop in the workplace.
About the Speaker: Michèle Luit is the President of Workplace Solutions Inc., which focuses on leadership development, coaching, team engagement, and conflict management. Previously, she led human resources teams at Calgary Laboratory Services and Canada Revenue Agency. She has a master's degree in conflict analysis and management. She also volunteers for Immigrant Services Calgary, Sonshine Community Services, and the Women’s Centre.
March 15, 7:00 p.m. - “Legislative Changes that Impact Workers” presented by Dr. Jason Foster
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Since their election, the United Conservative Party has systematically passed legislation that has taken away protection for working people and has impinged on the rights of trade unions. From the right to protest, to how we advertise, to workplace health and safety rules, to how we spend your membership dues, the UCP is hampering unions from protecting their members. Dr. Foster will give an overview of these recent legislative changes, with an emphasis on Bill 32, which differentiates between core and non-core union activities.
About the Speaker: Dr. Jason Foster is Associate Professor of Human Resources and Labour Relations at Athabasca University. He is the author of Defying Expectations: The Case of UFCW Local 401 and co-author of Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces. His research interests include workplace injury, union renewal, labour and employment policy, and migrant workers in Canada. He is also the Director of Parkland Institute. Previously, he worked in the Premier’s office at the Government of Alberta.
March 22, 7:00 p.m. - “Truth and Reconciliation in Alberta” presented by Lewis Cardinal
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Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's creation and subsequent report, alongside the continuing issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta and Canada in general, the idea of truth and reconciliation has engendered much discussion and only becomes more pressing as time goes on.
About the Speaker: Lewis Cardinal is a communicator and educator, and has dedicated his life to creating and maintaining connections and relationships that cross cultural divides. His work has mirrored his personal vision of a socially just and responsive society. He is the President and CEO of Cardinal Strategic Communications. Lewis was also the co-chair of the Alberta Commission on Human Rights and Justice and played a key role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
March 29, 7:00 p.m. - “The Value of Pensions” presented by Trudy Thomson
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In Canada, every worker relies on three revenue streams in their retirement: Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and private savings - be they investments, RSPs, or workplace pensions. This workshop will show how over-reliance on government programs can leave retirees in poverty and how a good defined-benefit pension plan is the key to financial security in retirement.
About the Speaker: Trudy Thomson is a recently retired Laboratory Technologist and former Vice President of HSAA. During her tenure on HSAA’s board of directors, she became one of our National Union’s “Champions for Pensions” and spoke to many groups of members about how defined-benefit pension plans are critical elements in creating secure retirements. Now, as a former member who is receiving her pension, she has a unique insight into the role pensions play in our members’ lives.
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April 28th is the National Day of Mourning to remember workers who were injured, became ill, or died as a result of their work. The pandemic conditions that workers have faced, and are still facing, have drawn a new focus to the importance of recognizing this day, and that health and safety must remain a priority.
To support recognition of the Day of Mourning, HSAA-appointed Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee members will be able to apply to receive a one-time sponsorship of up to $100 for their committee’s use towards developing a Day of Mourning event or activity at their worksite.
Only one sponsorship per committee will be given, even if multiple applications for the same committee are received.
Sponsorship will be provided on a first applied, first available basis while funding is still available.
Funding has been approved to sponsor up to 40 Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committees.
More information on the application process will be released in the coming weeks. For those considering holding an event or activity, it is recommended that you ask to have “Day of Mourning worksite activity/event discussion” added to the agenda of your next Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee meeting.
For open-source posters or information about the Day of Mourning, CCOHS and WCB have available resources.
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ON THE LINE WITH CUEFA - Solidarity and Gratitude
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On January 15, 2022, faculty at Concordia University of Edmonton ratified a new agreement after 12 days, some of them intensely cold, on strike.
On behalf of all Concordia University of Edmonton Faculty Association (CUEFA) members, we would like to thank the members of the HSAA for joining us on the picket line.
Your actions highlighted the importance of supportive work environments and negotiating a fair and equitable collective agreement for all members of our sector. So many people came, from near and far, and we are grateful for the time you took to, literally, show up for your colleagues.
Your attention and support helped uplift our spirits every step of the way. As CUEFA President, Glynis Price, noted, "Collective action is what made it possible, and CUEFA is grateful to the students, parents, other associations and allies across Canada who rallied in support of this strike."
Your collective energy inspired us to keep moving forward in this endeavor. Thank you for rallying with us!
With gratitude and in solidarity,
Concordia University of Edmonton Faculty Association
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BY THE NUMBERS - Lab Funding in Alberta
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Data compiled by HSAA Researcher, Ryan Minor
Last month, Alberta Precision Labs (APL) were sold off to privately-owned DynaLIFE. As the long-expected push from the Kenney government for the continued privatization of Alberta’s healthcare system begins to gain momentum, it can be helpful to take stock of what the Alberta government’s lab expenses have looked like leading up to this moment, in both the public and private sector.
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*MHDL = Medicine Hat Diagnostic Laboratories
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This budget reflects the expenses of AHS on both APL (previously Calgary Lab Services, CLS) and DynaLIFE lab services since 2016.
Of note is that, despite being privately owned, DynaLIFE has received, over the last five years, between a third and a quarter of the total costs of operating APL. This makes for an interesting context in which we hand over a publicly funded lab service to a for-profit company that is also, to a degree, propped up by public funding, in the name of reducing costs to the taxpayer.
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YOUNG WORKERS COMMITTEE - Delivering Your Donations
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Young Workers Committee members have been busy in the new year delivering cheques.
The committee asked you to vote on Instagram to decide which charities to support in each zone this past holiday season.
The charity with the most support in each district received $300 from the Young Workers Committee.
Sagitawa Friendship Centre - North District
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HIV Community Link - South District
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Medicine River Wildlife Centre - Central District
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Habitat for Humanity Red Deer - Central District
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HSAA WOMEN'S COMMITEE - Contest Alert!!
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An Amazing Committee is searching for an amazing logo and offering an amazing prize!
The HSAA Women’s Committee is looking for a fun and creative logo that speaks of empowerment and diversity for Women.
Are you looking for a fun and creative challenge? Want to your artwork highlighted on buttons, apparel, and so much more? Submit your ideas today!
Deadline for submissions is Feb 25th, 2022.
Requirements:
Your design should reflect the mandate, values, and character of the HSAA Women’s Committee:
- recognize and promote Awareness of women's issues within the union, workplace, community, and beyond
- advocate for women’s leadership at all levels
- promote diversity involvement of women
- promote solidarity among women
- support actions to address women’s specific issues
The winner will be determined by committee vote.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
* design colours may be adjusted to adhere to our official branding colour palette
** All submissions will be deemed, and will remain, the property of HSAA and may be used, copied, sublicensed, adapted, transmitted, distributed, published, displayed, or deleted as we see fit. HSAA will exclusively own all rights of any kind wholly and will be entitled to unrestricted use of said submission(s) for any purpose without compensation to you and/or any other.
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MEMBERS BENEFITS COMMITTEE
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Community Kudos
Your Members Benefits Committee wants you to let us know about an HSAA member that deserves a little recognition with Community Kudos!
Nominate your fellow HSAA Members by emailing MemberBenefits@hsaa.ca referencing “Community Kudos” and tell us in detail about a member who does great things in their community.
Do they shovel someone’s driveway each time it snows, or pick up a senior citizen’s groceries for them regularly? Do they volunteer at their local animal shelter, food bank, or school?
Nominate them for Community Kudos!
Prize Update - Johnson Insurance and Union Savings are sponsoring six (6) $50.00 Visa gift cards each, to be awarded to the Community Kudos Winner (alternating months, Johnson will be first).
Each month a new Community Kudos winner will be announced in the HSAA newsletter with a brief blurb, and they will receive one (1) $50.00 HSAA store GC voucher and one (1) $50.00 Visa GC gift card (sponsored by Johnson Insurance or Union Savings).
The first Community Kudos winner will be announced in the March 2022 Newsletter, so get your nominations in to MemberBenefits@hsaa.ca today!
Dell Taylor Memorial Education Fund
Are you taking discipline specific training?
This fund was established to help members improve their skills by providing financial support for discipline-related seminars, exams, conferences, or courses that they wish to attend. Members may receive up to $200 per fiscal year (March 1–February 28) for course registration, tuition, or exam fees.
Long Service Pins
Local Unit Executives, don’t forget about requesting HSAA long-service pins!
The Long Service Pins are presented to members who have been a part of HSAA for 10/15/20/25/30/35/40/45 years to recognize those years of service as a union member.
Bursaries Update
The Winter 2022 Part-Time Bursary reminder for the successful applicants who still need to submit their Proof of Enrollments was emailed February 1st, 2022.
20 of the 40 available Winter semester bursaries have been awarded and the members' cheques will be mailed out to them shortly.
Don’t forget to get your applications (for yourself, or for your spouse/dependant pursuing full-time post-secondary studies leading to a diploma or degree) in for the George C. Hall Bursary for the upcoming school year (September 2022–April 2023).
Deadline for applications is May 31st
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MEMBER DISCOUNT - Telus World of Science Edmonton
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All HSAA Members will receive 20% off TELUS World of Science - Edmonton Memberships to thank HSAA Members for their generous support of HSAA Healthcare in Action in the new Health Zone in the Allard Family Gallery opening February 16, 2022!
Family Membership*: $199.95
HSAA Price: $159.95
Grandparent Membership*: $165.95
HSAA Price: $129.75
Adult Membership*: $77.95
HSAA Price: $62.35
Senior Membership (65+)*: $69.95
HSAA Price: $55.96
Science Centre Members enjoy many benefits, including unlimited access to our permanent galleries, 50% off IMAX® Films, and special Member pricing for science camps, clubs, and special events, as well as discounts at the Purple Pear Restaurant and Galaxy Gift Shop. Plus free admission to more than 350 other science centres worldwide**!
More details on our member benefits can be found here.
To access this 20% off discount:
- Visit TELUS World of Science - Edmonton’s Box Office and show your HSAA Membership Card or HSAA Membership Portal (Hours of Operation)
- Phone 780-451-3344 and provide your HSAA Membership Number (Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
*All prices plus GST, Family & Grandparent Memberships include 2 adults and up to 4 child/youths. Additional Membership Types can be viewed here.
**This extends to General Admission only. Residents of Calgary may not use a TELUS World of Science – Edmonton Membership to gain access to TELUS Spark in Calgary.
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Human Rights & Diversity Days
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HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
18410 – 100 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5S 0K6
1-844-280-HSAA (4722)
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