WAVAW – COVID 19 – Update #1

The COVID-19 pandemic is continually evolving, and information and plans are changing very rapidly.  We have been monitoring the situation closely. Reports and governmental recommendations are changing daily. We are working diligently to keep track of any mandates from government, discussing changes with the Company and making recommendations and seeking clarity on issues that have any potential impact on the health and safety of our members.

The directive from your Employer has employees working from home remotely, which is a welcomed action.  It is our understanding, as of right now, that there are no cases of COVID-19 within the staff or management at WAVAW.

You and your families health and safety are the utmost important priority and we, along with your Employer want you to practice all of the recommendations and mandates coming from the BC Health Authority and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

If you are feeling unwell:  To protect those most vulnerable, please self-monitor your health and apply a low threshold when feeling unwell. Call in sick and stay home until you are feeling better.

Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.  Also, please utilize the self-assessment tool found at https://covid19.thrive.health.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like other respiratory illnesses. Commonly, these are fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose. Shortness of breath and chest pain can be signs of severe illness.

If you are at a higher risk of infection due to diagnosed medical issues, you must self-identify as such to HR. No medical documentation or disclosure of diagnosis will be required, and we will work together with the Employer to implement accommodations that reduce your risk of exposure.

EFAP : We encourage all members and their dependents to seek support from your EFAP provider should they be experiencing heightened anxiety or are in need of support.

We will continue to monitor the situation daily, and we are expecting updated mandates and directives from the B.C Government and the B.C Health Authority. Please feel free to contact a job steward or email clee@moveuptogether.ca if you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19’s impact on your health and safety in the workplace.

For information regarding COVID-19, please see our resource page regarding “Flatten The Curve COVID-19” at https://moveuptogether.ca/resources/flattenthecurve/.

In Solidarity,

Cindy A. Lee, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units