March 16, 2020

TORONTO— The Government of Ontario’s legislative response to the COVID-19 pandemic fails to institute paid sick days that will enable workers to protect themselves and others from exposure to the virus.

“Doug Ford says he will do whatever it takes to contain the spread of COVID-19 but he could certainly do a lot more to show leadership during this difficult time,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Ford should immediately reintroduce the measures he repealed in 2018, including paid sick days, which workers desperately need during this pandemic.”

In 2018, the Ford government repealed many enhancements previously made to the province’s Employment Standards Act, a move that was widely criticized by Unifor and many other unions, community groups, and anti-poverty organizations. The measures were seen not only as unfair but that they would also jeopardized public health.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Unifor has called on all provincial governments to immediately introduce 14 paid sick days for anyone affected by the virus including those quarantined by medical professionals and those who have been advised to self-isolate.

“With so many lives on the line, we need the Ontario government to show real leadership,” said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. “Providing people with the financial means to self-isolate is essential to containing the spread of this deadly virus. Your income, or ability to take days off of work, should not determine if you are infected with, or continue to pass on this disease.”

Ford’s conservatives have committed to waiving sick note requirements and made an unfounded commitment that workers’ jobs will not be lost for following the advice of medical professionals. As cases of COVID-19 continue to skyrocket across the province, Unifor is urging the Government of Ontario to protect workers and their families through this simple measure.

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.

TORONTO — As Canadians grapple with a growing list of cancellations, closures and travel restrictions, several Canadian telecom companies are temporarily removing overage fees on home internet plans amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

In a statement issued Saturday, Bell Canada, which owns CTV News, announced it will waive any additional usage fees for residential internet customers, including Bell Aliant, Bell MTS and Virgin Home Internet services, until the end of April.

“Any overage fees will be waived automatically, so customers don’t need to make any changes to their accounts,” the company said.

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Read the full notification from Unifor National by clicking the link below

COVID19 UPDATE – AVERAGING OF HOURS AGREEMENT

TO: BTS Locals and National Representatives

March 18, 2020 Brothers and Sisters,

On Monday, March 16th, 2020, Unifor was contacted by the Company to review their readiness planning with respect to the current COVID-19 situation that we are all facing. In addition to the review of the ongoing planning by the employer the issue of depleting manpower was raised. The concern raised by the Company was how they will deal with the loss of employees in light of the fact we are now having members around Ontario having to be placed under quarantine, as they return from their March break vacations. Also some employees are having to self-isolate due to exposure or potential exposure to the virus, in addition to those members who have chosen to stay home and not report to work.

Please be advised that following discussions with the Company regarding the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Union has entered into a new Averaging of Hours Agreement with our employer. The new agreement became effective Monday, March 16th, 2020 and will remain in place until May 6th, 2022 provided the parties are respectful of the Agreement.

It is important to understand that the presence of an Averaging of Hours Agreement in no way obligates any member to work beyond the CLC (Canada Labour Code) 48-hour per week limit. Should the need exist, this agreement will now permit those members who wish to do so, to exceed the weekly limit during the current COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond to the expiration of the current Collective Agreement. It is equally important for members to know that the agreement contains language that will protect members from being forced and/or pressured into working beyond 48 hours by their manager. The presence of an Averaging of Hours Agreement does not in any way permit the company to force any employee to work beyond the CLC 48-hour per week limit.

Rest assured, the company has indicated that it will continue to utilize all employees available to perform the work thru the use of regular hours.