Clean and healthy schools priority for CUPE education workers this fall
BURNABY—The union representing over 30,000 education workers in BC public schools is calling on the provincial government to focus on providing clean and healthy environments for students and staff for the new school year. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is calling for daytime custodial services to be provided in all school districts along with mandatory masks for staff and students.
“The return of daytime custodians to BC schools during the pandemic had extremely positive results for the health of students, families, workers and communities. The services they provide are a major part of our success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and into our communities,” says Karen Ranalletta, president of CUPE BC. “Daytime custodial services are vital to stopping the spread of diseases in schools and help reduce the amount of time staff and students miss due to illness. Our schools need these services, and they should be made permanent across the BC K-12 education system.”
In addition to daytime custodial services, CUPE is also calling for:
- Adequate isolation protocols for students that are ill or showing symptoms, and for 2020/2021 Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines to be maintained into the new school year.
- The province and school districts work to ensure school ventilation systems are working properly for the start of the school year, and system improvements are a priority in long-term infrastructure planning.
- Mandatory masks in all school environments, including classrooms and buses, for staff and students.
“With the number of COVID cases still rising, and with no approved vaccine for kids under 12 years of age, a strong mask mandate across the province’s K-12 education system is a necessary precaution,” says Ranalletta. “Masks in schools, along with daytime custodial services, will ensure students have clean and healthy school environments to return to this fall, and will let families see their kids off to school with confidence they will be as safe as possible.”
CUPE is bringing these priorities directly to the BC government at the provincial K-12 Education Steering Committee. Established by the province at the start of the pandemic, CUPE representatives have been participating in the Committee advocating for CUPE members, and the students and communities they serve.
CUPE represents over 30,000 education workers across BC, including education assistants, school secretaries, custodians/caretakers, Indigenous support workers, IT workers, Strong Start facilitators, trades and maintenance workers, and bus drivers.
April 25, 2021
BCCDC_School_Sector_Update_April_2021- FULL Document
Learning about COVID-19 & Schools
Impact of vaccinations on school safety
By fall 2021, most adults in BC, including school staff, should have received their first vaccination. Many will have received their second vaccination as well. As more people get vaccinated, we expect fewer cases of COVID-19 in communities. This means fewer exposures in schools.
People who are vaccinated are much less likely to experience severe illness and death from COVID-19. Even with most adults being vaccinated, some health and safety measures will be in place in schools and the community until there is significantly less community spread of COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines at bccdc.ca/covid19vaccine
April 25, 2021
CUPE FAQ -_Covid-19 Vaccines_April_2021
COVID-19 VACCINES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CUPE has been receiving many questions from members concerning COVID-19 vaccines. This document addresses some of the most frequently asked questions. People are trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the pandemic. It can be hard to know what information can be trusted. Members who have questions or concerns about taking the vaccine should consult with their health care professional.
April 19, 2021
K-12 Bulletin #65 Vaccination Update
Vaccine scheduling and paid time for vaccination
Additional school districts have begun scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations and the vaccine will be available for all K-12 and early learning staff. The following is some background and guidance about this long awaited and very welcome news.
Click the link above to view the full document.
Here are a number of updated resources available, including the COVID-19 Virtual Assistant: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccines:
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Extended dose intervals for COVID-19 vaccines to optimize early vaccine rollout and population protection in Canada in the context of limited vaccine supply
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Summary of Extended Dose Intervals Statement of April 7, 2021
- Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated or register
- Reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination in Canada
- COVID-19 vaccination in Canada: Vaccination coverage
- Vaccines for COVID-19: Shipments and deliveries
Recalls and Safety Alerts
- NEW! Health Canada provides update on the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines
- Face masks that contain graphene may pose health risks
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):Guidance documents
For Communities
- NEW! At home: Using ventilation and filtration to reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19
For Health Professionals
- NEW!Using Ventilation and filtration to reduce aerosol transmission of COVID-19 in long-term care homes
- UPDATED! Infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim guidance for outpatient and ambulatory care settings
- Individual and community-based measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Canada
Health Sector Preparedness
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):Awareness resources
- NEW!Entering Canada by air during COVID-19
- NEW!Entering Canada by land during COVID-19
- For travellers with COVID-19 symptoms returning to Canada by land or water
- For travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada by land or water
- For travellers with COVID-19 symptoms returning to Canada by air
- For travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada by air
- For persons exempt from mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19
March 19, 2021
New pandemic restrictions announced and
Pausing vaccination using AstraZeneca
March 19, 2021
K-12 #58-bulletin-Mar-19-Support-staff-vaccines
School support workers to have earlier access to vaccines
Education support workers will be included in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of B.C.’s vaccination plan. We have advocated for this on many levels. Many of our members are in workplaces with high rates of exposure or do not have access to barriers while working indoors and in close proximity to large numbers of children and co-workers.
March 4, 2021
K-12 #56_Bulletin_Vaccines Update
B.C.’s vaccine distribution plan focuses on first protecting the most vulnerable in Phases 1 and 2. We are now in Phase 2 which is expected to run from February to April. No one will lose their place in line. For example, if someone in Phase 2 cannot be immunized at that time, they can get the vaccine at any point thereafter.
February 5, 2021
Complete this checklist with your school’s health and safety committee to assess your school’s safety plan with the Ministry of Education’s Health and Safety Guidelines. Measures that are only sometimes or never in place represent areas where more attention and action may be needed.
February 4, 2021
K-12_Covid_19_Health and Safety_Guidlines
The full and in depth, K-12 COVID-19 guidelines document.
February 4, 2021
K-12 Bulletin #52_Safety_Guidelines
Revised K-12 COVID-19 guidelines released
The Ministry of Education, in a collaborative process with provincial health officials, WorkSafeBC, CUPE and B.C.’s education and rightsholders, announced significant updates to the K-12 Health and Safety Guidelines earlier today. CUPE sits on the Steering Committee where we advocate for safer schools and increased guidance to the K-12 sector.
January 29, 2021
Mental Health and COVID-19 – Resource
January 25, 2021
COVID one year later
January 22, 2021
January 21, 2021
Keeping safe in the pandemic
January 7, 2021
K-12 – #46_Bulletin_Covid_Safety_Mental_Health
- COVID Safety Plans
- Daily Health Checks/Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Testing
A light-hearted approach to the serious subject of Mental Health
January 19: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
REGISTER NOW
Click here to register
You will receive a meeting link unique to you by email.
December 16, 2020
K-12 #44_Bulletin_Mental_Health_Presentation
Jan.19th Presentation: 5:30–7:00 pm
Stand Up For Mental Health
This pandemic is challenging for CUPE members working as frontline workers across B.C. We have had to learn new ways of doing things under challenging conditions. Many have faced pandemic fatigue and fear in a situation that changes frequently—working despite the lack of a mask mandate, and fearing for the health and safety of our families and loved ones with health issues that put them at risk.
Members may experience depression themselves or worry about a colleague or friend and want to know how to reach out to them to let them know someone cares.
This webinar features a one-hour performance by counsellor and stand-up comedian David Granirer and his Stand Up For Mental Health comics. Q&A to follow.
Information to join the January 19, 2021 Zoom presentation will be
emailed to Local Presidents, Unit Chairs and Staff Reps.
Please Email your Unit Chair if you would like to join in on this Presentation.
December 15, 2020
K-12 #43_Bulletin_COVID_Safety_Plans
Ensuring application and enforcement
of K-12 COVID-19 Safety Plans
Joint Health & Safety Committee role and upcoming survey
In order to support CUPE worker representatives in their important role on Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC), we will be circulating a provincial Health and Safety survey in January. This survey comes from the provincial joint Health & Safety Taskforce negotiated in the Provincial Framework Agreement.
December 12, 2020
K-12 #42_Bulletin_COVID-19_Impact_on_Members
CUPE is aware of school districts requiring our members to take sick time or unpaid time during periods of COVID-19 school closures and when required to isolate or quarantine due to possible exposure.
This is not okay.
November 22, 2020
K-12 #38_Bulletin_PHO New Orders
PHO makes masks mandatory and emphasizes importance of keeping schools open.
The existing protocols and guidelines in the COVID-19 Operational Guidelines and the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings remain in effect.
November 17, 2020
K-12 Bulletin37-Two-School-Closures
Two public schools close due to COVID-19.
K-12 locals across the province are dealing with self-isolation with many of our members being told to self-isolate across several districts. Details about school exposures and clusters can be found on each health region’s website. (Please see Bulletin 33 for links.)
November 10, 2020
K-12 Bulletin36-Two-School-Closures
PHO issues new orders for Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health Regions
On November 7, 2020, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an order to limit social interactions in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley to those who live in the same household for the next two weeks.
The order is aimed at reducing social interactions so that schools and workplaces can remain open. Henry says that it is incredibly important that we slow the virus.
November 02, 2020
K-12 – #35 Bulletin Health Regions
It is very concerning to see that COVID-19 outbreaks are now happening in B.C. schools.
It’s not unexpected because the virus is still in our communities, and that makes our schools
vulnerable as well. Every health region in B.C. provides information online about COVID-19 exposures and the protocols they follow when reporting them.
October 18, 2020
“Our public health teams have been there and done contact tracing and response for every single case that has been identified in any school…We are able to manage and determine every single exposure event: whether there has been transmission in the school setting; who has been close contacts; and making sure that those people have been isolated so that we break those chains of transmission.”
— PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry
Our focs remains on keeping everyone in schools safe. If you are told to self-isolate by someone from provincial health, fill out a WorkSafeBC form.
October 18, 2020
What is the difference between the Flu & COVID-19?
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.
October 01, 2020
K-12 Bulletin #31_Bulletin_Contact_Tracing
Contact tracing in K-12 schools
Contact tracing is a vital tool in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and communities.
It helps people get diagnosed earlier and reduces the chances they’ll spread it to others. The BC
Centre for Disease Control and Provincial Health Services Authority have set out the step-by-step
process being used for contact tracing across the province.
September 23, 2020
K-12_Bulletin_#30_BCCDC_Student_Diagnosis
Responding to COVID-19 cases at school.
CUPE – 4 Steps of Resolving a Health and Safety Problem
Workplace stress is a serious health and safety hazard that can have devastating effects. Stress occurs when there is a poor match between workplace demands and a worker’s degree of control. We feel stress as a result of demands that are placed upon mind and body. Like violence and overwork, stress is a significant health and safety hazard directly related to how work is organized.
September 09, 2020
CUPE K-12 Bulletin #25 FAQ 7 and BCCDC FAQs
BCCDC School FAQ – Health & Safety
K-12 Bulletin- #24-Additional-Funding
Additional K-12 funding will support a safe restart.
September 01, 2020
CUPE K-12 Site Health and Safety Committees
CUPE K-12 site health and safety committees do not fall under the jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC. The Workers Compensation
Board and the Workers Compensation Act only recognize the joint health and safety committee, not the central /
district joint safety committee or CUPE site/local health and safety committees. CUPE K-12 site health and safety
committees identify problems and bring them to their local’s joint health and safety committee to address.
More info on Health and safety
August 26, 2020
Province approves all K-12 safety plans.
Education Minister Rob Fleming announced this afternoon that all K-12 safety plans have been approved. Most
safety plans, which required input from CUPE locals, are now available for review on individual district web sites.
Questions & Answers about Health and Safety and Learning Groups.
August 18, 2020
Letter from President 523 – August 18
B.C.’s Back to School Plan – Province of British Columbia
June 23, 2020
Click here for a Printable version
Click here for a Printable version
June 15, 2020
June 12 K-12 Bulletin 11 Members at work
Meet some K-12 members working during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
June 9, 2020
K-12 Bulletin 10 Modelling
Dr. Bonnie Henry presented a new type of modelling relevant to the K-12 restart. Age structured modelling is based on real data about how different age groups interact in B.C. The model was developed by BCCDC and UBC to help understand influenza transmission.
CSSEA Bulletin
Temporary Pandemic Pay FAQs
Covid19 – Going Forward – BC Ministry of Health
June 3, 2020
K-12 Bulletin 9 – Science and Restart
As many K-12 CUPE members will be back in classrooms on June 1, it’s important to recognize the work we have all done to enable re-opening our province under the guidance of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonny Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.
May 07, 2020
CSS_COVID_Update_Bulletin
Topics covered in this update are:
- Self Care
- Member Rights
- Job Security & Redeployment (CSSEA agencies)
- Agencies funded by BC Housing
- Agencies who are not part of CSSEA
- Single Site Work Orders
- Off Work Because of COVID-19
- Recuperation of Increased Costs
- Provincial Round Table Discussions
- Teleconference to show appreciation from CLBC
- A “reminders” list at the end mentions topics from previous updates that are not addressed in this specific communication.
K-12 Bulletin 6 – Health and Safety
As we return to classrooms, we must ensure that the workplace is a safe place for students and staff. This bulletin provides info on how to work with different chemicals being used in B.C. schools.
Message from our Provincial K-12 President
April 29, 2020
President Message
Dear Members,
In March the Ministry of Education issued direction to all BC School Districts and employees to maintain employment continuity to the end of April for all regular and temporary assigned positions. It was also during this time period that CUPE National was informed that a decision mid-April would be made regarding May and June. Unfortunately, our Union did not receive any concrete information until late Tuesday and today.
PSEC (Public Sector Employers Council) sent an email today to all parties directing districts to internally determine levels of delivery service based on individual districts need in the operation of suspended learning environments up to the end of June. What this basically means is workload and the workforce will be up to the district to decide and maintain. Specific guidelines have been established to guide the decision-making process.
1. Determine what work is required to be done.
2. Work with the Local Union to discuss the assigning of staff for that work. All work must comply with WorkSafeBC requirements and recommendations of the PHO (Provincial Health Officer)
3. Determine if any additional meaningful work can be found for staff who have not otherwise been deployed/assigned. Identify opportunities including job sharing and redeployment opportunities
4. Engage in discussion with the Local Union to determine placement of the individuals who will not be working and accessing leaves and or federal income support initiatives.
What does this mean for the members of Local 523?
At this point we don’t exactly know what this means for all our members. We have been in direct contact with all districts daily through this process and know that all our members are contributing in a variety of ways based on ability, positions and personal circumstances. We have encouraged our employer(s) to organize the workforce to its fullest capacity in a safe and meaningful way. Our principals have been as follows:
1. Hold the employer accountable to safe work practices
2. Secure wages, benefits and Collective Agreement language rights
3. Insist that all alternate work be meaningful and those being redeployed are trained and qualified to do such work.
4. Encourage Districts to provide communication to workers as soon as information is established.
We will carry on applying these principals as we engage in conversations with the employer over the next few days. As of right now, all our Collective Agreement language is intact, including Article 11 which requires 30 days’ notice for layoff of all regular and temporary assigned positions. If you have any questions, please contact one of your Shop Stewards and or Unit Chair and we will continue to update you as we learn more information.
School District 53
Yesterday you received an email from your Superintendent titled Moving Forward Together. It outlined current practices in the district and maintains employment continuity to the end of June.
School District 67
Unit Chair Tammy Carter inquired this morning on plans for Support Staff and they informed her that they are working on a service plan. They stated until further notice that current workload will be maintained. Tammy and I are meeting with Superintendent Todd Manual tomorrow for a budget consultation and will determine a formal meeting date before the end of the week.
School District 83
Unit Chair Roni Ault and I will meet with the District Senior Leadership tomorrow morning to discuss what direction the district will proceed for all support staff.
While I do not have any concrete information to share with our members from Unit 67 and 83, I can assure you we are working diligently and passionately to fight for you to remain employed for May and June. As I mentioned in my email yesterday there has been a tremendous show of commitment on the part of our members in all departments to continue to offer service to the operation of buildings, people and students. We have shown our employer that we are a vital part of the workforce and are needed in so many ways. From Strong Start Coordinators to Painters and everyone in between, we have stepped up and beyond expectations to service our communities. While it doesn’t surprise me in any way, it certainly fills my heart with pride.
Thank you, Brothers and Sisters, for your patience as we wade our way through this process. Stay safe and tuned in for more information.
April 27, 2020
President Message
K-12 Bulletin #4 – Public Health Guidance for Childcare Settings
April 13, 2020
K-12 Bulletin 3 Flatten the Curve
Thank you to the many CUPE members who are stepping up and providing supports to the children of essential frontline health care workers throughout B.C. Your work and commitment is appreciated by everyone.
How essential workers can access child care
All the updated info on how essential workers can access child care can be found here.
April 06, 2020
CSS – Interim Guidance to Social Service Providers for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in their Facilities
Public Health Guidance for K-12 School Settings
April 03. 2020
CUPE National has updated their backgrounder on federal income supports, including the CERB, for workers affected by the #COVID19 pandemic.
April 02, 2020
K-12 Covid Q an A
The following document is a series of questions and general answers to help assist our members dealing with navigating COVID-19 and work practices over the next few weeks and months. It is important to note that information and recommendations are constantly changing, and the following information are generalized and based on current known practices. For specific information or any unanswered questions, please contact your Shop Stewards, Unit Chair or Executive members of Local 523
CSS – COVID-19 Health and Safety
We support the most vulnerable citizens of British Columbia. We know our members have a lot of health and safety-related questions about what is happening in their workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we have put together responses to some common questions.
It is important to emphasize that the information and recommendations about COVID-19 in B.C. are changing rapidly, and some information could become out of date quickly. Please keep this in mind and refer to official sources like the BC Centre for Disease Control (“BCCDC”) for the most current advice.
Online Employee Wellness Resource: Partnership with LifeSpeak — FREE for School Districts
As school districts work to meet the challenges of education continuity during the global COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that the professional and personal demands can be difficult and often stressful to navigate.
To assist school districts in making credible resources available to your employees, BCPSEA has negotiated a limited time partnership with LIfeSpeak on Demand (LifeSpeak).
Starting immediately and continuing through to the end of August 2020, this partnership provides all 60 public school districts with FULL ACCESS to the online services and supports offered by LifeSpeak.
This means that each school district can provide access to the expert and informed content on LifeSpeak’s fully bilingual online wellness platform to ALL employees and school trustees.
What is LifeSpeak? LifeSpeak is an extensive online library of streaming and downloadable video modules with renowned experts speaking on a range of health, family, wellness, and professional development topics.
Content is offered in both English and French.
LifeSpeak experts are acclaimed authors, medical professionals, and professors — not simply speakers who have taught themselves about a topic.
Is there a cost? There is absolutely no cost to BC public school districts.
Districts can provide access to ALL school district employees and school trustees FREE for five months starting immediately through to August 31, 2020.
How do I access LifeSpeak? LifeSpeak can be accessed at https://bcpsea.lifespeak.com; Client password: lifespeak
Topics include Helpful Links, Members Rights and Redeployment:
Each district is developing their own plan for continuity of learning and a safety plan to keep students and staff safe. Information regarding what to expect, safety procedures, the right to refuse unsafe work, benefits and FAQ:
Canada Emergency Response Benefit: Q&A
General occupational guidelines for COVID-19
Our Local will be taking their direction on this pandemic from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health here in BC and we suggest that you continue to monitor your School District and Social Services Websites and Employment Emails for notifications as well.
Details pertaining to the COVID-19 virus seems to be evolving on a daily basis, we will be doing our best to keep our members up-to-date with the most recent notifications and links to various websites:
- Health Canada
- BC Ministry of Education
- BC Ministry of Health
- Interior Health Authority
- BC Centre for Disease Control
Important Information for K-12 Locals and Members
Premier John Horgan announced yesterday that in-class instruction has been
suspended indefinitely in all B.C. schools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CUPE, along with other stakeholders in education, have been involved in discussions
with our provincial government around school closures and what that will look like for
our members. We have also been in discussion with BCPSEA and tabled our urgency
to find agreement on the continuation of wages and benefits for our members in K-12.
We haven’t heard back from BCPSEA and we will notify you immediately when we do.
Please read this bulletin from K-12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams.
March 19, 2020
Message from Local 523 President
Dear Members,
On March 17, 2020 the provincial government announced that they are directing all school districts to remain closed until further notice. During the announcement Premier Horgan noted that the situation is rapidly evolving and promised that the “government will ensure that British Columbians’ jobs will be protected amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, and that amendments will come to the Employees Standards Act.”
School District 67 and 83 have sent out an email to all employees and parents but did not give any specifics of what they are planning on doing for support staff. The unit chairs are in contact with the superintendents and will report back as soon as information is made available. We understand that members have a lot of questions and we are committed to report back to members as soon as information is available. These are uncertain times and we are all feeling anxious for our own families as well as our students. Please be patient while the province anddistricts negotiate unfamiliar territory. All K-12 locals across the province are working with CUPE BC to secure wage and benefit protection for all of our members during this difficult time.
For our Community Services sector, a memo came out from CSSBA (Community Social Services Bargaining Association) today outlining safety procedures for those working at TPCS and NOYFSS. Below is CUPE BC website which has a link to the memo. Unit Chairs, Bob Croizer and Craeg Pohorelic, will have copies of this memo for reference. We want to emphasize that, while these agencies remain open, our members’ health and safety are very important. Our Local is incredibly proud of the important work that each of you do and will closely monitor the working conditions that you currently find yourself in.
While the information above does not directly provide answers to what our future holds, we hope the following links will provide some valuable information. Please continue to check your work emails over the next few days and our websites and those mentioned in the last email for clarification of what we know at this point.
CUPE BC – www.cupe.bc.ca
CUPE Local 523 – www.cupe523.ca
If you are concerned about exposure to the virus, please seek medical attention immediately. The BC Centre for Disease Control has a good link for self-assessment for COVID-19 and can be found at https://covid19.thrive.health
Please read the bulletin from K-12 Presidents Council President, Warren Williams, from March 17th , https://bcschools.cupe.ca/category/news
In Solidarity,
Tammie Koroluk
President Local 523
Message from Local 523 President
March 17, 2020
Dear Members,
These times of stress and unknown often bring out the best of people who stand in solidarity with each other. That being said, I can understand the stress many are feeling about not knowing what to expect over the coming weeks and months.
At this time, CUPE National has been working with Locals to keep us informed nationally, provincially and locally as to what is happening in our workplaces. The information is ever changing and all Local Executives have been told to continue to monitor provincial and employer websites for updates.
Details pertaining to the COVID-19 virus and the responses by authorities seem to be evolving on a daily basis. As such, we will be doing our best to keep our website up to date with the most recent notifications and links to various websites. If you have concerns about your own health please contact your medical provider and use the following websites for factual information:
BC Centre for Disease Control – www.covid-19.bccdc.ca
Health Canada www.canada.ca
Interior Health Authority: www.interiorhealth.ca
CUPE National and CUPE BC also have websites that are providing information on the virus and outline steps union members can take to decrease the spread. CUPE National has a daily newsletter that members can subscribe to by email. The Executive will do our best to update our website as well with local information:
CUPE National: www.cupe.ca
CUPE BC: www.cupe.bc.ca
BC’s Ministry of Health online symptom checker
Our Local’s five employers will be taking direction on this pandemic from the Ministry of Education (School Districts) and Ministry of Community Social Services (TPCS and NOYFFS) and the Ministry of Health. We have been told that all employees are to continue to check their individual work emails and employer websites (3 School Districts) for updates and announcements throughout the next few weeks. If you know of someone that does not have access to email or the internet please inform one of your unit’s Shop Stewards or the Unit Chair so we can personally update them:
SD53, SD67, SD83
TPCS. NOYFSS
Contact Lists: www.523.cupe.ca/about-us/your-executive
CUPE National has recommended that our local postpone all Union Meetings in the near future that potentially involve more than 50 people in attendance. This means we are now officially canceling the Unit meeting on April 4th in Salmon Arm for Unit 83 and on April 18 in Penticton for Unit 67.
CUPE National Education workshops have been cancelled for the month of March but are still tentatively scheduled for April (as is CUPE Spring School in Kamloops), however should they be postponed, we will notify those who are registered.
If you have any links/resources to relevant and reliable information to add to the website please email: president@cupe523.com
If you have any questions that cannot be found in the above links please contact your Shop Stewards, Unit Chair or myself and we will do our best to answer them in a timely manner.
This afternoon the Provincial Government announced that they are directing all school districts to remain closed until further notice. During the announcement Premier Horgan noted that the situation is rapidly evolving and promised that the “government will ensure that British Columbians’ jobs will be protected amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, and that amendments will come to the Employees Standards Act.”
At this time all K-12 Locals are working with their National Representatives with the goal to secure wage and benefit protection for all our members during this difficult time. As the details emerge the Executive of our Local will work diligently send out updates and keep you informed.
As a reminder, please self-disclose to employers if you were out of the country prior to your knowledge of the federal advisory on March 12 and will be in quarantine for 14 days following arrival back in Canada. Please continue to practice active social distancing and universal precautions to help keep those members of our communities at minimal risk of contracting the virus.
Over the last couple of days I have heard of many wonderful stories of our members stepping up and helping neighbors buy groceries, drive people to doctor’s appointments and offer many different kinds of supports to our communities. I have heard heartful stories of many of you giving up much needed vacations to help stop the spread of the virus and wait patiently as information slowly trickles in. We have kept clients and students calm through stressful times and we as frontline workers, have shown how incredibly caring and resourceful we are.
On behalf of the Executive of Local 523, I thank you for your patience as we wade through the unknown.
In Solidarity,
Tammie Koroluk
President Local 523
