K-12 Bulletin #4

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We continue to wait for an announcement from government on what May and June will look like for our members. We will post information as soon as we receive it.

Many districts are opening child care for Tier 2, Tier 3, and for vulnerable children. Please refer to two bulletins from BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC Ministry of Health for information on COVID-19: Public Health Guidelines for Childcare Settings and Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings. 

Click on blue titles to go to link or find them on the K-12 web site at: bcschools.cupe.ca. 

Many members are volunteering for things outside of their normal routines. On behalf of the K-12 Presidents Council, I thank them all for their work that supports students and frontline workers.

COVID-19: Public Health Guidelines for Childcare Settings PDF

Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings PDF

Bulletin #4 PDF

 

CUPE 716 supports Richmond school district food programs

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RICHMOND—CUPE Local 716, representing K-12 support staff in School District 38, is supporting the Richmond Food Program and the district’s Feed-U-Cate-38 program that provide food to Richmond families. CUPE 716 President Ian Hillman and First Vice President Stacey Robinson presented a cheque in the amount of $547 to School Board Chair Ken Hamaguchi today at Richmond Secondary School.

SD38 has been providing food support for families in need by feeding children nutritious breakfast and lunch in schools during the year. This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of in-class learning, SD38 began delivering food to their families on April 8. The donation will also help with SD38’s Feed-U-Cate-38 program that has provided grants to schools to buy food for students since 2012.

“This year we wanted to do a little more because of the pressing needs in the community caused by the pandemic,” said Hillman. “Our district’s program is important to students and families and we are pleased to support it.”

CUPE members who are involved include the grounds crew who pick up food from the food bank and a number of grocery stores, education assistants who receive the food and prepare bags for delivery, custodians who are sanitizing work areas, and members from the transportation department who are helping distribute hampers.

The local usually donates funds raised at their Christmas party to the Feed-U-Cate-38 Program but this year decided to donate additional funds.

K-12 Bulletin #3

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Things continue to change rapidly. Our primary concern remains the health and safety of our members. 

Many members have begun to be redeployed in various ways by different districts.  There are details still being worked out and districts are taking varied approaches.  We have sent a survey out to identify what districts are doing and will share your responses with all presidents. 

Thank you to the many CUPE members who are stepping up and providing supports to the children of essential frontline health care workers throughout B.C. Your work and commitment is appreciated by everyone. 

We hope to hear from the government next week about what will happen after April and will update you as soon as we have more information. 

Please remember to continue following the directives from Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry.

As Minister of Health Adrian Dix says, “Bend the curve, not the rules.” We are all in this together.

Warren Williams
K-12 Presidents Council President

 

What’s the latest information on wearing homemade masks?

Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry reissued guidance on wearing cloth masks in public. There is no evidence that a non-medical face covering such as a homemade mask, bandana or scarf can protect the person wearing it. However, a handmade cloth face covering can for the short-term protect others from your droplets and help keep them safe. The PHO reminded us that medical N95 masks should be reserved for front line essential workers.

If I don’t think my district is implementing safety measures can I stay home and refuse unsafe work?

No. In order to refuse unsafe work an employee must see firsthand that the workplace is unsafe. Please refer to the information sheet on Right to Refuse Unsafe Work for the process.

If I quit my job can I get the $2000 per month from the federal government?

No. Canada Revenue Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) funds are not available for employees who are getting paid or who have voluntarily left their jobs.

View a PDF of the bulletin.