Canadian health authorities predicted a second wave of the coronavirus early on, and indeed, COVID-19 cases are rising in some parts of the country.
CUPW members everywhere have done an amazing job preventing COVID-19 from spreading in the workplace.
Thanks to your hard work taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, your co-workers and the public, we have managed to continue delivering for Canadians.
We need to continue to be vigilant in order to prevent the spike and the spread of this virus. The best way for us to flatten the curve is to physically distance (two metres apart), wear masks, and follow hand washing protocols.
It is necessary to do this to:
- Protect ourselves, our families and our friends;
- Protect our co-workers;
- Protect our community; and
- Create a thriving and transformed green economy that works for all of us—not just the 1%.
This cannot happen if we have to go back into a COVID-19 lockdown.
We all want this pandemic to end.
CUPW activists at all levels and members everywhere have made sure that COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace are handled quickly and properly. For example, recently two workers tested positive at the Streetsville Post Office in Mississauga, Ontario. Canada Post closed the facility, fully sanitized it, and sent home all workers to isolate with full pay.
Following the sanitization, the post office reopened, with workers brought in from other locations.
The tried and true motto of organized labour is: “an injury to one is an injury to all.” By respecting and following COVID-19 protocols, we can prevent transmission of the virus and stop people from getting sick and disabled.
In addition to following COVID-19 protocols, CUPW members must be vigilant and continue to push the employer to properly protect everyone.
Over the last six months, CUPW members’ attitude and behaviour have been outstanding. You have gone to work. You have responded to the needs of the public. You have protected your co-workers and countless others.
You have worked very hard to make sure your workplaces are safe. It has paid off.
Don’t let up! Continue being careful and aware, and together, we will get through the crisis.
Solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President | Présidente nationale
