COVID-19

Message from K-12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams

We are proud of the crucial role CUPE members play in supporting health care workers who are fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.

As more students return to in-class learning, we will continue to support our workers and the vulnerable students in our schools.

All school districts must follow the guidelines of the PHO and WorkSafe BC, as well as the provincial COVID-19 health and safety standards for K-12.

These times are challenging, but we will get through this together.

In solidarity and safety,

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President

View the bulletin here.

See the attached documents for more information on public health guidance for K-12, WorkSafeBC guidance, and provincial COVID-19 health and safety standards for K-12.

PDF – Ministry of Education Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines for K-12 setting

PDF – Ministry of Health COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 School Settings

Watch yesterday’s virtual town hall about how more students are being safely brought into B.C. classrooms this June as part of our province’s restart plan. Moderator Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North, is joined by Minister of Education Rob Fleming; Dr. Trevor Corneil, medical lead in the office of the Provincial Health Officer; BC School Trustees Association President Stephanie Higginson; and Nigel Howard, American Sign Language (ASL) translator.

Message from K-12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams

These have been very trying times with much uncertainty.

Yet you continue to show what it truly means to be a public service worker. It takes courage to continue to provide the services that keep the general public safe and secure during a pandemic. It also takes the support of your families during these challenging times.

As schools are bringing in more students, more classrooms will be used.

We will continue to push employers to provide PPE where necessary, and keep our members safe.

These times are scary and our physical safety is impor­tant. Also, our psychological well-being should not be set aside. We need to make sure all members are coping and taking care of themselves.

Please reach out if you are having difficulties or if you see someone who needs help.

Our members truly care about the students we serve. Thank you for all you do.

Your union is here to protect your safety.

In solidarity and safety,

Warren Williams

K-12 Presidents Council President

View the bulletin here.

Message from K-12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams

It’s crucial that all CUPE locals have their site Health and Safety committees and representatives functional in all work locations. This is how we will ensure that we know what’s happening and are able to address problems. 

As we return to classrooms, we must ensure that the workplace is a safe place for students and staff.  

This bulletin provides info on how to work with different chemicals being used in B.C. schools.

The focus during this crisis has been frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and staying home if not well. All of these personal responsibilities continue to be in effect. 

As we return to work, please remember to contact your site Health and  Safety Committee with any safety concerns.

Let’s be vigilant and strong to ensure the safety of all members and students in our schools. 

In solidarity and safety,

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President

View the bulletin here.

Here is more information on B.C.’s Restart Plan.

CUPE members continue to play a vital role in B.C.’s response to COVID-19 through support and service to our students and vulnerable children, as well as the families of those providing essential services to all of us. I am proud that CUPE members stepped up during this challenging and ever-changing time.

Premier John Horgan announced today that schools throughout B.C. will expand in-person schooling for K-12 on a voluntary basis in June. The government is working out details and will be releasing a plan for how all grades will access additional in-school instruction. We are pleased that the government is developing plans to get kids back in schools because public schools provide a vital service to all communities.

When this crisis started, many of our members were fearful about their safety because of the varied approaches districts were taking. We need to ensure that workers get consistent information on how the safety of students and staff is being addressed in schools. Physical distancing can be a challenge in school, but all districts must follow basic safety standards as set by WorkSafe BC and the Provincial Health Officer.

Our members are on the front line, supporting essential services workers by providing child care and keeping schools clean and safe. School districts brought back daytime custodians to deal with the pandemic. With the announcement today, we know that more students and staff will be coming into schools. Not only do we need to keep those daytime custodians, we need additional custodians to be able to stay on top of disinfecting high-use surfaces and keeping schools safe.

We appreciate how difficult these last six weeks have been for CUPE members; parents; children who miss their friends, teachers and support staff; and essential services workers. Premier Horgan’s planned phases towards our ‘new normal’ allow for a dry run of bringing more students and staff into classrooms in June — but doing that safely for kids and staff.

Thank you to K-12 members for all that you do. We will get through this together.

In safety and solidarity,

Warren Williams
President K-12 Presidents Council

For more information read Premier outlines plan to restart B.C. safely.