COVID-19 UPDATES

Dear members,

Please refer to the updates and information below regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

CUPE BC Operational Updates

CUPE BC Office staff are currently working remotely on a rotating basis to ensure operational needs are met while adhering to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

At this time, the CUPE BC Division Office has reduced its operational hours to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00am to 3:30pm, for staff and deliveries pending further notice.

Due to a high volume of inquiries, we kindly ask members to anticipate delays and allow 3 business days for a response.

Should you have any urgent inquiries, please contact the CUPE BC Administrative staff directly by email during office hours.

COVID-19 Inquiries and Resources

Your primary contact remains your CUPE National Servicing Representatives for issues related to your local and collective agreement.

General information by sector can be found on the CUPE BC website, which is being routinely updated. If your sector is not listed, please check back regularly and contact your Local Union for further updates.

Further updates regarding COVID-19 can also be found on the following websites:

• CUPE BC News Updates
• CUPE National Newsroom
• Government of British Columbia
• BC Centre for Disease Control
• World Health Organization

Occupational Health and Safety during COVID-19

Below is a list of links containing additional workplace health and safety information during the COVID-19 outbreak:

• CUPE National General Occupational Guidelines
• Provincial Health Officer Orders, Notices, and Guidance Documents:  A number of industry specific guidance documents are available to provide clarity on what is expected from employers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• WorkSafe BC Information on COVID-19
• Section G3.12 of the WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety guidelines, guaranteeing the right to refuse unsafe work.

Employment Insurance, Sick Pay, and Other Benefits

Please find a list of available resources below to assist members during the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit: Provides $2000/month for up to four months to workers who have lost their job, are still employed but not earning income, are sick or quarantined, must care for someone who is sick or quarantined, or must care for a child. Workers whom are employees, the self-employed, and contract workers are all eligible. The CERB does not negate EI benefits. Applications will be open in early April.
• Federal Employment Insurance (EI) Application
• Summary of Income supports for workers (CUPE National).  Another EI Factsheet can be found on the BCGEU website.
• Information on the BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund: For those struggling to pay utility bills.
• Translink Fare Suspensions on bus system
• A comprehensive list of supports compiled by the Broadbent Institute
• A how-to guide to all of the available government support programs, by Professor Jennifer Robson

Should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please address them to our office by email at info@cupe.bc.ca.