GFFG – Employer Work Sharing Application

The employer approached your union about its work sharing application. We have not yet agreed to it because we want to ensure that you have an opportunity to bring forward your questions or concerns. Work-sharing is a short-term business adjustment plan designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs. It allows Employment Insurance to support employees who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers from business interruptions. For the duration of this work sharing plan, the employer has the ability to increase hours, pending business needs, or terminate it before the anticipated end day.

Arising from numerous COVID-19 discussions between your union and the employer, you have been put into two shifts of three business days. This arrangement, among a few other COVID-19 measures, allows a better practice of physical distancing and does not disrupt your pay. The brutal reality is that the employer is not contractually obligated to pay your full wage in a reduced work week and could instead use the collective agreement layoff provisions. If and when this work sharing plan commences, you would be paid at roughly 83% of your full wage between the employer and Employment Insurance. You continue to have access to your extended health benefits under it. Your union will advocate for the employer to keep members on full wages for as long as possible. Members need to share how they view the work-share and layoff options.

The COVID-19 pandemic does cause widespread concerns and economic hardship across the globe. This work sharing plan is part of the employer’s crisis management. Your union views this temporary measure as your job protection and recognizes its financial impact to you during these trying times. Please share your needs and interests in these situations and we will continue to advocate for you. Should you have any question or concern about the employer’s initiative, please contact me at achen@moveuptogether.ca by Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

In solidarity,

Anny Chen, Union Representative