Member Update #19 - Covid-19 - Paid Vaccination Leave
May 31, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Greetings:
The last few weeks have been extremely challenging as we battle the third wave of the pandemic.
Now more than ever, it is extremely important for all CUPE members to follow the employer’s workplace health and safety directives and public health orders. Along with these critical steps, Manitoba’s immunization plan offers vaccines to those over 12 years of age to help protect against COVID-19.
As part of this plan, employees are entitled to take up to three hours of paid leave to attend their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. This is as a result of recent changes to the province’s Employment Standards Code.
Under the code, employees must provide the employer with as much notice as possible before taking the leave. Employees will be paid their regular wage rate, or an average wage rate for workers whose wages vary. Further, employers are not allowed to require a doctor's note or medical certificate to grant the required leave.
All employees who took time off work to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on or after May 12 are eligible for the leave.
If you have any questions about the vaccine paid leave, please reach out to your supervisor, union shop steward or unit executive for help and support. You can also contact the Local 500 office at 204-942-1001 or union@cupe500.mb.ca.
As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, CUPE remains in ongoing discussions with your employers regarding any further service impacts or changes at your workplaces.
Your unit executives, shop stewards and National Staff Representatives have been working throughout this crisis to ensure member services and supports are maintained and your rights protected. Your health and safety and income security, remains a priority.
If you feel that your health is at risk, or if you feel you are being treated unfairly at work, please contact us right away.
As always, your feedback is important to us. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Stay safe and please look out for each other.
In solidarity,
Gord Delbridge
President, CUPE Local 500
