June 19, 2020 at 3:39 PM
Over the past three months, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed profound hardship and change across our membership. A record number of our members have been laid-off and are experiencing the financial change and social implications of the crisis. Although the road ahead seems uncertain, what remains constant is your union’s commitment to protecting your rights, your health, and to ensure that safe working conditions are met.
Collectively we have all been continuing to “flatten the curve” and as a result, these changes have been reflected in the gradual opening of the Canadian economy. We are continuing to see reduced levels of COVID-19 cases across the country and the re-opening of Phases 1 & 2 of the economy in many provinces.
Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension (CEWS)
On May 12, 2020, the federal government announced the extension of Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for an additional 12 weeks to
August 29, 2020. The extension will help more of our Unifor Local 2002 employers/units retain and rehire members. CEWS allows Canadian employers whose business has been affected by COVID-19, to apply for a subsidy of employee wages up to 12 weeks.
Canada Emergency Relief Benefit Update (CERB)
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides financial relief to workers who have ceased work for reasons relating to COVID-19. Unifor reiterated its call for the federal government to grant workers receiving the CERB to receive the Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) that they would be entitled to under normal layoff circumstances. Unifor has also called on the government of Canada to take action and to extend the CERB for sector workers beyond the current 16-week maximum period. As a result, on June 16, 2020, the government of Canada announced they
have extended the CERB payments for an additional two months.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
It’s been an intense period in the USA, Canada, and around the world where a significant number of protests to end racism, discrimination, and violence have been occurring. I understand the impact this must be having our members, friends, and communities. Racism has no place in our union or society. We must do better to stand up against racism by checking our own implicit biases. As trade unionists, we must not merely name the problem, but work every day towards equality. Unifor is committed to fighting racism in the workplace and in our communities. We will continue to educate and train our members and provide them with the necessary tools to combat racism. The fight for racial equality can only be won through collective action, education, and solidarity.
SUMMERTIME IN CANADA – HIT THE ROAD AND EXPLORE
June 21
st marks the first day of summer and the beginning of the summer travel season. There is no doubt that this summer will be different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has confined us all with airlines being grounded, others operating at reduced capacity, and rigid travel restrictions, it seems like there are few options. There is an upside, gas prices are at historic lows and there’s never been a better time to pack up the family and hit the road and explore Canada.
UPDATE FROM THE LOCAL 2002 OFFICE
Through this difficult time, we remain operational, we are here for you and are committed to supporting our members facing the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand and every day.
While the office remains closed, the core services of the union remain available Should you have any questions or concerns please reach out by phone or email to your Workplace Representatives. These links will provide you with the most up-to-date information and resources:
Unifor Local 2002
unifor2002.org/covid19
Unifor National
www.unifor.org/covid19
This pandemic may have impacted where and how you work, but it has not affected our collective will to work on your behalf. We remain committed to providing vital information and the necessary tools to help your return to the workplace.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Unifor stands with you and we are going to get through this, together.
In solidarity,
Euila Leonard
President of Unifor Local 2002