Member Update #16 - Covid-19 - A message from Local 500 President Gord Delbridge
February 01, 2021 at 10:34 AM
First, I want to recognize and thank all of our members who are working on the front lines and behind the scenes to help keep our community safe, and our city functioning. Your dedication and sacrifices are not going unnoticed during these challenging times.
As the pandemic continues to challenge our community and our workplaces, there is also reason for optimism with the rollout of vaccines to help protect against COVID-19.
We know there are a lot of questions and concerns regarding vaccines, including your obligations in the workplace. CUPE has released a guide that highlights some important information on COVID-19 vaccinations.
This guide covers:
- A background leading up to the COVID-19 immunization program;
- The balancing of CUPE members’ individual rights, health and safety, the recognition of public health information and the interest of the community.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Local 500 has continued to receive and respond to your questions and concerns. We also remain in ongoing discussions with your employer to ensure your health and safety remains a priority.
As always, we encourage you to contact us if you have concerns related to your health and safety, or if your rights in the workplace are being violated.
As you may know, the city recently announced the recall of 91 of the 600 members currently on layoff in Community Services. Please be assured that your union will continue to call on the city and province to look at every possible option to bring all our members back to work.
The Local is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will update you on any developments that may impact your workplace.
We all have a collective responsibility in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our community and our workplaces. Please do your part by following all workplace health and safety guidelines and public health advice.
In closing, it’s important that we all support each other and remain unified
during these difficult times. Stay safe everyone!
In solidarity,
Gord Delbridge
President
