Bulletin
BCGEU – Building Office Safety Protocols for COVID-19
July 8, 2020
To: All MoveUP Members at BCGEU
Yesterday your Joint Labour Management Committee (JLMC) met with your employer to review the finalized copy of their safety protocols for the return to offices at BCGEU. It was clear from our discussions that this document is a fluid document and will be reviewed and amended as we proceed through the reopening and to address any issues arising from the safety measures. Your employer has indicated that some offices will be reopening as of Monday, July 13, 2020. Your committee had a good discussion with the employer and raised many questions regarding the safety protocol procedures. We want to clarify a few issues of concern.
Your employer has made it clear that no one is to come to work sick, and no one is to enter the building if they feel ill or have any symptoms. We inquired regarding this with respect to seasonal allergies, and members will need to obtain a note from their doctor which confirms that they suffer from seasonal allergies. You will then be required to follow the usual process and send your note to DA Townley, which will protect your confidentiality. If your doctor requires payment you will forward the receipt to your employer attached to an expense claim form to be reimbursed.
In our discussion we requested clarity on when and how members will be able to enter the premises. Your employer is taking a phased in plan on members re-entering, and all members including Provincial Executive and Local chairs, job stewards through to rank and file members, will be required to follow the safety protocols. There is no specific date as to when members will have access as it will be based on how well the reopening is going. The plan is to allow Provincial Executive Board members first, likely in the next two weeks, followed by Local chairs, job stewards and members will only be able to access by appointment only. All of this is contingent on how reopening is impacting the employees. Your employer will be working with the Occupational Health & Safety Committee as well as our JLMC to review as we progress through the safety protocols.
Your committee raised the issue of COVID 19-safety monitors. We were concerned about how these monitors would be selected and what their mandate would be. Your employer indicated that work leaders, supervisors and coordinators would be responsible for ensuring that protocols are followed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding persons not following protocols, your Union would like you to advise your job stewards as well. It is important during these times to keep your job stewards informed so they can advise your Union Representative.
Your Union understands that many of you are anxious about returning to the office. We want to work with you to ensure you feel comfortable throughout this process. We have requested a list of all members who have applied to continue working from home. We understand that many of you have already been approved, however, there may be some of you who have not received approval yet. If you are not approved and we feel the decision by the employer was arbitrary, we can inquire with the employer on your behalf. Please keep your job stewards informed.
Your Union hopes all of you are doing well during this difficult time and remind all of you to be kind, be calm and be safe.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Quinn, Union Representative
Amelia Peterson, Executive Councillor, JLMC Member
Gagan Gill, Job Steward, JLMC Member
Maureen Guenette, Job Steward, JMLC Member