Bulletin
BCGEU – Returning to Work
May 21, 2020
To: All MoveUP Members at BCGEU
By now all of you should have received the message from the President regarding a return to work at the BCGEU offices. Your Labour Management Committee met with the Employer this morning to discuss a plan for when it is time to reopen. This plan is fluid and will be worked on by all parties to ensure that you can return to the workplace in a safe manner. As of today, there have been ongoing discussions with the OH&S committees who are reviewing the protocols that have been set by the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Government.
Your committee is reviewing the initial draft documents and we want to assure you that we have raised concerns about the numbers of people that will be in the office at one time, when members will be able to visit the offices and what the protocols will be. These are very early stages and there is no expectation that you will be returning at the beginning of June, in fact there is much to get done before a return to the offices can happen safely. We understand from our meeting that risk assessments will be done for each building and that the OH&S committees will be involved in those discussions.
In our discussions your union raised issues regarding members that may require accommodations such as not returning to the offices due to health concerns or family status situations. It is important for you as members to advise the Employer if you require any accommodation. The process for this is to contact your coordinator. Your union job stewards’ and OH&S committee should also be included as they will need to be aware of your request and can assist with the accommodation. It is important that you keep us informed as we move through setting these plans to reopen and what policies and procedures will be applied.
We are hoping all of you are staying safe and healthy.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Quinn, Union Representative
Gaganpreet Gill, Job Steward and LMM committee
Amelia Peterson, Job Steward and LMM Committee