LOCAL 846
April 20, 2020
One of the terrible effects of COVID-19 is that it has led to a growth in reported cases of domestic violence. Shelters in Canada are reporting growing needs. In France, there are reports that gender based-violence has increased by a shocking 36%. In British Columbia, the Battered Women’s Support Services organization has reported a 300% increase in calls to their crisis line!
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job. This annual event was initiated by the labour movement 36 years ago to increase awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents. This day of remembrance was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, six years after it was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in 1985.
Due to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Vancouver local has decided to err on side of caution and will be cancelling the April GMM. More information to follow. We apologize for the inconvenience.
April 16, 2020
1. What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
The CERB is a temporary income support for workers who have ceased working due to COVID-19 AND DO NOT have access to paid leave.
It provides a monthly benefit of $2,000 for workers who have been out of work for 14 consecutive days in any four-week period for reasons relating to COVID-19.
April 11, 2020
As noted in our April 6, 2020 bulletin (Bulletin #110), three categories of permanent postal workers will finally get access to quarantine leave.
At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, it took time to figure out all the different risks that people may have relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing was sparse, rules unclear, risks uncertain. In particular, Urban and RSMC members who are aged 70 years or more, and members who are immunocompromised or at higher risk, living in the province of Québec, were put on “quarantine leave” while the same category of workers outside of Québec were put on “Leave for Other Reasons” and therefore had to use their personal days before being granted leave with pay. Canada Post also confirmed that members who are pregnant are considered to be part of the High-Risk category if their doctors recommend they self-isolate. Continue Reading Here
April 9, 2020
Canada Post takes its cue from the Federal Government to extend leave provisions for workers beyond the April 10, 2020 deadline.
Responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Canada Post is directing supervisors to approve paid Special Leave for postal workers needing to be home with children because of school and child care closures. This also applies to members who have to step in to provide care for elderly parents.
This directive will come into effect immediately and continue in force until further notice.
On April 6, we’ve confirmed a change in Canada Post Corporation’s (CPC) practice for:
Permanent workers who fall under these categories will have access to quarantine leave (which is at 100% of regular pay). Members in these categories who have used personal days since the beginning of the crisis will have their days restored.
Admail
Over the past weekend, Canada Post Corporation confirmed that local management will now be authorized to make alternate delivery arrangements for admail.
That means that based on discussions with their local supervisors, Group 2 workers and RSMCs will be able to alter their delivery of unaddressed admail to limit the exposure they have with the public and with various surfaces.
Ensuring EVERYONE’s Safety
We’ve been addressing these issues with Canada Post since the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis. It takes strong member support to see breakthroughs and responses.
Keep up the pressure on management to do better – these are the results.
It is no exaggeration to say that union activism in times like these saves lives of postal workers and the public.
In solidarity,
Jan Simpson National President