Dear members,

I want to acknowledge how difficult this time is for you, your family, and so many Unifor members who are dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of the pandemic’s effects.

I also want to personally thank everyone working in frontline essential service jobs across so many sectors who are keeping us all connected as more health restrictions are being introduced to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

This is an unprecedented time for us all and rest assured that your union is working around the clock to pressure employers and government to enact measures that will protect your health, your income and your job security.

The government of Ontario will provide a fiscal update tomorrow at 4 p.m. that will include its COVID-19 strategy.

We need your help to send a message to Ford to enact Unifor’s COVID-19 proposals immediately in advance of tomorrow’s fiscal update. 

Many measures our union has called for have been implemented including protections for those workers in quarantine or in self-isolation as well as changes to Employment Insurance. All of the details can be found on Unifor’s COVID-19 website.

So far, the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 strategy has been criticized by health authorities as slow, incremental, and potentially ineffective. Reports are mounting of exorbitant wait-times and delays with COVID-19 testing. Ford’s cuts to health care in our province are undoubtedly having an effect on our capacity to respond to the public health emergency.

The end of the month is approaching and Ontarians are facing bills, mortgages, and rents while the government still has not indicated if it will introduce emergency funds for those affected by the pandemic.

Lastly, the Ford government hasn’t adequately protected long-term care residents and Personal Support Workers by addressing the staffing shortages in this province.

Together, these issues are creating the conditions for an unimaginable public health and economic crisis in the province.

Will you send a message to Ford to enact Unifor’s COVID-19 proposals immediately?

Share a message on social media as soon as possible using the suggested text below and the shareable image here and tell Doug Ford to adequately protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

I’m calling on @FordNation to protect me and flatten the #COVIDOntario curve with real measures protect my health, income and job. That includes $1 billion in health care funding to protect long-term care workers and residents by addressing the #PSWCrisis

Click here to share this tweet.

In solidarity,

Naureen Rizvi
Ontario Regional Director

Sisters and Brothers,

As we move forward, this Executive is committed to continue updating you immediately as more information is circulated.

We urge you to frequently visit the Bell I-net, Unifor National website, Local 1996-O website, Local 1996-O Facebook and Twitter for these important updates.

 

On March 23, 2020. Bell Canada: Mirko Bibic sent a communication to all members, in regards to Bell  being recognized as essential by the Provinces and Federal government. All members should have received the communication in your company internal email.

 

The Health and Safety of our members remains our priority. We thank all of our Health and Safety Co-Chairs and H/S Representatives and our Chief Stewards and Stewards alike for all the great work you are doing in this challenging time.

 

Please visit the links below:

COVID-19 Web Page

Visit www.unifor.org/covid19 for the most up to date union information, resources, and news on the coronavirus. At this point in the crisis, new information is posted daily, including a growing list of sector-specific backgrounders.

COVID-19 Checklist for income replacement

This checklist sets out the possible measures that may be available for income replacement events including; sickness cue to COVID-19, isolation or quarantine, family care obligations, and layoff or business closures.

Download the checklist (PDF)

Sources: WHO, Ontario Government etc

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/210

https://www.who.int/

coronavirus Fact sheet

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Search your H/S Co-Chair here…

 

 

In Solidarity,

 

Lee, Sanjay, Brian, Chris

March 23, 2020
Dear members,

Thank you for keeping Canada connected

Our country is facing a monumental crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect Canadians and people around the world. Our country has moved quickly to take steps toward social distancing, a phrase many of us had never considered a month ago, but we can all easily define now.

Last week saw hundreds of thousands of workers forced off the job as waves of orders moved through provinces to end public gatherings, and to close all but essential services.

While anyone who is able to stay home is doing so to ‘plank the curve’, as Dr. Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, is now calling for, telecommunications workers continue to keep our country connected.
Thank you, for your bravery and dedication to your critical work………..

READ THE FULL MEMO, CLICK THE LINK BELOW

MemberEmail-TelcomCovid19-20200322

In solidarity,

Jerry Dias                     Lana Payne                                       Renaud Gagné
National President     National Secretary-Treasurer       Quebec Director