In December 1969, a small group of paramedical professionals came together with a shared vision to pursue collective bargaining rights. Through peer outreach, word of mouth, and the help of a travelling Volkswagen van, paramedical professionals from across the province were recruited into the association.
Thanks to the efforts of these dedicated individuals, and the support of their colleagues who were seeking fairness at work, the Labour Relations Board certified HSA as a union in 1971.
One year later, HSA achieved its first negotiated collective agreement.
What began as a meeting of health care workers representing just six professions from a handful of hospitals has transformed into an organization representing 20,000 members across more than 70 professions in health care and community social services. This tremendous growth over the course of five decades highlights how a small group of people can spark remarkable change. Here are some key moments.
1971
HSA was officially created in 1971 as part of a national trend of public sector union growth.
Read More1975
HSA’s strike clause is removed, and eight paramedical employees at the Vancouver Neurological Centre (VNC) are the first members to strike in the history of the union.
Read More1986
Members covered by the HSA master agreement—the majority of HSA members—go on their first of two major strikes in HSA’s history.
Read More1987
HSA’S Royal Inland Hospital Chapter becomes the first to join a District Labour Council (DLC). 300,000 BC workers participate in a province-wide general strike in opposition to Bill 19, The Industrial Relations Reform Act.
Read More1988
HSA affiliates with the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED), an important point in HSA’s political maturation.
Read More1998
A climate of restraint pushes HSA RPNS, community social service workers, and paramedical staff into strikes.
A Decade of Growth1999
300 of the union’s 800 members in community social services gear up for what would be the first province-wide strike in the sector.
Read More2020
HSA launches Sick Leave for All, a campaign calling for paid sick days during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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