CUPE Nova Scotia

CUPE LOCAL 108 UPDATE TO MEMBERS

March 23, 2020

There WILL BE no layoffs for full-time employees for the next 4 weeks. This plan will be re-assessed before April 25th, 2020. The plan may be tweaked as things change. This plan gives members some short term certainty. I hope that this eases members’ concerns and anxieties, especially about the financial impact these events will have on them.

There are changes coming. These changes will affect each business unit differently. Remember we provide valuable services to HRM and its residents. This will continue until it is unsafe to do so. Some of you will be sent home, others will be asked to report to work.

March 24, 2020March 22, 2020

On today’s date a province wide state of emergency was declared by the government of Nova Scotia.

As we collectively navigate these challenging circumstances, CUPE members have continued to provide essential public services to Nova Scotians. Please know that this work has not gone unnoticed. I see you showing up to work every day and I thank you.

Health and safety require that all front-line workers continue to provide Nova Scotians with essential services. The health and safety of front-line workers requires support from all Nova Scotians. This includes practicing social distancing and, if you have recently travelled or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, self isolation.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Psychologically Safe Workplaces

March 20, 2020

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.