COVID-19 UPDATE: Psychologically Safe Workplaces

We know this is a very difficult time for public sector workers in all sectors — those on the front lines and behind the scenes, those who have been ordered to work from home, those working without child care, and those who are facing layoffs, not to mention the general anxiety as our world as we know it changes hour by hour. Staff and union executives are working very hard to make sure important information is shared with our members and that members’ concerns are responded to as quickly as possible.

We appreciate everything our members are doing to hold it together. Please do not hesitate to contact union staff or executive if there is anything we can do to help.

Tips for maintaining a psychologically safe workplace during a pandemic

CUPE is proud to be on the leading edge of psychological health and safety practices in the workplace. Psychological health and safety is focused on preventing mental injuries in much the same way that traditional health and safety has been focused on preventing physical injuries.

With the world focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of feeling psychologically safe and supported in the workplace could be seriously compromised.

Read more…COVID-19 UPDATE: Psychologically Safe Workplaces

COVID-19 and Income Supports for Workers Q and A

What is your situation? 

I am an employee with COVID-19 and/or in isolation: 

  • Your employer may have a short-term disability or sick leave program that you need to apply for before applying for EI Sickness Benefits. Check your collective agreement or contact your CUPE local.
  • If you have worked more than 600 hours in the past year or since your last EI claim, you qualify for EI sickness benefits. For more information on EI Sickness Benefits, check out the section on EI below.
  • If you have not worked more than 600 hours in the past year or since your last EI claim, the federal government is providing an Emergency Care Benefit, which will provide benefits comparable to EI for up to 15 weeks. More details will be forthcoming from the Federal government.
  • Your job will be protected during this leave of absence by federal and provincial legislation.

Read more…COVID-19 and Income Supports for Workers Q and A

COVID-19 UPDATE: The Precautionary Principle and Federal Income Support

The Precautionary Principle

Knowledge about how COVID-19 is transmitted has yet to be fully understood. For this reason, CUPE is recommending that health care settings adopt the precautionary principle towards infection prevention and control of COVID-19. The precautionary principle means taking action to prevent infection from potentially serious viruses without having to wait for complete scientific proof that a course of action is necessary. While there is continued uncertainty about whether or not the virus is spread through the air, we must conduct ourselves as if it is. For that reason, CUPE is recommending that health care workers who are in direct contact (within 2 meters) with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 request a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator covering the nose and mouth.

 Federal Income Support

 What was in the federal government’s March 18 announcement:

  • A new Emergency Care Benefit that will apply to workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance and who are in isolation, caring for a sick family member, and/or providing childcare.
    • The benefit will provide a maximum of $450 per week for up to 15 weeks.
    • Parents who are unable to work because they need to provide childcare due to school closures are eligible even if they do qualify for EI.

Read more…COVID-19 UPDATE: The Precautionary Principle and Federal Income Support