Bulletin
Enterprise – Effects that COVID-19 on Business
March 18, 2020
To: All MoveUP members at Enterprise
Your Union just completed a call with Enterprise management regarding the effects that COVID-19 is having on the business.
It will come as no surprise that business has dipped to the point where significant measures are needed. We are seeing this happening at the other car rental agencies as well as all the other employers where our members work.
Due to the significant loss of business, Enterprise proposed reducing all members work hours to 27 per week. Members would remain eligible for benefits. Through discussions, it was agreed that members would be asked if they would prefer to be laid off. The Union has heard from some members that they would prefer to be laid off for various reasons including of course the option to self-isolate. In addition, the one week waiting period for Employment Insurance benefits has been waived by the Federal Government. Management heard our concern and agreed to offer an option to take a layoff if that is preferred. Despite our request, members who choose to be laid off will not be eligible to maintain benefits. The number of hours available to work per week will change depending on how many members choose to be laid off. Once the numbers of people who wish to continue working has been confirmed, work will be done by the shift committees to establish work schedules. Please be advised that this situation may require reduced timelines.
Management advised that one of the reasons it prefers the reduced work week is that it should make it easier to ramp up when the crisis subsides, and business begins to return to normal levels. Of course, we are all hoping this will happen as soon as possible, but it is also apparent that the situation is changing daily.
Your Union is committed to trying to provide as much information as possible and to ensure that our members rights are protected through this difficult time.
Yesterday the decision was made to close our office to minimize any potential spread of the virus. There is a skeleton crew working from the office and we are currently not permitting guests. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at slakusta@moveuptogether.ca. I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible but as I am sure you can imagine this is a very busy time as we all work our way through the COVID-19 crisis.
Please attempt to follow all recommended safety guidelines.
In Solidarity,
Shawn Lakusta, Union Representative