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Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre: On the frontlines of a small service agency during COVID-19

Lois Ross, President, Local 70400

For close to four years, I have worked part-time as the Community Relations Coordinator for Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre, a feminist collective, that is unionized with PSAC and UNE, which is a component of PSAC, under Local 70040.

I also work part-time as a freelance writer and editor and belong the Canadian Freelance Union.

In some ways my work has changed a lot since the announcement of the shutdown, and in others not so much. As a freelancer, I am accustomed to working remotely. These days my home office is getting much more use though, since I am also using it to work remotely for Amethyst. Much of my work revolves around communications and publications of one sort or another, including web, social media, etc. It is a busy time now, as everyone strives to accomplish online, what was once done in person.

But that’s enough about my work…. what I really want to tell you about is how Amethyst, a small independent non-profit health agency, is punching above its weight.

Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre was founded more than 40 years ago by a group of concerned women who understood that women’s experience of substance use and addiction stemmed from a different place than that experienced by men. Those who founded Amethyst knew that many women needed a place where they felt safe, in an environment they could trust. And so Amethyst was born.

Amethyst’s years of longevity are testimony to its resilience with a small half dozen staff and a volunteer board of directors. COVID-19 is showing once again Amethyst’s agility and dedication to its clients and to providing free counselling services to as many women as possible.

As of mid-March, Amethyst like many other organizations, has been working over-time to rearrange the way in which we engage with our clients and our community. Amethyst has managed to remain open — virtually. Not easy for a small agency with limited resources to do.

Because the work of counsellors is confidential there are many new processes that had to be put in place in order to ensure our clients receive remote counselling sessions (by phone and online) that are supportive and secure. Amethyst is adapting to the reality of COVID-19 and for the last few weeks has been offering remote counselling sessions, by phone and online.

Amethyst has secured a confidential online platform as well as private telephone lines. Working remotely meant that our small team of IT contractors were kept busy bringing counsellors up to speed on how to locate files in the ‘Cloud’, and how to engage on a ‘zoom-like’ online platform, but one that we believe is more secure. We also had to quickly engage with current clients and reach them by telephone when possible, email, via our website, or Facebook, to let them know that our offices were physically closed, but that Amethyst was working remotely to provide much-needed counselling support.

There have been and continue to be many practical and ethical challenges.

While things were shutting down quickly, Amethyst staff ramped up at what felt like lightning speed to begin working remotely and offer support to our clients.

Transitioning from in-person counselling services to virtual is particularly difficult when counselling those who suffer from trauma. Amethyst clients are already dealing with marginalization and isolation in many cases, and now, because of the pandemic, they are only able to connect with counsellors virtually — and from self-isolation.

The pandemic has triggered additional difficult reactions and fears from clients because of requirements to isolate even further. Providing effective counselling services is all about human connection — so counselling remotely demands new ways of reaching out, new ‘tools’ and increased efforts to provide meaningful and effective support. Some aspects of counselling are just not possible virtually. That said, all of us at Amethyst are learning how to stretch our support virtually in ways that we had not anticipated.

For example, Amethyst has a wait list of clients, clients who were supported through in-person group sessions while waiting for individual counselling. Those group sessions are not physically possible right now. Will they even be possible virtually? Time will tell. Amethyst is working to see if online group sessions are a ‘thing’.

And what of clients who do not have access to the technology — to the smart phones, computers, internet, or data plans required to receive remote counselling sessions. How many of these clients are falling through the cracks? Access to technology is not equal in our society — and so working remotely is not a one-size fits all. That is a huge gap that we will need to consider going forward.

So, there is much that is new for us working at Amethyst, no matter what our responsibilities might be. Our administrator is doing an amazing job trying to prepare year-end financials and having books audited virtually. It takes much longer to scan, and email, and review questions because the auditor cannot visit Amethyst to go through files.

And then there is the impact on staff working both remotely and with technology constantly. There are few breaks from the computer, as counsellors undertake their sessions online or on the phone. Meetings are held via Zoom or Teams and always online. Eyestrain, repetitive motions on the keyboard, and constantly being at a desk, can even take a toll on those who are accustomed to working remotely, and even more so on those who are accustomed to providing face-to-face counselling sessions. But that is the work we do for our clients.

So, while we endeavor to work remotely, Amethyst staff, like so many others working in the health sector, have personal concerns generated by COVID-19 and its impact on the health of their family, elderly parents, close personal friends, and co-workers. The pandemic is affecting us all as workers, but also as individuals.

We check-in, try to share and support each other during online staff meetings. We know, that while things could be better, they could also be far worse, and that we still have much to be grateful for. We are working, we have a job, and we have the benefits that come with being unionized (and a feminist collective!).

We will get through this. Our clients are depending on us. We are depending on each other.

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Statement by UNE National President on the National Day of Mourning

Today we honour and remember all the people who died or were hurt from work related illness and injuries on National Day of Mourning.

Every worker has the right to return home safe after a day of work. We must continue to put pressure on the federal government to replace the current definition of danger in the Canada Labour Code, amended in 2014, with the pre-existing one.

We demand employers in federal and other jurisdictions to respect the rules on workplace health and safety committees and urge them to collaborate more with those committee members to ensure safe workplaces.

In 2019, over 1000 workers died in workplace related accidents in Canada, a similar statistic as in 2018, which is about 3 workers a day, 3 workers a day too many.

I encourage all UNE members to remember those workers and invite you to attend virtual events that will be held on Tuesday, April 28 across the country to commemorate and honour them or to observe a moment of silence.

Respectfully and in Solidarity,

Kevin King
UNE National President

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UNE Convention postponed until 2021

 The UNE national executive has passed a motion to postpone its Triennial Convention originally scheduled for August 24-28, 2020 until 2021. As such, all registration deadlines and timelines related to convention business have been postponed to a date to be determined.

  • Timelines associated with Locals to elect their delegates are suspended
  • Convention Committee meetings scheduled for June 7-10 are also postponed
  • If you have already registered online, it has been registered. Registration will remain open, and new deadlines pertaining to registration will be posted at a future date
  • Members can still submit resolutions, as described by the governance documents of UNE

The decision to postpone was not easy, but given the factors outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial and territorial emergency measures, and municipal directions, it was necessary to reorganize our logistics and our delegate expectations for their health and the safety of their families, along with UNE Staff, while preserving the integrity of our democratic institution.

 

Respectfully Submitted, and In Solidarity,

Kevin King

UNE National President

 

 

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Phoenix: Recovery of salary overpayments during the COVID-19 pandemic

In our regular communication with the government, we have received the following notice regarding the recovery of salary overpayments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How will the recovery of salary overpayments be addressed during the Covid-19 pandemic?

In light of the current pandemic situation, the Pay Centre is temporarily suspending the overpayment recovery plans for all new overpayments that, effective March 23, 2020, meet the criteria for repayment under the “Recovery over an extended period as a result of the implementation of Phoenix” flexibilities provision outlined in the Directive on the Terms and Conditions of Employment. This operational measure will allow the Pay Centre to prioritize pay transactions to employees.

The Pay Centre will continue informing employees of any new overpayment. However, overpayments that fall under the flexibilities outlined in the Information Bulletin: Additional Flexibilities with regards to the recovery overpayments, Emergency Salary Advances and priority payments will be suspended until further notice.  This covers overpayments, emergency salary advances and priority payments received by employees due to issues arising as a direct result of Phoenix. An employee can still choose to repay their new overpayment in the manner that best meets their situation. Employees will need to advise the Pay Centre accordingly.

The recovery of overpayments will continue for the recovery of amounts owing arising from routine pay transactions, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • overpayments of less than 10% of an employee’s gross bi-weekly pay;
  • periods of leave without pay of 5 days or less;
  • overdrawn leave (vacation/sick) upon termination of employment (for reasons other than incapacity/illness and layoff);
  • cancellation of a leave with income averaging agreement by the employee, where the leave has been taken;
  • amounts advanced on behalf of employees for union dues;
  • maternity/parental allowance, where the employee has not fulfilled their obligation as set out in their collective agreement or terms and conditions of employment; and
  • amounts owed to public service health insurance plans, pension, supplementary death benefit or disability/long-term disability due to periods of leave without pay.

The recovery will also continue for overpayments associated with the termination of employment, end-of-term or casual contracts without further extension or renewal (from first available funds).

Note that the recovery plan will continue for employees who already have repayment plans in place as agreed upon. However, these plans can be modified should employees experience financial hardship; employees in such positions should contact the Client Contact Centre at 1-855-686-4729 or complete a Phoenix feedback form to request a more flexible arrangement.

Departments and agencies which are not serviced by the Pay Centre may also wish to temporarily suspend the collection of new overpayments covered by the flexibilities. They may also make available the option to modify repayment plans where employees may be experiencing hardship consistent with the Directive on the Terms and Conditions of Employment.

Source: http://psacunion.ca/phoenix-recovery-salary-overpayments-during-covid

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April 17 – Equality Day in Canada

Every human being is entitled to the same fundamental human rights: the right to live free from torture, the right to live free from slavery, the right to own property, the right to equality and dignity, and to live free from all forms of discrimination etc. just to name few among others.

If all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, why are we still fighting against discrimination, racism, inequal pay and gender inequality? Why are we still fighting against social and economic inequalities deep rooted in some communities in this country?

Well! Should we say Equality or Inequality Day instead? Well, let’s see, shall we?

Tomorrow will be Equality Day in Canada. We celebrate Equality Day every April 17 to mark the coming into force of the equality provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter was signed on April 17, 1982. However, Section 15 of the Charter on Equality Rights and Freedoms for all without discrimination, was implemented on April 17, 1985, three years later. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is here to protect all Canadian’s fundamental rights. Well, easy said than done!

The reality is, many decades later after this great breakthrough, we are still talking in this country about gender inequality: Canadian women still face major income inequality – gender pay gap between women and men. For example, in 2017, on average, women earned between 64 cents and 79 cents for every $1 that men earned. The pay gap is even wider for racialized women, immigrant and migrant workers, indigenous women, women with disabilities and LGBTQ2+ people.

Research also shows that there is a growing gap between the rich and the poor in Canada. Nonetheless, 35 years later, we are still fighting to address gender-based violence towards girls and women, fighting for equal opportunity in our workplaces and fighting against all forms of discrimination and racist behaviors! In addition, and surprisingly some communities are still fighting to have their basic needs met such as clean water, medical accessibility etc.

Yes, the implementation of the section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the rights for equality was a touchstone in Canadian history. It is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments and widely admired around the globe! As Canadian, this is one of the things I proudly brag about. However, have we reached the rights to equality and dignity goals? No! It is work in progress! Let’s admit it, there is still much work that needs to be done at home before reaching full equality rights in all areas in our society, workplaces and community at large.

Brothers, Sisters and fellow activists, today, April 17, is Equality Day in Canada. Let’s celebrate! However, every day should be Equality Day because every day we need to fight against the systemic inequality we experience or witness. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We don’t need a special day to promote or to defend our rights for equality. Let’s reflect today on the right to equality, its role in our society, and what we can do to promote and protect those rights. In conclusion, calling April 17, Equality or Inequality day in Canada, is up to you and me. Happy reading!

Céline Ahodekon
UNE Steward of Local 20278 & PSAC-BC Secretary for the Lower Mainland Human Rights Committee

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PA group: Summer leave request deadline extended due to COVID-19

PSAC has successfully negotiated an extension to May 15, 2020 for members of the PA group to submit summer leave requests in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSAC and Treasury Board agreed to push back the deadline from April 15 in a memorandum of agreement signed this week. The employer’s deadline to respond to leave requests will also be extended to June 1.

However, employees who want to submit annual leave requests for the first two weeks of June must do so before April 15, and the employer will make every reasonable effort to respond before May 1.

The deadline may be extended depending on the duration of the pandemic.

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COVID-19: Changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan

Due to COVID-19, PSAC has agreed with the employer to make some temporary amendments to the Public Service Health Care Plan, which will assist members in accessing the services that they need.

These changes include:

  • Extension of the Emergency Benefit while travelling to 60 days from 40

The following changes will be made up until April 24, 2020:

  • Any member can see a social worker and it will be covered under your psychological benefit (up to the regular annual maximum)
  • You do not need a doctor’s prescription to access physiotherapy or psychological services
  • Dispensing limit for maintenance medication will allow members to get their medication sooner, if required, and potentially get a supply for more than the 100 days’ limit which currently exists.

The full set of changes and further details can be seen here: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/benefit-plans/health-care-plan/information-notices/covid-19-temporary-measures-public-service-health-care-plan.html

We will continue to work on this situation and will meet with the Employer to potentially make further amendments to Plan during the pandemic.

We are also planning a full set of negotiations for the Plan in the very near future.  We will update members as those negotiations get going.

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COVID-19: Global Affairs members working 24/7 to help stranded Canadians

PSAC members at Global Affairs Canada have been working day and night to bring home Canadians stranded abroad because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The heart of their international effort is the Emergency Response Centre in Ottawa, featuring floor-to-ceiling world maps, televisions set to 24-hour news cycles and a cacophony of phone calls and clacking keyboards.

“For the last few months, we’ve had people in this room 24 hours a day, seven days a week responding to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Brent Robson, Director of Emergency Operations at Global Affairs. “People are rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done.”

Brent Robson, Director of Emergency Operations at Global Affairs Canada

The number of people working to repatriate Canadians has grown exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, now totaling more than 250 staff, many of them volunteers from other parts of the department putting in extra hours after their day.

“All the other people on my team are volunteers and this is their first time diving in to this operation,” said Katryna Johnston, a PSAC member working as the Chief of Operations for the Americas. It’s her team’s job to organize commercial and emergency flights to evacuate stranded Canadians.

“They’re doing an amazing job, and they’ve been able to have so many successes,” she added just moments before a collective cheer rang out in the Centre when a flight full of Canadians lifted off from Lima, Peru.

Katryna Johnston, Chief of Operations for the Americas

Five temporary call centres have been set up to take calls from Canadians, even spilling out into the lobby of the Global Affairs headquarters in Ottawa, where workstations have been meticulously set up 8 to 10 feet apart.

Diego Matteo, a PSAC member and senior operations officer at Global Affairs, has been training new volunteers for the call centres across Ottawa, and even some remote workers who are lending a hand.

“We have as many people working at noon as we do at midnight,” he said. “[PSAC members] are the face of the department, dealing with people who are in crisis, who are destitute, who have medical problems or who are stuck and have run out of money.”

As international borders tighten up to slow the spread of the virus, it’s getting harder to arrange travel for those stranded abroad. But whether they’re booking emergency flights or processing government loans for travelers who need to stay put, Global Affairs staff will continue to be a lifeline during the pandemic.

“We’re all just really here to help Canadians,” said Johnston.

Source: http://psacunion.ca/covid-19-global-affairs-members-working-247-help

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Passport members called on for assistance to Canadians during COVID-19

Service Canada has announced that in person SCC offices will be shut down effective March 27, 2020 for the safety of all.

The employer has indicated a need for Passport employees to assist with critical work. The UNE has been part of many discussions in order to ensure our members safety while being able to assist Canadians in need.

We understand that employment insurance volumes have exploded. Along with the critical work already being done, the shift will now be to primarily serve Canadians who need critical assistance by a new E-Service online form. This will allow staff to receive e-service requests and call clients back to assist them with getting onto the system for benefits. For Passport members asked to assist, we have been advised that training will be provided and the work can be performed at home.

The UNE does not normally want members to perform work outside their job description or in other programs. However, we know that Canadians are relying on certain services and that many members want to assist in the safest way possible. The closing of Service Canada offices means that members can help in a safer way.

We will continue to monitor the situation with your input and will expect that after the emergency has passed, Passport members will return to only performing work within their own program and job description. The employer has confirmed this request is for these exceptional times only.

Please continue to report any issues that you may have through the local and to your regions.

 

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Critical Work for Passport Members

Representatives from UNE met for a national consultation concerning Passport workers and critical work during the COVID-19 pandemic. National President Kevin King, Assistant National Vice-President for Human Rights, Kate Hart and Regional Vice-President for Outside Canada Rose Touhey represented the Union. Several new pieces of information came out of the meeting.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship 

The Union was advised that all Passport (PPT) offices have plans to deal with the emergency passports either by “weekend duty” style call-backs or limited staff going into work. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) confirmed that the United States International Passport Service (IPS) and missions are all now deemed critical for evacuations, repatriations and requirements for working visas.

The processing centre in Gatineau will bring in a minimal number of employees on rotation to work on the backlog of IPS files. In Mississauga, the processing centre will send in minimal staff on rotation for the missions work. Additional employees will be trained to assist the call centre in answering COVID-19 questions. All offices will undergo enhanced cleaning and employees will be provided with safety kits, gloves and sanitizer. Mobility will be reduced so members can avoid touching doors.

Service Canada Centres 

In regards to Service Canada Centres (SCC) critical work, the employer has said that their intake of benefits requests is over 600% higher than last year. Offices that remain open have enhanced cleaning standards and spacing requirements. Workers are provided with sterile wipes and gloves. Personal protective equipment training will be provided.

UNE asked about face masks and the employer replied that they are not recommended by health officials unless you are sick. UNE asked about installation of plexiglass and were told by the employer that they do not have plans to do this since they are working to shut down in-person offices completely. Members will no longer do medical screening. Instead, it is to be done by security at each office.

Critical work includes employment insurance, pensions and some social insurance and old age security work. The employer has created an online form to request certain services including passports.

UNE inquired about the nature of the work that would be asked of our members and it was indicated that the needs are different at each location and will be worked on with Locals. Such work could be back office, from home or in person. There could be a number of functions including working on calls for COVID-19, answering passport form inquiries, SIN lookups and any other critical duties if trained. UNE expressed that our members should only be asked to do critical and meaningful duties.

There are national calls scheduled every few days at ESDC and IRCC and in most regions there are calls every day.

For more information, contact a member of your Local Executive.