Bulletin
Avis – COVID-19 – Update #3 – March 24, 2020
March 24, 2020
To: All MoveUP members at Avis
Your Union has been in daily contact with management. The COVID-19 pandemic is continually evolving and information and plans are changing very rapidly.
We were advised yesterday that there were only 15 transactions at YVR. Normally there are around 200 per day at this time of year.
Avis management has advised that they will be making an application under the WorkShare program. This will allow our members who are working reduced hours to receive payment for the hours not worked. Those who choose reduced hours will also continue to be covered under the benefit plans.
Some members have indicated that they would prefer to not be working at this time. Some feel they do not want to be exposed to other people and would prefer to practice social distancing while others have advised that they have weakened immune systems. We are experiencing the same thing at the other companies. Therefore, we have authorized Avis to offer voluntary layoffs to all our members. Senior members who prefer to be laid off at this time will have that option and this will also allow someone who may want or need to continue working to avoid being laid off at this point.
Avis has offered voluntary severance packages, reduced work hours, and will be offering an option of a layoff to anyone who wants to be at home during this difficult time.
We are likely to see further changes in the industry and our daily lives. This is a difficult situation for everyone and patience, decency, and understanding are needed more than ever. In the next few days, it is possible that the provincial government will close all businesses except those considered to be essential services. Avis has advised that car rentals will likely be considered as an essential service as the industry supplies cars to other essential services.
We are living in unprecedented times and things are changing rapidly.
Please be advised that our office was closed as of last Wednesday with only a skeleton crew working from our offices. MoveUP staff has been directed to not attend meetings in person when at all possible in order to avoid unnecessary interactions. Most representatives are working from home.
Please be safe and we will continue to keep our members updated as the situation evolves. If you have any questions please contact me at slakusta@moveuptogether.ca. I will attempt to get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.
In solidarity,
Shawn Lakusta, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units