School districts have received updated operational guidelines for K-12. Updates include mandatory masks for staff and students in middle and high schools in high traffic areas such as buses and common areas (hallways) or anytime outside their learning group whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. The guidelines also include increased cleaning of high contact surfaces, increased hand hygiene and installation of transparent barriers where appropriate.

The updated guidelines can be found here.

Schools will re-open on September 8–11, with days in place for support staff and others in the school to familiarize themselves with procedures before students start back.

New health and safety measures need to be put in place. Districts must submit safety plans to government by August 21. Locals should be meeting with districts now to give input on plans.

The restart steering committee continues to meet throughout the summer.

In solidarity and safety,

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President

Find all FAQs at bcschools.cupe.ca

Health and safety

On July 22, 2020 the WorkSafeBC board of directors passed the changes adding a presumption for communicable viral pathogens to the Workers Compensation Act. Bill 23 was made law on August 14.

21.  What does a “presumption” of workplace causation mean?

22.  What exactly is changing?

23.  Will members who contract COVID-19 at work have access to Workers Compensation?

24.  Do districts have to follow provincial standards for cleaning or the guidelines from the PHO?

25.  What are the protocols for the public and others coming into schools?

Other

26.  Is the K-12 Presidents Council working with teachers to support each other and increase our abili­ty to work safely and effectively?

View PDF.

BURNABY—CUPE BC and the CUPE K-12 Presidents Council welcome Education Minister Rob Fleming’s announcement today that schools will re-open the week of September 8–11 as scheduled, with orientation days in place for support staff, teachers and other workers in schools to familiarize themselves with procedures before students return to classrooms on September 10.

“The number one goal of the restart plan is to open schools safely for all—students, and everyone who works in our schools. The details announced this morning will help ensure that all K-12 workers will understand how schools will operate in the ‘new normal,’” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro.  “All stakeholders generally support this phased-in approach.”

Faoro noted the importance of following the health and safety guidance of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry as schools reopen. “Dr. Henry and her public health team will keep a close eye on what’s happening, and plans may change as needed.”

CUPE K-12 Presidents Council President Warren Williams said that it’s important for locals and districts to work together to develop safety plans. “Safety plans are paramount for the K-12 Restart,” said Williams. “Time is short and this step is crucial for a safe opening for students and staff.”

CUPE BC represents 100,000 workers delivering important public services in nearly every community in the province.  The K-12 Presidents Council is comprised of presidents from 57 K-12 locals, representing 30,000 support staff in schools throughout B.C.

We have received questions on many topics including: the impact on family bubbles with multiple children in different learning groups; WorkSafeBC coverage for COVID; and what happens in a family if their child’s learning group is quarantined.

CUPE and the K-12 Presidents Council continue to seek answers and clarity on many issues from government and the PHO. We will include them in upcoming FAQs as we get information.

Please visit bcschools.cupe.ca for the most updated COVID-19 questions at the top of our home page. The numbered questions are listed in the following four categories: duty to accommodate, learning groups, health and safety, and other.

In safety and solidarity,

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President

Find all FAQs at bcschools.cupe.ca

Learning groups (cohorts)

16. Can you explain how physical distancing works in learning groups?

17.  What safety plans are being put into place when staff from outside a learning group enter the group?

Health and safety

18. What PPE will EAs have access to when working with complex-needs children, who have a tendency to spit or bite?

19. Will every district be required to have a safety plan in place before school starts?

Other

20.  Are there enough trained custodians to meet the requirements for cleaning schools as set out by the PHO?

View PDF.

Hello Everyone,

Many of you may know that CUPE BC President Paul Faoro was a guest on the Mike Smyth Show on CKNW on Friday last week talking about the September Restart Plan for BC Schools. Paul talked about the importance of Local Safety Plans, the vital work custodians and support staff do to make schools safe and inclusive, as well as the hard work and dedication Education Assistants bring to the classroom every day.

I’ve attached the transcript of the interview for your information and you can listen to the program here.   The discussion on the restart begins at 00:56. I encourage you to share this with your members.

It will also be posted on the bcschools.cupe.ca webpage.

In Solidarity & Safety,

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President