Bulletin
CUPE BC-COVID-19 Update #1-Mitigation Discussions
March 31, 2020
To: All MoveUP Members at CUPE BC
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 leadership at CUPE BC to try and assess next moves for staff, and those 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 at CUPE BC.
Remote operations at CUPE BC were implemented early into the Covid-19 pandemic, with staff rotating on 4 day at home\1 day in office rotation. The rotation is staggered to minimize the amount of people in the office at any given time. MoveUP staff are being advised to take their own transportation when going to the office whenever possible.
Layoffs or reduction of work hours are not anticipated at this time.
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.
If additional ergonomic equipment is required, please reach out to myself, your job steward, or CUPE BC leadership to discuss accommodations, options and alternatives.
Any cost incurred as a result of working from home will be reimbursed by the employer. This includes usage charges on cell phones and home internet.
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. Do not work from home while sick.
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.
If you are at a higher risk of infection due to diagnosed medical issues, and are currently working in the office on rotation, 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.
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 or executive councilor if you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19’s impact on your health and safety in the workplace.
In solidarity,
Nathan Beausoleil
Union Representative