Please note that responses to questions 11, 12, 14 and 18 have been updated to reflect updated information in the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines as of August 17, 2020. Links to current documents are provided at the end of the questions listed on the home page.
CUPE BC applauds first steps to sick pay, but joins with CUPE National’s call for federal government to do better
BURNABY – Today’s announcement from the federal government extending economic assistance to Canadians makes some important first steps toward a national sick leave plan for workers, and provides some degree of comfort to working people that there will be up to two weeks of federal economic assistance if they are forced to self-isolate and are unable to work from home. While many questions remain unanswered, it’s an improvement on the current situation. CUPE will be providing more information and details as we receive them.
To learn more about how the federal government could—and should—improve economic supports for workers during the pandemic, read this important news release from CUPE National.
K-12 operational guidelines updated August 17
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.
Bulletin #19 – FAQ #4
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.
Phased-in approach to re-opening schools a solid plan—CUPE BC
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.