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PSAC welcomes government measures to support workers

In addition to those in the federal public service, PSAC represents many workers in our universities, gaming sector, security industry, and at national airports. Many of these members are facing layoffs and fearing pay interruption due to the health crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19.

Federal and provincial governments have announced a range of measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on individuals and the economy. Many of these measures address short-term needs and are a direct response to the deficiencies in our support systems, however the governments’ actions are urgently needed and we welcome them. The following is a list of the measures announced (to date) designed to support workers.

Please note this page will be updated regularly as announcements of new measures are made.

Federal Government

New sickness and care benefit

An emergency care benefit of $450 per week for 14 weeks, regardless of your previous income, for anyone who is ill with the virus, in imposed quarantine or self-isolation, is caring for someone who is ill, or is unable to work in order to care for children due to school closures. The benefit also will be available to anyone who doesn’t qualify for or was denied EI sickness benefits. Payments are estimated to begin start sometime in April.

For anyone who qualifies for EI sickness benefits, the one-week waiting period has been waived and no doctor’s notes are required.

Emergency benefit for unemployed workers

The government will be making $5 billion available to support unemployed workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance. Few details are available at this time other than it is expected to be available in April and will be handled through the Canada Revenue Agency.

Canada student loan payments deferred

Anyone repaying government student loans will not have to make any payments for six months, interest-free. This does not apply to private bank student loans.

Help for vulnerable communities

$350 million has been committed to a new Indigenous community support fund to address immediate needs in their communities.

Up to $50 million for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including those in Indigenous communities, to prevent women from feeling forced to stay at home in abusive relationships.

$157.5 million is earmarked to support people experiencing homelessness.

New deadline for tax filing and payment

The deadline for filing taxes has been pushed to June 1. And anyone with income tax payments due between now and September 2020, has until August 31, 2020 to submit their payment.

Special GST credit and enhanced Canada Child Benefit payments

The government has committed to introduce a one-time emergency GST credit for low- and modest-income families: a maximum of $300 per adult and $150 per child, expected in early May.

In addition, those who receive the Canada Child Benefit will see the maximum payment amount increase by $300 per child for the May payment only.

The value of both these benefits falls as income increases.

Supports for business

The government’s economic package also includes supplements for small businesses to help keep workers employed. Corporations are being allowed to temporarily hold onto $55 billion in consumer taxes and income tax deducted from pay cheques until September 2019.

We encourage everyone to keep yourself and workers safe. Apply for EI and other benefits online.

For more information on these measures and others, visit the federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Provincial Governments

Alberta

Emergency isolation support is available to working adults who must self-isolate or who are the sole care-giver for a dependent in self-isolation. A one-time payment of $1,146 is available until the federal emergency payments begin in April.

Residents can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days.

Full details of measures announced by the Alberta government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

British Columbia

 

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. The benefit will be a one-time payment for British Columbians who receive federal Employment Insurance (EI), or the new federal Emergency Care Benefit or Emergency Support Benefit as a result of COVID-19 impacts.

The government is increasing and expanding the B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit in July 2020. Eligible families of four will receive up to $564 and eligible individuals will receive up to $218 in an enhanced payment. This boosts the regular climate action tax credit payment of up to $112.50 per family of four and up to $43.50 per adult.

The government is waiving the Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage wait period for people moving back to B.C. from COVID-19 impacted areas.

There is a ban on evictions for non-payment of rent in BC Housing-funded buildings. Individuals needing more time to pay bills can apply to payment deferral programs.

Child care providers who close due to COVID-19 will also receive support to help ensure they are able to pay their fixed costs, like rent/lease/mortgage during the temporary closure, so they can reopen when able.

Full details of measures announced by the British Columbia government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Manitoba

 

The Manitoba government is investing $27.6 million to help provide child care to essential front-line workers as they support the province’s COVID-19 response.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Manitoba government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

New Brunswick

 

The provincial government is working to minimize the financial impacts that child care facility closures are having on parents.

All licences, registrations, certificates and permits that were valid as of March 16, 2020, will remain valid until May 31, 2020.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the New Brunswick government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Newfoundland & Labrador

 

The provincial government will provide compensation to eligible private sector employers to ensure continuation of pay for employees having to self-isolate due to travel. Employees should retain documents regarding their travel (such as boarding passes) to facilitate reimbursement. Provincial public sector employees affected by this decision will continue to be paid as usual.

To ensure families do not have to pay child care fees and that early childhood educators can continue to be paid while centres are closed due to COVID-19, the government will provide funding to regulated child care centres and family child care homes at the child care subsidy program rates for all licensed spaces until April 30.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Newfoundland and Labrador government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Northwest Territories

Workplaces who provide essential services but has an employee who chooses to self-identify as high risk for severe outcomes (age over 60, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, immune suppression), must put a plan in place to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for these individuals.

Nova Scotia

 

The government has invested $2.2 million so that every individual and family member on income assistance will receive an additional $50 to help pay for food, cleaning supplies and personal care items. People do not need to apply.

Tenants cannot be evicted if their income has been impacted by COVID-19 for the next 3 months.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Nova Scotia government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Nunavut

$25,000 to the Hunter and Trapper Organization for community harvesting and to provide food for their communities.

The government will be providing funds to all licensed child care facilities equal to the parental fees facilities would normally collect during the announced three-week closure. This will allow licenced child care facilities to not charge parental fees for this period but still pay their staff as normal.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Nunavut government can be found on the government’s homepage.

Ontario

 

The Ontario government has enacted the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies) to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine, or those that need to be away due to child care.

Select child care centres will be allowed to open to ensure frontline staff can continue to work. Health care and other frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, police, and correctional officers, will be eligible to access local emergency child care. The list of emergency child centre locations will be available at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.

For the next 45 days, the government will suspend time-of-use electricity rates and switch to an off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and will be applied automatically to hydro bills. The Ontario Energy Board is banning disconnections until July 31st.

Driver licences, vehicle and carrier products, services and health cards will have their validity extended to reduce the need for in-person visits to government service offices.

$304 million in relief funding has been provided for hospitals, frontline workers, long-term care homes, retirement homes, residential facilities, and Indigenous communities.

Instead of the annual Budget, an economic and fiscal update will be released on March 25.

Full details of measures announced by the Ontario government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Prince Edward Island

 

The Emergency Relief Worker Assistance Program will provide $250 a week to employees who have seen a significant reduction in their work hours. Employers have to complete the application on behalf of workers.

$2 million has been set aside to support early learning centres and their staff, to maintain child care spaces and to ensure parents do not pay fees during the period of closures.

The PEI government announced a $25 million Emergency Contingency Fund. This new fund supports workers and small businesses affected by the pandemic. Additional details on the program have not yet been released. Read more: Financial Support for Islanders.

Quebec

 

The Temporary Aid for Workers Program offers financial assistance to workers who cannot work because they are in self-isolation for 14 days and are not eligible for another financial assistance program. An eligible worker will be given $573 per week for the 2-week period. If your health has not improved after 14 days, the coverage period for an eligible person could be extended to a maximum of 28 days.

Employers have been asked to implement flexible work schedules for employees to limit crowds in public transit during rush hour.

Full details of measures announced by the Quebec government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Saskatchewan

 

The Saskatchewan government introduced measures to ensure employees have access to job protected leaves during this public health emergency.

All crown utilities in Saskatchewan will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for Saskatchewan residents whose ability to make bill payments may be impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.

Full details of measures announced by the Saskatchewan government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

 

 

 

Yukon

The Yukon government has announced a stimulus package, which does not yet have a disclosed budget, will support workers, cancelled events, local businesses, and the tourism and cultural sectors.  

 

 

For more information, please visit: http://psacunion.ca/psac-welcomes-government-measures-to-support-workers

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All PSAC Regional Conventions Postponed

In keeping with recommendations from both local and national health authorities regarding COVID-19, PSAC has made the difficult decision to suspend the remaining four PSAC Regional Conventions. All seven PSAC Regional Conventions are now postponed:

·       National Capital Region (April 17-19, 2020)

·       Quebec Region (April 24-26, 2020)

·       British Columbia Region (May 1-3, 2020)

·       Ontario Region (May 29-31, 2020)

·       North Region (June 5-7,2020)

·       Prairies Region (June 12-14, 2020)

·       Atlantic Region (June 26-28, 2020)

The PSAC will continue to closely monitor the situation and make efforts to reschedule at a future date if possible.

For our latest PSAC information about COVID-19, please visit their information page.

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COVID-19: Better access to healthcare, housing needed for Canada’s North

PSAC is calling on the federal and territorial governments to bolster access to healthcare and housing immediately to protect northern communities from the COVID-19 virus.

Northern healthcare workers must also be provided with emergency medical supplies such as test kits, masks, hand sanitizers, ventilators and other necessary equipment to help them manage a potential outbreak.

All workers who aren’t deemed critical should also be able to work from home to prevent the spread of the virus.

On March 18, the federal government announced a $305-million investment to help Indigenous communities deal with the pandemic, but gave few details about how the money would be allocated.

If the virus continues to spread across the three territories, many northern communities are particularly at risk because they lack key infrastructure, housing, healthcare and other public services.

Health officials are concerned that the highly contagious coronavirus could result in a much higher rate of fatalities if it reaches northern Indigenous communities.

Indigenous peoples deal with higher rates of pre-existing conditions like tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, malnutrition and diabetes. Many communities also face a chronic shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals.

While public health emergencies have been declared in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, these must be accompanied by proactive measures to protect healthcare workers and the northerners they serve.

Resources must also be set aside to deal with the housing crisis in the North, which is causing overcrowding and makes it virtually impossible for anyone exposed to the virus to self-isolate.

An additional challenge for remote or fly-in communities is the need to travel to larger urban centres for medical appointments. Patients who took medical travel for appointments during the 2009 H1N1 crisis were identified as the source of outbreaks in remote Indigenous communities.

The government must also guard against rising food insecurity in the North and prevent a sharp increase in food prices due to COVID-19. PSAC praises the work of some northern retailers like The North West Company that have frozen food prices for the next 60 days.

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COVID-19: Mental health resources to cope

Many people are struggling with their mental health during this difficult time. If you are overwhelmed, under significant stress, or having any mental health difficulties, here are some resources to assist you.

Resources for federal public service workers

For government employees: contact the 24-7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your departmental coordinator, access care through the Public Service Healthcare Plan (PSHP), or use the nationwide Specialized Organizational Services (SOS).

You can also check out Treasury Board of Canada’s fact sheet for more resources on mental health.

Resources for all workers

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Find out if your employer has an EAP. Many large employers have these programs, which provide free access to assistance as well as other resources. Check with your manager or human resources department.

Mental health resources – General

Government of Canada – Mental health support: Get help

Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Mental Health

Provincial and territorial resources

British Columbia

Alberta

Ontario

Quebec

New Brunswick

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Yukon

Nunavut

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Telework: Government clarifies “critical services”

Last week PSAC asked the government for clarification on the use of the term “critical services” and how it relates to exceptions to telework.

In response the government re-issued directives to department heads today that included this clarification:

“Managers are to consider on-site work only if the work meets the definition of critical service and working remotely to support it is not feasible.

A critical service is one that, if disrupted, would result in a high or very high degree of injury to the health, safety, security or economic well-being of Canadians, or to the effective functioning of the Government of Canada. All departments are required to identify their respective critical services and related supporting resources. For more information, please refer to the Policy on Government Security.

Given the nature of the crisis, your existing list of critical services may not be up to date. If you have not done so already, I invite you to revise it accordingly and to identify redundancy for the highest demand jobs, to account for possible absences or to prevent burnout of staff should the situation persist.

By contrast, an essential service is used to determine which positions must continue to provide service during strike activity. Essential service agreements are agreed to with the bargaining agents. No current essential service agreements exist for the vast majority of public service organizations.”

Source: http://psacunion.ca/telework-government-clarifies-critical-services

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Postponement of AGMs

Greetings,

The Union of National Employees is requesting all UNE Locals to postpone Annual General Meetings from March 17th onward.

We further ask to possibly postpone meeting requests such as AGMs, for at least the remainder of the month of March 2020.

UNE recognizes this inconvenience, but we are in consideration of health protocols in federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions during the COVID-19 global health crisis and responses.

UNE will be updating this information by email and on its website frequently as circumstances warrant.

Respectfully submitted and in Solidarity,

 

Kevin A. King
National President
Union of National Employees

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Press Release on the State of Emergency in the Province of Ontario

March 17, 2020

Ottawa-Earlier today, Premier Doug Ford declared state of emergency for the province of Ontario amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The following measures will be effective immediately:

  • Organized events greater of 50 people banned, including places of worship, recreation centres, concert venues and movie theatres until March 31
  • All public places closed, including recreation centres, public libraries, private schools, childcare facilities, all restaurants, except for take out or delivery services
  • Essential services, needs, pharmacies, public transit services and grocery stores to remain open
  • Emergency relief fund of $300 million to be put in place for “immediate” measures
  • 25 extra COVID-19 assessment centres to open in the province
  • More medical supplies and services to be delivered
  • Fifty physicians to be assigned urgent and primary care in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and northern locations

Doug Ford has also asked for immediate EI reform to have it expanded to include all workers.

COVID-19 was described as a “danger of major proportions” by Premier Ford. As a result, UNE is asking members who live in Ontario to closely follow further developments by the provincial government and to also follow directions from the federal government and from their respective provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

We are still following the Public Health Agency of Canada and swiftly changing safety protocols for the Union.

———————————————————————————————–

For more information, contact:

Aurélie McDonald
Communications and Research Officer
Cell: 613-298-7892   Email: aureliemcdonald@une-sen.org

 

 

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COVID-19: Your rights at work

Updated on March 15, 2020

Please note this page will be updated regularly as we remain in close contact with both employers and members during this health crisis.

Who is at the highest risk of contracting the virus at work?

Front line workers in direct contact with the public are at the highest risk. This may include airport personnel, border services and immigration employees, teaching assistants, passport offices employees, healthcare staff etc. Anyone who comes in close proximity with a possibly infected individual could be at risk for contracting the coronavirus.

What are the employer’s responsibilities and my rights in the workplace?

There is a general duty on all employers to take all reasonable precautions to prevent harm to employees in the workplace. Employers should have a detailed plan in place to deal with this pandemic and specific protocols, including providing personal protective equipment for workers and the necessary training to use and dispose of that equipment. The approach must be proactive and focus on the protection of the worker.

PSAC is urging all employers to focus on the steps that will be required should the situation escalate within Canada. Employers also have a responsibility to provide appropriate education and training to all of their employees.

Under health and safety legislation, employees have the right to refuse dangerous work.

Workplace health and safety committees have a legal right to participate in the development of any workplace prevention and preparation strategies dealing with the virus.

For more information, consult the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety.

If you have any questions or concerns about your health and safety at work, speak to a member of your PSAC local or a health and safety representative in your workplace. You can also reach out to your PSAC regional office.

What kind of leave can I take if I am quarantined or forced to self-isolate?

The employer has agreed to our demand to use “other leave with pay” rather than force our members to use sick leave. Treasury Board has said:

Employees that are required by public health officials to self-isolate, if in good health and able to work, will be asked to discuss with their managers the option to telework. If that is not possible, the employees will be granted “other leave with pay (699 code)” as per their collective agreements.

In the event that your collective agreement does not provide alternatives to sick leave as mentioned above and your employer is refusing to grant you paid leave, you are entitled to take sick leave if you are quarantined. Refer to your collective agreement for details.

If you do not have any (or not enough) paid sick leave, you can take unpaid job-protected leave. The Canada Labour Code provides up to 17 weeks of job-protected medical leave. Many provinces have such leave under their employment standards legislation. You can claim Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for periods off work due to illness if your employer doesn’t pay for your sick leave. The Liberal government has recently announced a change to the rules for Employment Insurance (EI) so that workers affected do not have to serve the waiting period to claim EI sick benefits, as well as other measures to help employers and employees. For more information, visit Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19.

If you contract coronavirus at work, you may be able to file a claim for workers compensation benefits. These types of claims were made by healthcare workers during the SARS outbreak. For more information contact your provincial or territorial workers compensation board or speak to a union representative in your local, PSAC regional office, or component.

The union is urging all employers to be flexible in allowing employees to take paid and unpaid leaves or to allow employees to work from home if possible.

Can I telework to avoid exposure to the virus, or if I am ill or quarantined?

PSAC has urged all employers to allow telework wherever possible and Treasury Board has now committed to being “as flexible as possible” in granting leave and other provisions for our members . However, if you are ill, you should not have to work, but instead have the right to take sick leave.

In workplaces where telework is not possible, the employer must either allow you to take leave for quarantine or illness and take all necessary measures to ensure that your workplace is healthy and safe in accordance with health and safety legislation.

As well, COVID-19 may be considered a “disability” under human rights legislation, which would then require employers to accommodate you to the point of “undue hardship”. For more information, contact the Canadian Human Rights Commission or your provincial/territorial human rights commission (if you do not work in the federal public service or under federal jurisdiction).

What can I do if my children’s school or daycare is closed?

Treasury Board has said that if employees cannot work because their children cannot attend school or daycare due to a closure or because of attendance restrictions in place in relation to the coronavirus situation, employees will be granted “other leave with pay” (699 code).

The above provisions for disruption of school and daycare operations related to the coronavirus will remain available to employees and managers for the duration of the disruption in the respective jurisdictions but will be reassessed by the Employer on April 10, 2020.

What rights do I have if a family member is affected by the virus?

Many collective agreements contain provisions for family-related leave. Refer to your collective agreement to determine your entitlements. As well, the Canada Labour Code and employment standards legislation in many provinces and territories contain provisions for job-protected family responsibility leave. If the illness becomes serious, you may also claim benefits for Compassionate Care Leave under your collective agreement and Employment Insurance.

If you are required to take care of a family member with the virus who is a dependent and you have made reasonable efforts to self-accommodate, the employer may be required to accommodate you up to the point of undue hardship (i.e. flexible work schedule, reduced hour, a different work schedule…etc.). The usual obligations on the employer on the duty to accommodate apply.

Mental health

For government employees: contact the 24-7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your departmental coordinator, access care through the Public Service Healthcare Plan (PSHP), or use the nationwide Specialized Organizational Services (SOS).

What do I do if I face discrimination at work?

If you face discrimination as a result of:

Having to be in quarantine due to real or perceived illness/disability
Being out of the workplace due to illness or taking care of sick family
Being stereotyped or harassed because of your race or ethnic origin
Any other negative treatment due to a ground of discrimination under human rights legislation you should speak to your local or component representative about the possibility of filing a grievance and/or human rights complaint.

Members of Asian communities in Canada and around the world have been facing racism and discrimination as a result of misinformation and stereotypes about the communities perceived to be associated with the virus. We want to remind everyone that fear or confusion about this virus should never lead to stereotyping or negative comments or actions towards people because of their race, ethnicity, or place of origin (see the PSAC Anti-Harassment Policy and the Statement on Harassment).

Source: PSAC

 

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COVID-19: Government’s telework plan falls short

UNE National President Kevin King:

“The teleworking arrangements seem far short of our nominal expectations during this COVID 19 health crises. Treasury Board and Separate Employers need to do better.”

The government has announced that federal public service workers will be allowed to work from home where possible during the COVID-19 virus outbreak. However, departments and managers have been given individual discretion on how and when to grant permission to telework. This creates a patchwork approach that leaves our members and the public at risk.

We’ve been very clear: anyone who doesn’t need to be at their workplace should be given the ability to work from home.

We’re calling on the government to issue a comprehensive telework policy for all federal public service workers – unless their jobs are deemed essential – to help prevent the spread of the virus.

To further protect the safety of all workers, especially frontline government workers and the people they serve, we’re calling on the government to:

  • Provide protective equipment like masks and gloves to all workers who need them, especially frontline staff like Border Services officers, Service Canada employees and post-secondary workers;
  • Offer additional paid days of leave for all sick or self-isolated federally regulated workers rather than depending on sick leave.
  • Develop and share an infection control program with staff and unions;
  • Continue to keep unions informed of all COVID-19 developments as they evolve.

PSAC members have the legal right to a safe and healthy workplace, and we’ll work closely with employers to find solutions wherever possible.

Find out more about the COVID-19 pandemic, or your rights at work as a PSAC member.

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COVID-19: PSAC strike votes and union events suspended

Strike votes

As the number of reported cases of the coronavirus rise in Canada, it is important that PSAC take precautions and act proactively to safeguard the health and safety of our members, as well as the Canadian public.

In keeping with recommendations from both local and national health authorities, the union has made the difficult decision to suspend activities that would require a large gathering of members.

Strike votes in particular will be suspended until March 30, and at that time the union will re-evaluate whether to continue the suspension or resume the strike votes. This includes the over 120,000 PSAC members of the Canada Revenue Agency, Treasury Board, and Parks Canada bargaining units. We must put the wellbeing of our members and all Canadians first at this critical time.

Despite the suspension of votes, PSAC will continue to bargain for all units currently in negotiations.

For updates on the 2019-n-CoV/COVID-19 situation in Canada, please visit: Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada) – 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection: Outbreak update

PSAC events

Some large gatherings will also be postponed for the time being. This includes the upcoming 2020 PSAC National Women’s Conference that was set to take place in Ottawa from April 3 to 5.

Should additional events be postponed, the union will be in touch directly with any participants that have registered for events and will update members on scheduling changes.

To ensure the safety of our members, we also ask that smaller gatherings like local meetings, committee meetings, and regional activities be conducted remotely via teleconference or video conference wherever possible, or postponed.

We will be updating our national and regional websites, social media, as well as sending information by email as the situation develops. We encourage all our members to check these resources regularly and subscribe to our mailing list.