Good Evening Members,

Yesterday B.C.’s Premier, John Horgan, addressed the residents of this province with an update on the governments plans to ease public health measures, while Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer provided their update for today.

Many members have been reaching out with concerns about being directed to return to the workplace despite having pre-existing medical conditions and agreed upon arrangements to work from home, or face having to use their benefit entitlements (i.e. Sick, Vacation, O.T.) or take a leave without pay.  If this has been your experience your Union wants to hear from you.

If members are experiencing situations where physical distancing is not being adhered to, or other safety protocols are not being followed at your worksite then your Union wants to hear from you.

The Union fully expects that Joint Occupational Health and Safety committee meetings are taking place and that all concerns regarding member safety are being addressed.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the reintroduction of more staff and students into the worksites that are not being addressed your Union wants to hear from you.

If members have been or are being directed to go home because of suspected coronavirus symptoms, or have been mandated to self-isolate due to possible exposure to COVID-19 then your Union wants to hear from you.

Your Union has been in regular discussions with our Employer and have provided numerous suggestions on how to keep members doing meaningful work as well as the possibility of being re-deployed to fill in the gaps and provide supports at various sites around the district where the need is required.  If you are not being provided such opportunities then your Union wants to hear from you.

With restrictions slowly being lifted your Union is optimistic that the government will come out with some formal guidelines and expectations for all sectors of the workforce, especially K-12, as it has become evident to us that the past several weeks have created massive inequities in the workplace.  However, we remain resilient and strong in the face of adversity and forever optimistic that those among us with any integrity will continue to provide compassionate, supportive and unbiased leadership during this crisis and beyond.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

Good Morning Everyone,

With new directives coming from the Ministry as well as new modeling coming from our Health Officer it would appear that there is definitely going to be some movement on opening up various sectors of the workforce in our province. It is your Union’s goal to provide the membership with as much information as possible to make informed decisions that best meet the needs of yourselves and your families. B.C.’s Premier is scheduled to make an announcement tomorrow pertaining to the easing of restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While your Union encourages members to stay connected to information that is being released on BC’s Centre for Disease Control website regarding COVID-19 it is important to take note that there is still much that the Scientist and those that study infectious diseases, Virologist’s, and their transmission, Epidemiologist’s, don’t know about the coronavirus. Therefore, we feel it is important that as a public employee you are vigilant in adhering to any and all safety measures at your disposal to protect yourselves from contracting the virus, as well as inadvertently or unknowingly transmitting it while in the workplace.

With the support of our parent Union, CUPE National, and our affiliates like CUPE BC and the Canadian Labour Congress, we have received excellent guidance and access to resources to help support us as we navigate these precarious times. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that we are all “In This Together”, with our shared interest right now being COVID-19. How we can provide guidance and support to our members and work with our Employer on outcomes that are fair and equitable for all members of CUPE 411 is your Union’s primary objective.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

Good Evening Members,

Last week the government provided the K-12 sector with an update regarding expectations moving forward, and while they have not directed that Districts maintain employment and compensation continuity, it is your Union’s opinion that there is ample work to keep everyone employed whether it be from home or at the worksite until at least the end of June for our 10-month members.  We suspect the 12-month members will simply carry on as per usual and perhaps even be able to take some much deserved vacation time during the summer months which is often not possible due to work load issues.

Employers were encouraged to consider the following key factors in their decision making:

1. Protect public services by maximising the productive use of workers and resources. Where possible, maintain business continuity in anticipation of the resumption of safe operations when the Provincial Health Officer’s guidelines allow.
2. Operate within existing short and long-term financial parameters in partnership and consultation with funding ministries.
3. Ensure workplaces are compliant with the Provincial Health Officer’s guidance and WorkSafeBC requirements so that employees can safely be at their place of work and support a resumption of normal operations.
4. Work with unions, bargaining agents, and other employers to identify opportunities including job sharing, and redeployment opportunities. Encourage underutilized employees to access leave provisions and/or federal income support initiatives.
5. If business continuity cannot be maintained and reduced staffing levels are temporarily required, consider staffing plans that allow a for a continued relationship with employees and a resumption of safe operations when the Provincial Health Officer’s guidelines allow.
6. Ensure a ‘no surprises’ approach to staffing level changes by coordinating staffing plans with your employers’ association, funding/line Ministry, and the PSEC Secretariat.

As school spaces slowly start to open up to students it is imperative that you, our members, feel safe and supported in returning to the worksites and we would ask that if you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out to us for answers.

For those members that have been re-deployed into other divisions, we are confident that this process will be carried out in a thoughtful and respectful manner.  We recognize that the work you are being asked to perform may be far removed from what you were hired to do, but please keep in mind that this is only for the next 8 weeks, and it was important to your Union Executive that you were not laid off but able to continue working and receiving benefits without any loss to your seniority or pension.

Lastly, for those members that absolutely cannot return to the workplace, are unable to work from home and are concerned what your options might be we would ask that you please reach out to one of your Union Executive for some guidance and support.  We want to make sure you know exactly what your rights and entitlements are before you make any decisions.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

International Workers Day 2020

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic we regret to inform you that the CUPE 411 AGM scheduled for May has been postponed, please see details below…..

June 2020 – AGM Notice

Today, April 28th, is the National Day of Mourning where we honour those that have lost their lives in the workplace.

Sadly, there were 11 CUPE members from across the country that were lost due to workplace fatalities in the last year, and most recently there were several CUPE members from various Locals that succumbed to COVID-19.  This is why your Local Union fights so hard to ensure members know their rights in the workplace and that access to vital PPE is critical when it comes to protecting members health and safety.

Although the Chilliwack School District did not have a moment of silence for those fallen workers, your Union would like to acknowledge the lives lost from coast to coast and we hope that everyone took a moment out of their day to pay their respects to those fallen workers and say a prayer for the families and loved ones that have been left behind.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

Good Morning Members,
Please accept our apologizes on the delay in updates this week as we were simply inundated with inquiries from members across the District after many had been told they were not permitted to wear any personal protective equipment, whether it be manufactured or homemade, while at the workplace. This of course has taken 100% of our attention to address and try to find some resolution with our Employer prior to members coming back to the work site for the first time, or members now being asked to work in the same space as other staff and/or students.
First, let’s be clear on your Union’s position….
Your Union Executive believes that this current pandemic is based on the fact that we are dealing with an invisible infectious disease that is highly contagious and for some can have serious and even life-threatening consequences. The contagion is transmitted via respiratory droplets from human contact (adults and children) or from touch surfaces, as the virus can live for hours and/or days depending on the type of surface. There are those among us that will be asymptomatic (i.e. a carrier of a virus with no symptoms) while others may simply display mild symptoms similar to that of other types illnesses; in both instances the shedding of the virus is still occurring. In terms of prevention there are a number of ways we can address transmission in community and/or public settings:
1. Maintain physical distancing 6 feet/2 metres at all times.
2. Practice good hygiene: hand washing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and then drying hands with a paper towel.
3. Wearing the appropriate coverings if they;
a) Help prevent one from touching their eyes, nose, mouth and/or face, and/or
b) Help prevent one from spreading droplets via an involuntary sneeze or cough in which they are unable to adequately cover their nose or mouth.
4. If you are at all symptomatic, “Stay Home”.
Your Union believes that not only are these the responsible steps that everyone should be taking when leaving their homes, but it is the respectful way to approach any infectious disease to prevent further spread in various community and/or public settings.
Our Health Officers, both Federally and Provincially have continued to promote the above and your Union finds it unacceptable should any, or all, of these measures not be adhered to in the workplace.
The other messaging we continue to hear from our Leaders is “To be kind….”, this means everyone and not just workers, but those in supervisory roles as well; understanding, care and compassion are required in all communications thereby allowing everyone a chance to settle into this “New Normal” that has been thrust upon us.
Further to your Union’s discussions with our Employer on Friday, we hoped that they would hear the concerns that we brought forward on Wednesday and Thursday, and it would appear that they did as they have agreed to soften their position regarding the wearing of manufactured or homemade items that offer some protection to everyone while in the workplace. Members that are still being told they cannot wear such items are asked to contact the Union immediately.
Lastly, the Employer has made it very clear that students who are going to be returning to the sites MUST have the ability to self-regulate any students that have a history of hitting, kicking, scratching, biting, spitting, or running away will not be permitted to attend at this time; nor will students that require any type of personal care.  Students exhibiting any symptoms; coughing, sneezing, runny nose will not be permitted on site and should students become symptomatic while at school they must be isolated immediately while they await pick-up.  The Union was also advised that the PVP have been told to roll this next phase out in small numbers, we suspect the rationale being that should issues arise they can be addressed promptly without negatively impacting large groups of staff and students.
In Solidarity,
CUPE 411 Executive

Good Evening Members,

Just a brief update tonight to let you know where the discussions with our Employer are at…..

As of today the District will be looking at adding children from the list of Tier 2 Workers in the Province and they will be joining those students already attending the childminding/learning environment at G.W. Graham sometime this week.

The Employer advised your Union that the next priority for the District will be to look at ways to support vulnerable and special needs students, those discussions should be underway this week, with a potential strategy to be implemented next week.  We look forward to reviewing the District’s plans to ensure all appropriate health and safety measures are in place at each and every site, ensuring our members protection, and that any questions/concerns that the Union and our members have are addressed prior to parents and/or students entering the facilities.

The redeployment of members from our Transportation Department will start in the next day or two, many members have already been contacted and we expect to see those able to work during this pandemic to move into temporary positions in both the Custodial and Maintenance divisions.  There will be orientations taking place for those members as well as access to appropriate equipment.

We want to assure members that although these changes are temporary and without prejudice or precedent, that the language in our Collective Agreement will still be adhered to and any deviation from bargained language must be agreed upon by both parties.

The Employer assured the Union early on that they would not be asking our members for doctors notes if members were in fact unable to come to work due to illness/injury, or as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19; so please do let us know if you are being asked for any such documentation.  Members are reminded that if they are off work for more than five working days they must report their absence on the sixth day via the CUPE Six on-line reporting system.

Lastly, we want to put out a friendly reminder that despite many of you only working partial days, or being paid to be at home and on call, or put on paid Administrative Leave because you are unable to work due to COVID-19 as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, or you live with someone who is immune compromised, many of our members have had to continue to work full-time despite everything that is going on right now.  We would ask that you please be sensitive to this fact; we know that we are all in this together, and now more than ever we need to support one another and not allow some of the small, and temporary, inequalities divide us.

Please remember to “Get the Facts”, “Protect Each Other”, and “Be Kind”……

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

Good Morning Members,

On Friday, April 17^th B.C.’s Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Minister of Health, Mr. Adrian Dix, presented the modelling that has been developed for our province as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.   Dr. Henry also provided another update yesterday, April 18^th, and she confirmed that the cases they are seeing are due to close contacts, and that coming together in gatherings is still not recommended.  At about the 30-minute mark of the conference Dr. Henry does speak to the expectations for the Education system. There was a lot of good questions during this press conference with some very clarifying answers that some may find of interest.

There have not been many public announcements coming from the Ministry of Education but this most recent interview with Minister Fleming touches on some of the expectations regarding educations for BC students for the remainder of this school year.  Keep Learning BC is a resource for parents, and the Ministry website also has information for families and students to “…keep kids learning during in-class school suspension”.

Here are a few other links to resources that may be of interest to our members:

• CUPE National
• CUPE B.C.
• CUPE K-12
• Family Services and Employee Assistance Program
• Canadian Emergency Response Benefit
• BC Center for Disease Control

Members that have any questions or concerns with regards to what is happening within our District in so far as it relates to their jobs are asked to connect with their Shop Stewards or email unionoffice@cupe411.ca so that we can promptly address an issues that you may be experiencing amidst this health care crisis.

On a positive note we have had some feedback from members working at the GWG site supporting the children of our Tier 1 Healthcare providers and it sounds like things are going extremely well.  The Team from Learning Services that has overseen the creation of this unique learning environment and has done an excellent job in ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place for everyone on site, and the delivery of instruction has been creative with a number of fun activities for the students.  A HUGE “Thank you” to everyone involved as the Union could not be more proud to support our front-line workers!

We hope that you were able to safely enjoy the beautiful weather yesterday, and please remember, we are all in this together……just a little further apart.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

Good Evening Members,

We trust you all enjoyed the wonderful weather this long weekend and we thought we would give everyone a little break from all the COVID-19 updates, but with the start of another new week, it’s time to get back sharing news stories and links to various resources that may be of interest to our members.

As Dr. Tam said in a recent press conference….“If we want a best case scenario, we must give it our best efforts”; this after she stated that “We know social distancing works”.  Therefore, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our efforts and if you are looking for some of the projections and statistics that are being shared out on the Federal level you can visit the following:

Canadian Modeling Projections

In another recent address by Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry they provided British Columbians with a COVID-19 update and the optimistic take away was, “this is not forever, but it is for now and what you are doing is making a difference”.  Dr. Henry also touches on her philosophy around school closures at around the 27-minute mark of the press conference while Minister Dix reminds us to “bend the curve, not the rules”.

Some other media links that might be of interest are:

• W5 – Dr. Bruce Aylward is a world-renowned Canadian Epidemiologist who shares his perspective on the COVID-19 virus.
• The National – Is doing an excellent job on keeping Canadians informed on what is happening across this country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• CTV News – Discusses guidelines about where and when to wear a cloth mask; with allergy season upon us, this might be of interest to many of our members?

The following are links to various informational websites for CUPE members:

• CUPE National
• CUPE BC
• FSEAP
• WorkSafe BC

All CUPE 411 members are encouraged to monitor their school district email accounts for information coming from the Employer or their representatives, also check the COVID-19 tab on the SharePoint page via the district’s website.  Members who have been unable to attend their work sites as a result of this pandemic because they have pre-existing medical conditions or that live with someone who is immune compromised can expect to be receiving a call from a member of the districts Human Resources department.  While we would expect these calls to be made during regular business hours, your Union understands that there may be a need for contact to be done in the early evening or on weekends.  If you are not able to take the call outside of working hours, please be sure to follow up promptly with any messages that you receive.  This also applies to inquiries being made for those members that are facing childcare issues.  In discussions with our Employer we were advised that members where not being asked to sign off on any documentation, should you receive paperwork asking for your feedback or signature, please contact the Union office immediately, 604-392-1411 or unionoffice@cupe411.ca.

Members can expect to see an email go out to the members in the next day or two as well as another short survey.  With another busy week ahead, we just wanted to say “Thank you” in advance for your continued support as we are doing our best to advocate in the best interest of all our members and we do appreciate the feedback you are providing us.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive