Bulletin
Greenpeace Canada – COVID-19 Update #2 Mitigation Discussions
April 1, 2020
To: All MoveUP Members at Greenpeace Canada
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 Greenpeace Canada 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 at Greenpeace Canada in British Columbia.
Remote operations at Greenpeace Canada were implemented very early into the Covid-19 pandemic, with additional OH&S parameters implemented that no more than 2 staff members can be in the office at any given time if access to the office is required.
Layoffs or reduction of work hours are not anticipated at this time. We’ve confirmed with the senior leadership at Greenpeace Canada that they are fairly financially stable currently.
Flexible work schedules are available upon request to members who have child care or elder care obligations.
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.
Workplace assessment surveys will be sent out shortly to identify any potential OH&S issues with current at home set ups, with the potential of having additional ergonomic equipment sent directly to your home if any issues are identified.
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.
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 me 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