Bulletin
UPDATE – FortisBC COVID 19 Vaccination Mandate Policy
January 10, 2022
To: All MoveUP members at FortisBC
We wrote to you on Friday of last week indicating that we had consulted with the company regarding their desire to implement their COVID 19 Vaccination Mandate Policy. We had let you know that the union had raised an issue regarding the date of when the policy was to take effect, as we argued that it was outside the timeline of the Section 54 requirements as seen in the BC Labour Code.
The Company has now informed and confirmed with your union that they will be requiring all FortisBC employees and contractors to declare their vaccination status as of February 14, 2022. This is now in line with the required timelines associated to a Section 54 notification. All other aspects of the Policy remain the same.
In terms of the Policy itself, our legal counsel has reviewed the Policy and it has been deemed reasonable, so at this time, the Union will not be filing a policy grievance as to its implementation. However, please note, that if at any point and time there are amendments to the Policy or there are changes that come into effect associated to the Policy, we will again be reviewing for the reasonableness of the policy and if necessary, will consider the filing of a policy grievance.
Finally, we note that this situation, as the entire COVID-19 pandemic has been, is an unprecedented one. We recognize that this is a stressful time for many of you and are committed to providing support as best as we can to all our members.
We will keep you updated if matters change, and we thank you for your support and understanding.
In solidarity,
Cindy A. Lee, Union Representative
