Bulletin
BCGEU – COVID-19 Mitigation Discussions – Update # 2
March 27, 2020
To: All MoveUP members at BCGEU
I’ve been temporarily assigned to represent members at BCGEU. In Kelly’s absence, feel free to e-mail me any issues or concerns at nbeausoleil@moveuptogether.ca and I’ll do my best to address them promptly.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.
We have been monitoring the situation closely. Things are changing fast. Reports and governmental recommendations are changing daily. We are working diligently to keep track of any mandates from government, discussing changes with your employer, making recommendations and seeking clarity on issues that have any potential impact on the health and safety of our members.
Here is what we can report today:
We have been in discussion with BCGEU to try and assess next moves for staff, and who are most at risk. Everyone is important and everyone has a unique circumstance, but we are trying to prioritize our efforts to be most effective and efficient. As well, we are working to support those with compromised immunity and health concerns. It is our understanding, as of right now, that there are no cases of COVID-19 within the staff and leadership at BCGEU.
Remote operations at BCGEU were implemented early into the Covid-19 pandemic. Your coordinators will be in touch shortly to request workplace assessments. You will have to identify any potential ergonomic hazards with your current at-home setup.
All ergonomic equipment currently in the office is available to be taken home for remote operations at this time. This includes keyboards, mouses, and wrist guards at your desk. Members may also take home their office chair or side desks, however members are expected to arrange the transportation of this heavier equipment to and from their home themselves. If you plan on doing so, please do so safely and with assistance. Please provide your coordinator with a list of all ergonomic equipment you are taking from the office.
If additional ergonomic equipment is required, please reach out to your coordinator or hr@bcgeu.ca. Reimbursement may be possible for reasonable expenses for additional ergonomic equipment if approved prior to purchase.
Flexible work schedules are available upon request to members who have child care or elder care obligations.
Layoffs or reduction of work hours are not anticipated at this time. Current temporary work assignments will be honoured, and extensions will be considered on a case by case basis if office closures are still in effect at time of expiration.
Additional costs to employees as a result of working from home will be reimbursed. An online expense form will be online shortly. Expenses forms can e-mailed to hr@bcgeu.ca in the meantime.
Please use currently available remote operation technologies. You can forward calls to and from your deskline through your VPN on your laptop. This will help reduce or eliminate additional costs on your cell phone as a result of using your personal device for work purposes.
We have recommended additional reimbursement for the usage of personal internet and cell phone usage for work purposes. HR representatives are in discussion with senior leadership and will provide a response promptly.
We have confirmed with the employer that all MoveUP members will be provided with paid leave to accommodate self isolation and quarantine. This leave will be in additional to your current entitlements (sick leave, vacation, etc).
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 do not work while at 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.
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.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily, and we are expecting updated mandates and directives from B.C Government and B.C Health Authority. Please feel free to contact a job steward if you have any questions or concerns .
In solidarity,
Nathan Beausoleil, Union Representative