Saturday January 23 2021
In recent days, the number of workers testing positive for COVID-19 at the Gateway East facility in Mississauga has greatly increased. Public health authorities have ordered that all shift #3 employees are to self-isolate. These employees will receive paid quarantine leave. All shift #2 employees will have to be tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate for 14 days.
I know I speak for all postal workers when I extend our wishes for a quick and full recovery to all of our members who have tested positive. On behalf of the National Executive Board, I wish to express our solidarity with the membership of the Toronto local. I also wish to thank the members of the Toronto Local Executive and the Regional Officers in Metro Toronto for their excellent work in representing their members during this difficult time.
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Improved Health and Safety Measures
CUPW has raised the need with management
to improve the health and safety measures at Gateway. We have been assured of the following:
- full sanitization of the plant;
- enhanced measures will be taken to promote physical distancing;
- proper and sufficient personal protective equipment will be available; and
- increased safety inspections and information to be provided to
the union.
Protect Yourself – And Your Co-Workers
- With new and more contagious variants of COVID-19 spreading across the world, it is more important than ever to take action in the workplace to protect your health.
- Practice physical distancing;
- Wear your mask properly;
- Frequent hand washing;
- Notify your union steward or health and safety representative of any condition or situation that you feel is unsafe;
- If you develop symptoms get tested and stay at home until you get the results.
Postal Workers – Proud to be on the Front Line
Throughout this crisis, postal workers in every community, have been providing invaluable service to the entire population. We have helped small businesses to survive and we have enabled people to overcome social isolation. We will be there until the pandemic is over. Until then we need to do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves and our co-workers safe and healthy. That is one of the reasons why CUPW is attempting to have postal workers prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
In Solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President
Media Release
Postal Workers at Gateway East Sent Home to Self-Isolate for 14 Days
Sunday January 24 2021
On Friday, January 22, Canada Post sent afternoon shift workers from the Gateway East facility home to self-isolate for 14 days, based on the recommendations of Peel Public Health authority. This directive comes after positive COVID-19 cases continue to increase at the largest postal facility in the country.
“We are pleased that public health authorities have finally made the right call, listened to the Union, and prioritized the health and safety of workers,” says Jan Simpson, CUPW National President. “Postal workers are on the front lines, helping people stay home and flatten the curve, but it should not be at the expense of their health and well-being.”
CUPW continues to work with Canada Post and public health authorities to make sure health and safety protocols are adequate and enforced to prevent future outbreaks and keep workers safe. That means making sure the highest level of cleaning is done in the facility, proper protective equipment must be available to all workers, and physical distancing protocols are respected. Rapid testing also continues to be offered by Canada Post for all workers at the facility.
CUPW has also ensured that the quarantine leave provisions in the collective agreement are respected so members who are sent home will be paid while in isolation and away from work.
“Workers should not be penalized for needing to isolate and protect themselves, their families, their coworkers and their communities,” says Simpson.
“Unions have always fought for the health and safety of workers, and the pandemic has brought this issue to the forefront of society,” says Simpson. “In order for us to ensure safe workplaces, this must be a priority for everyone.”
