When COVID-19 started, Ontario led by adopting the precautionary principle and mandating N95 masks for healthcare workers providing care to patients with potential or actual diagnosis of COVID-19. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. On March 10, 2020, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health asserted power pursuant to Section 77.7 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) to issue Directive #1 that declared COVID-19 as droplet and contact spread and mandated using surgical masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection for close contact with actual/probable cases and N95 masks for aerosol generating procedures.

​Supply issues exist and PPE is unevenly distributed in the system. OPSEU has demanded that the province issue a directive to distribute the available equipment to the people who are at highest risk until supplies are ramped up. At best, the research on COVID-19 is unclear. Once supply ramps up, maximum protection (such as N95s and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) should be the standard. 

As you are all aware, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been labelled a pandemic and actions are being taken globally and locally to limit the spread of the virus.  I know you have a lot of questions.  

First -- let's talk about time off work.  The Collective Agreement outlines all the leave entitlements available to you (Articles 18, 21, and 22) and all provisions continue to be in effect.  Remember that though the vacation year is now April 1st-March 31st, all other annual leaves (including wellness leave, float days, and personal leave) remain January 1-December 31st based.  You may also have comp time that you have banked.

Second -- let's talk about working from home.  CMHA WW has provided many members with the tools needed to work from home.  If sites are open but you need to work from home (and are able to do so), I encourage you to discuss this with your manager.  If you are not permitted and you believe you have been unreasonably denied, please contact a steward for assistance.

Third -- let's talk about working in the community.  I am certain CMHA WW management will direct the work of our members with the health and safety of all paramount in their decision-making.  That being said, if you believe you are being directed to perform unsafe work, remember that under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Part V) you have the right to refuse or to stop work where health and safety are in danger.  I strongly encourage you to talk to your manager (perhaps together with your team), to identify health and safety hazards and safety procedures to address them.  You are also encouraged to bring any and all health and safety issues to a Health & Safety Representative on your Joint Health & Safety Committee.  We all have a role to play in health and safety -- be an active participant.  To learn more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and occupational health and safety please review this notice.

Fourth -- let's talk about information and fear.  We all know there are too many unreliable information sources and bad information makes for bad decisions.  Let's ensure we're sharing good information with each other and referring each other to trustworthy sources.  For up-to-date and reliable information, visit any of the following sites:

• OPSEU: 
  https://opseu.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
• Ontario: 
  https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
• Public Health Ontario: 
  https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources
• Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Fifth: The General Membership Meeting originally scheduled for Thursday March 26th has been postponed indefinitely.  When it has been rescheduled, a notice will be sent to let you know.

I understand this only scratches the surface of the information you want and need.  With so many things still uncertain, and the situation evolving daily (and now hourly), I unfortunately don't have all the answers.  As always, you are welcome to contact a steward if we can be of assistance to you and feel free to include me so I can stay updated on how our membership is being affected and what is being experienced.  We're all in this together.  Stay safe, and wash your hands.

In solidarity, 
Julie Chambo,
OPSEU Local 291 President

OPSEU members in good standing in Regions 2, 3, and 7 are encouraged to apply to join the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel (RAA)!  The caucus provides representation and support to trans, bisexual, lesbian, gay, intersex, asexual, pansexual, queer, questioning, two-spirited (TBLGIAPQQ2S) members. We promote equality and a harassment-free work environment.  Tackling discrimination in the workplace means addressing and tackling discrimination in our communities, unions and homes. We work to:

• promote TBLGIAPQQ2S involvement and leadership in the union;
• support and educate around our members’ issues within the union;
• create a safe space to share our experiences, knowledge and expertise; and
• promote OPSEU’s name in our communities through Pride and solidarity.

Members with intersectional identities are encouraged to apply for a position on the Alliance Executive.  Applicants must self-identify as being a member of the TBLGIAPQQ2S community and indicate their commitment to taking on a leadership role within OPSEU, their workplaces and communities. 
Applications (see below) must be submitted to the Equity Unit at equity@opseu.org or via fax to 416-448-7419 no later than 5:00 PM on March 17, 2020.  The Equity Unit will ensure an anonymous selection process and will remove any personally identifying information.  Selection is at the final and sole discretion of the current executive of the RAA.  Equity Unit staff do not have input over the selection process.