March 16th 2020

ATU 615 has been in contact with the employer and have discussed the most recent developments with Covid 19 and such things as the schools closing, the lack of work for some of our members at Access Transit, how those that have children will care for their children with the schools and daycare centres closing, right now we don’t have clear answers to any of this from the employer, but have requested that the options the employer is looking at have ATU 615 input. McDonald has stated the decision maker on this stuff has been handed over to EMO Emergency Measures Organization which has been working with the province and the health region. I’m hoping to have more answers on these sometime today.

I have fielded many questions on the following situations, if you feel ill, taking care of someone that’s ill, have someone in your household that may have a compromised immune system, have travelled abroad and returned to Canada since March 13th please call 811 and let them know of the circumstances and follow their direction, if you are directed to be in isolation please follow the direction of 811, currently we have 3 members in isolation because of travel not because of symptoms and we will have more. ATU has asked if these members if they are doing ok for groceries and supplies, at the moment they are doing good, if that changes we may be asking for donations of non-perishable food items.

Please note that Justin Trudeau has waived the waiting period for those that may qualify, as well in our CBA if you’re under quarantine as directed by a Medical Health Officer you are to be paid your wage and should not be using your sick time.

Please stay vigilant in these uncertain times, as information comes in we will be sending out updates.