Sisters and Brothers of Local 1996-O.

As we move forward during the Novel COVID-19 Pandemic, This Executive continues to field hundreds of calls with regards to both your concerns and your rights. Our Executive and local Health and Safety Representatives are engaged in conference calls with both the company, Union and the Union BTS 5.06 REP, to both address your concerns as well as put in place proactive steps to assist you in doing your job safely. In addition, as new information and practices are released by the Company and Union, we will post this for you immediately and without delay.

You can stay informed easily by

Visiting the company INet

Visiting the Local Website          http://unifor1996-o.ca/

Following us on Twitter             @Unifor1996wire

Visit and signup on Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/UNIFOR1996O/

Ontario COVID 19 Website        https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

 

 

We will together get through this with the help and support of each other. Each of this Executive are committed to ensure YOUR Physical and Mental health.

As difficult as times may seem at the moment, We, and our families will work as one unit throughout this challenge in Solidarity,

May you and your families be well and strong!

 

 

In Solidarity,

Lee   Brian   Sanjay  Chris

Executive
Local 1996-O

March 27, 2020

OTTAWA – Unifor members at Bell Canada step up as shutdowns in offshore facilities combined with increased need for assistance cause a spike in calls to customer support agents.

“As millions of Canadians face sudden loss of income, Bell Canada has avoided layoffs and increased employment by bringing customer service calls back to Canada,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor members across the country are stepping into new roles and taking customer service calls, keeping Canadians connected.”

Several overseas call centres are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing customer service calls back to Canada. Since the closure of international call centres, Unifor members in several different certifications have retrained to take customer service calls at home.

“Unifor members are ready to serve business and residential clients through the crisis and in the future,” said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director. “Telecom workers right here in Canada are more than capable of delivering the service that Bell customers expect when they need assistance.”

The union remains in constant communication with Bell Canada and all telecommunications employers on solutions to decrease risk and secure safe working conditions for members across the industry during the pandemic.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

Information about the union’s response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members can be found at unifor.org/COVID19.

March 31, 2020

TORONTO – Following weeks of piecemeal announcements, Unifor commends the federal government for expanding eligibility of a 75 per cent wage subsidy to include large and small employers in Canada.

“We have said from day one that no worker should be forced to bear the economic cost of flattening the curve alone. We are completely united as a country in the efforts to slow this virus, and that must include taking care of workers who have lost their income or facing layoff,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Employer groups and unions were united in a call for this wage subsidy for Canada’s workers. Now, as employers await further details and guidance from the federal government, Unifor urges policymakers to follow through with responsible regulations for employers that receive this public benefit. This includes the continuation of benefit programs and pension contributions, limits on executive compensation and shareholder payments, and a commitment to remaining neutral during union certification drives.

“I hope that this is enough for large and small employers to do the right thing, work with the government to keep more of Canada’s workers on payroll, and ensure these public funds are used for the right reasons,” continued Dias. “We must work together to mitigate layoffs wherever possible, easing the burden on E.I. and continuing to deliver essential services.”

Unifor has produced this Fact Sheet on the CERB and has posted revised information about the union’s response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members at unifor.org/COVID19.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.