CUPE 1936

Dear friends,

I wanted to let you know about the plans for this year’s commemoration of the National Day of Mourning on Wednesday, April 28.

As you know, the National Day of Mourning honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness as a result of their work. This is one of the most sacred days on our calendar.

It causes all of us real pain to know we can’t gather in person for the second year as we continue to deal with the pandemic. In fact, we are now fighting the most virulent wave of COVID 19 – which is itself a reminder of the dangers facing working people. But this date is too important for us to allow it to go unmarked.

So once again we are co-sponsoring the Day of Mourning along with the WCB, the Business Council of BC and the Vancouver and District Labour Council.

This year, instead of a face-to-face event, we will be observing the day with a virtual ceremony. It begins at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Please join us then at https://DayOfMourning.bc.ca.

And encourage friends, colleagues and members to come too. We may be separated by this pandemic, but we can still be together in grief, condolence and solidarity. A note that we ask that no wreaths be laid in the plaza.

We’ll mourn the dead and fight for the living. That means we recommit to our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of working people by:

Improving workplace health and safety;
Rigorously enforcing occupational health and safety regulations – and holding those who violate them to account;
Preserving the dignity of the thousands of workers who suffer injury or illness; and
Ensuring full compensation to those who have been hurt at work.
Together, we’ll do all we can to reach the goal I know you and I share: a province where every worker can go home safe and healthy at the end of every workday.

In solidarity,

W. LAIRD CRONK SUSSANNE SKIDMORE
President Secretary-Treasurer

BC Federation of Labour | 200-5118 Joyce Street | Vancouver BC V5R 4H1
The BC Federation of Labour is located on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam),
səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories.

This year, instead of a face-to-face event, we will be observing the day with a virtual ceremony. It begins at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Please join us then at https://DayOfMourning.bc.ca.

And encourage friends, colleagues and members to come too. We may be separated by this pandemic, but we can still be together in grief, condolence and solidarity. A note that we ask that no wreaths be laid in the plaza.

We’ll mourn the dead and fight for the living. That means we recommit to our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of working people by:

• Improving workplace health and safety;
• Rigorously enforcing occupational health and safety regulations – and holding those who violate them to account;
• Preserving the dignity of the thousands of workers who suffer injury or illness; and

• Ensuring full compensation to those who have been hurt at work.

Together, we’ll do all we can to reach the goal I know you and I share: a province where every worker can go home safe and healthy at the end of every workday.

In solidarity,

1. LAIRD CRONK             SUSSANNE SKIDMORE
   President                      Secretary-Treasurer

BC Federation of Labour | 200-5118 Joyce Street | Vancouver BC  V5R 4H1
The BC Federation of Labour is located on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam),
səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories.

Below is a flyer that can be posted on your union bulletin boards or to have for your reference when you are needing information in regards to your rights and responsibility in regards to unsafe work

kit_committee_fact_sheet_refusing_unsafe_work_2015_en

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0015-000644

Employers and employees throughout B.C. who work in the tourism, hospitality and community social services sectors now have access to vital mental health resources with the creation of a digital resource hub.

The online hub offers a range of tools to help address common workplace concerns, such as bullying, harassment, COVID-19 exposure, coping with stress and more.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people working in tourism, hospitality and social services,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “I’m grateful to workplace leaders stepping up to promote positive mental health for their employees. This will have a lasting impact on people in the months and years ahead.”

The new hub provides workshops, webinars and information to help employees manage stress and build resiliency. It also provides tangible steps for workers at all levels to improve their overall mental health, as well as navigation support to connect to other mental health services, including counselling and peer support. To access the hub, visit: www.workmentalhealthbc.ca

In May 2021, the hub will expand to include a made-in-B.C. training and coaching platform that will provide managers and leaders in these sectors with personalized guidance to help make meaningful and lasting change at work. Participants will gain knowledge and practical tools, apply learning and strengthen peer connections to help make continuous improvements that support the long-term well-being of their employees.

The new hub is being developed in partnership with the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association and health and safety associations, such as go2HR.

The new hub will augment existing mental health supports the government deployed early on in the pandemic for workers in the long-term care and continuing-care sector, including the Care for Caregivers site and Care to Speak peer support service. Both services received major uptake from health-care workers throughout the province. The hub builds on this success and provides more workplace sectors with the mental health supports they need.

As part of B.C.’s $1.5-billion economic recovery plan, $2 million was provided for the development of the online hub and soon-to-be launched coaching and training platform for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction contributed an additional $1 million to expand the scope to include the community social services sector.

Improving workplace mental health is an integral part of the government’s plan to build a comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care British Columbians deserve, as outlined in A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia.

Learn More:

StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

Free and low-cost mental health supports for British Columbians during COVID-19: http://www.gov.bc.ca/covid19mentalhealthsupports

A Pathway to Hope: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf

Care for Caregivers – mental health support for health-care providers: https://www.careforcaregivers.ca/

Care to Speak – peer support for B.C. health-care workers: https://www.careforcaregivers.ca/caretospeak/

For emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health available 24-7, call 310Mental Health Support toll-free (no need to dial an area code): 310-6789

StopOverdose BC – resources and information related to B.C.’s overdose crisis: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/

Join us for out monthly membership meeting. There will be new business, reports, and door prizes if you register before Monday , April 19th.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Apr 21, 2021 06:30 PM Vancouver

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElfu-hrj8uH9xYmPLh7ZO2RGdJ7q7NnAL3

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Canada’s unions are marking Pink Shirt Day by calling on the federal government to ratify ILO Convention 190, a global convention to end all violence and harassment at work, including gender-based violence.

Although Canada adopted Convention 190 in 2019, the federal government has yet to ratify the convention, which would turn the global treaty into law.

Pink Shirt Day is recognized across Canada and around the world as a day to recommit ourselves to challenging bullying and harassment in our schools, communities, and in our workplaces. This year, the focus of Pink Shirt Day is about working together and treating everyone with dignity and respect as we all navigate the unprecedented realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is no place for bullying and harassment in our unions, workplaces, or in our communities. This includes homophobic and transphobic bullying,” said Larry Rousseau, CLC Executive Vice-President. “COVID-19 has forced many workplaces to become virtual, exacerbating existing concerns around online violence and harassment.”

A recent study by Statistics Canada on the Experiences of Discrimination during the COVID-19 Pandemic found that three in ten respondents reported harassment in the workplace, while almost a third of all respondents reported experiences of online harassment.

In addition, the same study found that 68% of gender diverse respondents reported experiences of harassment online, while half of all Black and South Asian respondents experienced discrimination in public spaces, such as retail, restaurants and banks.

Workers experiencing harassment – including transphobic and homophobic bullying – whether virtual or in person, may feel increased pressure not to report due to the economic insecurities felt throughout this pandemic.

“It’s past time for our government to take a stance against violence and harassment at work,” said Rousseau. “Canada must join other countries around the world by ratifying this convention and solidifying our government’s commitment to the right to a workplace free of violence and harassment for all.”

Canada’s unions have long organized and fought for anti-harassment policies and awareness initiatives at work that ensure safer workplaces for everyone. Even in the midst of a pandemic, unions are leading the way in advocating for every worker’s right to safety in the workplace. This includes the recent launch of a national survey on harassment and work in Canada and the creation of a new Workers in Transition handbook.

Pink Shirt Day started as an initiative in a small town Nova Scotia school in 2007, to address homophobia and transphobia. Since then, it has grown into a global celebration of all identities and includes participants from all over the globe. Learn more about the origins of Pink Shirt Day here.

To show your virtual support, upload a photo of yourself, your workplace or your community with the hashtags #PinkShirtDay and #LiftEachOtherUp. Be sure to include a message on anti-bullying to your social media platforms.

Please find attached for your reference the April 1, 2021 HBT benefit booklets and Benefits-at-a-Glance for the CSSEA Collective Agreements.

CSS_Community_Living_Services_04 01 2021 (1)

CSS_Community_Living_Services_BaaG_04 01 2021 (1)

CSS_General_Services_04 01 2021

CSS_General_Services_BaaG_04 01 2021

PNE

CUPE BC

I’m writing to ask you to help your fellow CUPE members in Local 1004 who work at the Pacific National Exhibition. The jobs of more than 4,200 workers are at risk! Please take a moment to visit savethepne.ca and send an email to urge our leaders to save the PNE! The PNE has had little to no support through the COVID-19 pandemic. This means: ·  1,600 part-time workers not working ·  100 full-time staff laid off ·  the annual hire of 2,500 seasonal workers on hold ·  The jobs of 4,000 CUPE members are in danger While there is hope we are nearing an end to the public health crisis, the PNE needs short-term, emergency financial relief to avoid financial ruin. The PNE is a century-old tradition that has brought countless memories and enjoyment for generations. It also pumps $200 million into the region’s economy and local businesses every year. And it creates thousands of high-skilled jobs and youth employment. All of this is at risk if governments don’t step up now. Let’s make sure that the PNE is not left behind in post-pandemic recovery. Send a message to our leaders today. Tell them to Save the PNE! Please share this message with your friends, family, neighbours and coworkers. Thank-you for your support. In Solidarity, Paul Faoro http://www.cupe.bc.ca/

On March 18, 2021, the Provincial Health Officer has announced an acceleration of the vaccine rollout, which prioritizes child care workers, along with other front-line staff.

Due to large shipments of the AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India (AZ/SII) vaccine arriving in B.C. over the coming months, the vaccine schedule is accelerating to protect workers in high-risk industries and front-line workplaces. This is in line with government’s immunization strategy of protecting the most vulnerable British Columbians first, and using vaccines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

More than 300,000 front-line staff, including first responders, grocery store staff, teachers, educational and child care staff, and other front-line workers and industries, will be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations over the coming weeks, as B.C.’s plan moves forward ahead of schedule.

The first shipment of AZ/SII is being deployed to protect people in workplaces that are identified as having the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as food processing plants, and agricultural operations and large industrial camps with congregate accommodations; however, in total, B.C. expects to receive approximately 340,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by late May.                 The news release with additional details can be found here.

We know that you will have additional questions beyond the information provided today – more information about how it will be rolled out will be shared in the coming days and weeks.

Please do not call your local health authority to book an appointment. All AZ/SII vaccine appointments will be organized by employers. Appointment information will be communicated clearly and directly to each sector and employer over the coming weeks.                            More information regarding the broader Covid-19 Immunization plan is available online.

Additionally, thank you to everyone who sent in questions and attended the Health and Safety Townhall discussing the updated health and safety guidelines for child care settings with Dr. Patricia Daly, Vice-President, Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer from Vancouver Coastal Health, Dr. Geoff McKee, Medical Director, Population and Public Health at BC Centre for Disease Control, and Jacqueline Holmes, Manager of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC on February 16. As promised, we have compiled answers to questions that we were unable to get to during the webinar. We have posted these answers, along with the audio recording of the event, to the Childcare BC website.

We are incredibly grateful to all child care staff working on the front lines of this pandemic who have kept our communities and economies moving forward. We commit to continuing to keep you informed as information comes available.

Sincerely,

Stakeholder Engagement Team

Childcare BC

Attached are the 2 documents that will show our members the changes to their benefits and the improvements. The Low Wage Redress document that shows the  increases that you are entitled to April 1st, 2021

Copy of CSSBA Bulletin re Paramedical Services Benefits Improvement

CSS LWR_adjustment April 2021