CHPS

'We're prepared and pleased to welcome our newest members into HSAA's growing family," says HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.

'Our members want HSABC to negotiate a fair contract ... they are deeply committed to making sure British Columbians get the public health services they need.' - Reid Johnson.

(11 Feb. 2010) - The top priority for the upcoming federal budget must be to preserve and create good jobs. The budget should also invest in building a healthier, smarter, greener and more secure Canada, says NUPGE president James Clancy.

'We're relatively pleased with what appears to be this government's acknowledgement that public health care is a key priority for Albertans.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

Budget cuts by Campbell government hurt vulnerable young children and leave 40 highly-trained therapists without jobs.

Little interest in addressing 'workplace concerns' of 25,000 health care workers. - Bonnie Erickson, SGEU.

'Let the government know about the importance of public services to our communities and to our economy.' - Joan Jessome.

'Public health professionals undertake important work, including disease prevention, health promotion and community protection.' - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA president.

Study at four city hospitals represents the first in-depth investigation of 'role overload' in Canada's health care system.

Government may try to impose pattern on other unions based on settlements with health care and school support workers.

The goal is to stop the government's 'low road approach' to dealing with the recession and replace it with a 'high road approach' that protects services.

'Is this really the answer?' - Shelley Ward, president of the P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees.

MAHCP Members Richard Driedger and Chad Harris, are the first recipients of the Government of Manitoba's Health Innovations Enid Thompson award for Health Care Innovation. 

Awaiting word back from Alberta Health Services (AHS). Proposed agreement runs until March 31, 2011.

(27 Nov. 2009) - NUPGE president James Clancy says Harper is changing Canada so radically that we could lose more than our good name – already badly damaged on the world stage. "We just might lose Canada altogether," he writes.

“It’s unacceptable that these specialists are being treated like this,” says MGEU President Peter Olfert.

Hard line approach by Saskatchewan Party government negotiators called premature by negotiators for 25,000 health care providers.

Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.

Covers rescheduling of staff to respond to absenteeism resulting from the flu pandemic.

Threatening more cuts and layoffs and creating a chill in labour relations.

Union accepts request from Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations (NSAHO) to devote full public resources to the situation.

'When you receive your H1N1 vaccination, you will also be offered vaccination against seasonal flu.'

Advises workers with family services and housing department to 'hold off' until more information is available.

'It is such an honour to come together on something so important to all of us – our members and our families.' - Joan Jessome, NSGEU president.

(22 Oct. 2009) - NUPGE president James Clancy says Canada needs serious tax reform. But he says the new HST in Ontario and BC unfairly targets working families and should be cancelled. Instead, Canada must look at restoring fairness to its tax system by cancelling the Harper government's planned corporate tax cuts and by creating new tax brackets at the top for the wealthiest Canadians.

"Mr. Stelmach is hoping our members will help to bail them out of yet another deficit ... he's going to have to wear this one himself – even if it costs him and his party their seats in the next election," says Elisabeth Ballermann, president of HSAA. 

'This government is getting out of caring for seniors and trying to turn a quick buck by selling off some valuable properties.' - Darryl Walker.

'Communities in which community medical laboratories have been closed due to Ontario government policies include Hamilton, Napanee, Smiths Falls, Perth, Bracebridge and Winchester.' - Ontario Health Coalition.

Severance packages will be calculated on the basis of 1.5 weeks of pay for each year of service to a maximum of 52 weeks.

'NAPE is at a loss to understand the haste in moving on the matter.' - Carol Furlong.

804 people surveyed across the province in mid-September by NRG Research Group.

The Canadian Press is reporting that a leaked internal government report warns that the B.C. health system could be overwhelmed by a surge in critically ill patients at the peak of this flu season. 

'We all need to learn more about the burden of mental illness on individuals, families and our society and try to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of those Canadians who are suffering in silence.' - James Clancy.

'These health care workers stood strong throughout the last 13 months and they should feel very proud of what they’ve accomplished together.' - HSAA spokesman Scott Pattison.

'Any way you slice it, cutting autism support by $3 million is not good for kids.' - Reid Johnson.

'Our members have waited 17 months to see a reasonable monetary offer from SAHO and ... they’re still waiting.' - SGEU negotiator Bonnie Erickson.

Transfer of patients to 'community-based spaces' a privatization scheme, critics say.

'It's not worth the paper it's written on. - Elisabeth Ballermann.

Public Health Agency of Canada says pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, children six months to five years old, people living in remote communities and health care workers will be invited to get vaccinated first.

'A meeting of all DynaLIFE Dx HSAA members will be scheduled very shortly for the purpose of communicating particulars of the tentative agreement.' Updated

'After 13 days of bargaining, the team has negotiated a three-year collective agreement which will expire on March 31, 2011.'

November conference will set the stage for negotiations to replace the current collective agreement which expires on March 31, 2010.

Bad faith by the Brad Wall government is apparent at the bargaining table and in the passage of unfair 'essential services' legislation.

The money will go towards purchasing vaccine, anti-viral drugs, masks, gloves and gowns, as well as hiring more staff to care for the sick.

NUPGE has already asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to issue 'fit-tested NIOSH approved N95 respirators' to all health care workers exposed to the H1N1 flu virus.

PHAC should follow the 'precautionary principle' for everyone who comes in direct contact with the pandemic influenza virus and make a 'fit-tested NIOSH approved N95 respirator' available to each employee.

Canada's approach to vaccinating people against swine flu is too slow to protect the most vulnerable, an editorial in Monday's Canadian Medical Association Journal says.

'NAPE is looking forward to a collaborative approach.' - Carol Furlong.

'Some of these highly skilled, senior lab professionals stand to lose between $18,000 and $30,000 based on the take-aways DynaLIFE is proposing.' - HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.

Nanos Research poll on eve of CMA convention shows that 86% of Canadians support "public solutions" to make public health care stronger.

Alberta government intervenes to delay strike date originally set for Friday, Aug. 14.

'It's been a year since these health care professionals voted to join a union. It's time they had a contract!' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

MGEU and other health care unions address health and safety concerns relating to flu outbreak.

'The overheated rhetoric and outright falsehoods that you’ve heard about the quality and viability of Canada’s system simply do not stand up to scrutiny.' - James Clancy.

NUPGE's James Clancy says its time for Stephen Harper to stand up against American propaganda and scare tactics.

Fighting for first contract with giant American company.

Article alarms the public irresponsibly and unfairly maligns some of the most dedicated workers in Canada.

The Association of Allied Health Professionals (AAHP) says the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Health is refusing to continue paying a labour market adjustment to pharmacists, thus treating them unfairly compared to hospital pharmacists and in the process making it more difficult to recruit and retain pharmacists within the department.

HSABC wants meeting with health minister to address budget issues.

The SGEU/NUPGE recently made a submission to the Saskatchewan government's Patient First Review of the provincial health care system. The union lays out a strong case for why the government should focus on building on the strengths of the public system rather than turning the system over to for-profit corporations. 

DynaLIFE lab employees in Alberta have overwhelmingly rejected their employer's 'final' offer.  The employer and HSAA have agreed to return to the bargaining table on July 20th.

International group of experts recommend health care workers be first in line for vaccine.  At the same time, governments in Canada are developing new rules to help doctors prioritize who gets access to scarce treatment if vaccine isn't available.

Attitudes are tough to change but OPSEU/NUPGE is embarking on a radio ad campaign to do just that when it comes to how health professionals are viewed by hospital administrators and the public, says OPSEU First Vice-President Patty Rout.  

MRI wait lists already at unacceptable levels across Alberta. Decision will impact the lives of patients who are battling life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer or significant trauma.

'It puts the lives of the paramedics, patients, and the travelling public at risk.' - NAPE president Carol Furlong.

Exposed to risk doing daily diagnostic tests.

'Whatever the reasons for this centralization, the new technology is not it.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

Longer-term response now required to deal with outbreak that may last months or years.

'We need a focus on improving access to health care services – not reducing access.' - HSABC president Reid Johnson.

'Our findings are frightening. Unless you're Warren Buffett, your family is just one serious illness away from bankruptcy.' - Harvard's Dr. David Himmelstein.

'I think we need to look at our whole system and re-evaluate how these calls come in.' - Tim Scharer, Winnipeg Paramedics Local 911.

(2 June 2009) - Canada's social infrastructure is starving for funds despite right-wing lies about the cause of Jim Flaherty's projected $50 billion deficit.

“This is really outrageous and it understandably offends people,” said Clancy. “How can they possibly justify these bonuses when the fund lost over $23 billion dollars last year? That defies common sense.”

$50-million class action suit could involve up to 4,000 employees of company contracted by Alberta Health Services to handle payroll and benefits.

President Elizabeth Ballermann to address delegates on health 'reform' and other key issues.

Leaked AHS newsletter outlines plans to close or downgrade 10 hospitals and shows lack of transparency by the Stelmach government.

'There is much work to do.... I hope to continue this work on your behalf.'

UPDATED May 5 - 'Health care workers providing direct care – in the same room or in close contact – to SRI patients are advised to wear properly fit-tested N-95 respirators.'

'The public system isn't broken but the way the provincial government continues to underfund it is.' - Friends of Medicare. UPDATED

'If any government wants to kick working people when they’re down, they will have a fight on their hands the likes of which they have never seen before.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Urges members to get active in their union and communities to make a difference.

HSAA hopes laboratory company will now engage in meaningful negotiations.

Voters across British Columbia will choose a new government on May 12. BCGEU president Darryl Walker says he's already made up his mind. He's voting NDP.

'We expect Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials to conduct meaningful consultation with our union.' - HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.

Elections held at 95th annual SGEU convention in Prince Albert.

'DynaLife is failing to respect the most basic collective bargaining rights of hundreds of employees.'

Five million Canadians provide care for their loved ones with long-term health problems.

Funding for 39 new ambulances, including a new high-tech model designed to improve comfort and safety for patients.

'We will be discussing the value of public services, especially during a recession when our services are required more than ever.' - SGEU president Bob Bymoen.

Trying to negotiate contracts with three employers - Aramark, Sodexo and Compass.

'80% of hospitals are sinking into debt while the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs are expected to be eliminated this year alone.'

'The ALRB needs to go through its processes to decide when the change of union representation would occur.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

'A loss of that magnitude is akin to losing three steel mill plants in Hamilton.' - OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. [Updated with detailed critique.]

'Wouldn’t the profits made by McKesson Canada be better used in the public system?' - Joan Jessome.

The devil is in the details when it comes to government budgeting.' - MGEU president Peter Olfert.

Bert Blundon also returned as secretary-treasurer for another two-year term of office.

'[It] starts with the assumption that the conditions of work are the conditions for care.'

'With this decision, a majority of EMS personnel across Alberta will now have a unified voice.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

Ratification ballots are being distributed across British Columbia this week and must be returned by April 3.

NBUPPE says New Brunswickers will feel the impact in lost services.

Approximately 750 employees at laboratories across central and northern Alberta voted last summer to join the province's most progressive health care union.

Investigation indicates widespread abuses by private operators who are benefiting from millions in public funding.

Balancing responsibilties at work and at home is a greater stressor for women.

Musings by premier are a big setback for efforts to rebuild public sector and deal with recruitment and retention following damage caused by Liberal cuts in 2001 and 2004.

'The government has indicated that they are going to cut up to 25% cent of the public service.' - Tom Mann.

OPSEU frustrated at lack of progress with government negotiators whose hands have been tied by the Liberal government at Queen's Park.

US Researchers have discovered human antibodies that are able to neutralize not only H5N1 bird flu but other strains of influenza. There is hope now to develop them into lifesaving treatments.

Budget implementation legislation would undermine federal rules governing pay equity.

Online petition asks that Alberta private sector firm be fired after 'more than four years of chronic and unacceptable payroll errors.'

'This is a level of infrastructure funding never seen before in the province's history and helps further ensure our province is equipped to stand strong and forge ahead as masters of our own destiny.'

'Line staff are all too aware of wasteful spending, especially the use of outside contractors.' - Darryl Walker.

Public sector union hopes to donate 17,000 pounds of food to food banks across Alberta — one pound for each of its 17,000 members.

The role that public sector workers played in fighting the fire - and saving lives - has not received the recognition that it deserves.  Public sector workers have been at the forefront of responding to the disaster.

Members of the Association of Allied Health Professionals (AAHP) have vote to accept a new deal.

Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) in 14 public sector bargaining units have voted to accept their tentative agreements.

Health Sciences Association of Alberta has launched a media campaign to inform the provinces' Emergency Medical Services personnel about the benefits of joining 'Alberta's #1 EMS Union'.

OPSEU paramedics appeal to Ontario labour ministry for intervention on safety grounds.

'It is in the best interests of the Ontario Hospital Association to work with us on addressing these issues.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president

'Our membership believes that MGEU knows their issues." - Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

'Frontline public sector workers were in Ottawa recently to urge the federal government to make public services and social programs a priority in the Jan. 27 federal budget.'

First task is to resolve problems created by essential services legislation.

Frontline public sector workers are urging Canada's first ministers to propose a stimulus package that supports families by investing in public services.

Canadians want greater investment in public services for families. A new poll indicates citizens will back stimulus measures that support — not cut — government services.

'HSABC offers a proven track record.' - Reid Johnson, HSABC president

OPSEU says fight to restore public sector out-patient physio services will continue.

Union recommends acceptance when ratification votes are held in January.

'There remains much work to be done in restoring public services in this province.' - Patty Rout

'Now is the time for action.'

Strategy another step away from universal coverage, says HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann

OPSEU president demands moratorium on any further P3 hospital spending projects

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on the federal and provincial governments to work together on a 5-point plan that would stimulate the economy and at the same time enhance Canada's social foundations and improve the environment.

(Dec 5, 2008) -- 'We've got an extremely rare opportunity right now to make progressive change in Canada -- to force our governments to deliver a plan that will ensure a strong economy, fair society and clean environment for all of us.'

Raising the profile of the important daily work of health sciences employees

'Now is the time to make your voice heard.' - James Clancy

'Mr. Harper is completely out of step with other world leaders who understand the need for new government spending in order to stave off a deepening recession.'

'The crisis in care was created by government policies.' - Brenda Brown

A seven-point strategy to advance the cause of workers in uncertain times

Ottawa (19 Nov. 2008) – Health professionals are calling today’s speech from the throne a 'huge disappointment' because it failed to address important issues facing Canada’s health care system.

During National Medicare Week the National Union is urging governments to look to the public system to deliver solutions to wait-time issues and health care shortages.

Union activists from across Canada meet in Toronto

Acknowledging the vital role that community social service workers play

'Municipal governments play an important role in protecting public health services in their communities.'

Concerns about the impact of layoffs at a time of major blood supply shortages

'There simply aren’t enough bodies to do the work.'

With P3s - The only winner is the private sector contractor.

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE) has launched a new campaign to promote the value of public services.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) and the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) are again calling on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to take immediate action to stem the rising number of violent attacks on front-line health care workers.

Canadian Psychological Association says big challenge awaits Oct. 14 election winner

Ontario Health Coalition says public health care being undermined by private for-profit clinics

Hospital Professionals Division looks forward to working with more than 700 health professionals

Check NUPGE's election leaflet and visit our election resource web page

Both new authorities located in northern part of province away from largest population centres

Canadians need solutions for everyone, not just those who can afford private care

Largest union certification vote in union's 35-year history

Bargaining unit includes 1,200 employees

Provinces have a responsibility to set minimum standards and ensure quality care, NUPGE says

Three-year proposal contains increases totalling at least 14.5%, plus lump sum payments, new flexible spending accounts and improved benefits

'Public support for physician and hospital services seems warranted in the interest of further reducing inequities in health.'

'Canada still does not have a national comprehensive strategy for the prevention and treatment of mental illness.'

Provinces have a responsibility to set minimum standards and ensure quality care, NUPGE says

Research confirms observations by many of NUPGE's front-line workers

James Clancy gives 10 good reasons why the U.S. should opt for government-funded Medicare

Conditions so bad that 74% would consider comparable jobs in other fields

New Saskatchewan laws weaken workers’ rights

Challenging the Saskatchewan Party over two pieces of anti-labour legislation - Bills 5 & 6

Stripping Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel of their right to strike during a labour dispute represents a 'further chipping away of workers' rights,' says Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE).

Province to take over from municipalities by April 1, 2009

'Shortages of pharmacists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, X-ray/MRI/CT technologists, and respiratory technologists.'

'Profound change is essential if people living with mental illness are to receive the help they need and deserve.' - James Clancy

'This announcement will lead to uncertainty among care providers.' - Elisabeth Ballermann

'This is not the basis for sound public policy.' - James Clancy

Freedom of information request on behalf of Ontario Health Coalition brings damning report to light

Long-term strategy needed, says CHPS co-chair Elisabeth Ballermann

Health professional’s group is sounding alarm bells in advance of National Medical Laboratory Week

Includes some steps to attract more doctors and health professionals

HSAA urges province to support standardized service delivery

45% displayed aggression in some form, CIHI study finds

'The province is sleepwalking on this issue.' - Patty Rout

'Spending precious health care dollars to benefit private companies.' - Joan Jessome

Nearly seven times more likely to experience violence than Nordic counterparts - York University-led study

Nine out of 10 deaths could be prevented with follow-up

Canadian Medical Association proposal would compound doctor shortages and waiting times

Provincial bargaining conference scheduled Jan. 18

Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) has won a 'groundbreaking' settlement of $10,000 in a bullying and sexual harassment case involving a group of workers at the province's largest hospital.

OPSEU asks hard questions about firm charging $7,500 for treatment not covered by OHIP

New contract affects employees at several locations on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland

Campaign will remind Albertans of the vital role that health care workers play

Outrageous private profits and secrecy condemned by Ontario Health Coalition

Canadian Health Professionals Secretariat advocates on behalf of professionals in the health care sector

'There is no better alternative to free collective bargaining.' - new report by CCPA

Passage of new law doubtful in minority legislature

'It's pure politics.' NSGEU president Joan Jessome

Minority Tory government would impose binding arbitration in all future N.S. health care disputes

'Our health care system will eventually collapse if measures are not taken.' - Carol Furlong

Why is John Tory so eager to push Ontario into more U.S.-style health care delivery? 

Members divided on privatization ideology of incoming CMA president Brian Day of Vancouver.

Group of organizations says doctors should evaluate health care in the same way they assess patients.

(Aug 15, 2007) -- 'The CMA is undermining the most fundamental premises of our national Medicare system – health care is not a commodity that should be bought or sold. It is a common good and needs to be treated and respected in this manner.'

New group of health care professionals certified in Red Deer

Report by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) says long wait times for physiotherapy treatment or occupational therapy are affecting vulnerable patients.

Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell given one year to amend unconstitutional sections of Bill 29

Recruitment and retention are 'huge issues' in all health care fields in which the NSGEU represents workers – and privatization is not the answer

(Feb 9, 2007) -- 'There is an important message that Canada's provincial and territorial health ministers ought to hear when they meet this week in Toronto: More health professionals are needed to reduce hospital wait times.'

Justice Archie Campbell says hospitals are as dangerous as mines or factories