Dear CUPE Community Health Members:
As you know only too well, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit B.C. with a vengeance in recent weeks. With positive test results moving steadily upward and reaching consecutive daily highs, provincial health authorities have issued revised COVID-19 response guidelines and on November 7th issued new orders specifically addressing Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities.
You will find a recent WorkSafeBC bulletin, along with a full catalogue of COVID-19 guidance documents for you, at our website. Please bring this bulletin to the attention of your local executive and joint health and safety committee.
WorkSafeBC will be conducting pandemic-related safety inspections in Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, and are urging employers to revisit their COVID-19 Safety plans. Employers must also involve your health and safety committee in developing such plans. Should the trend continue, we anticipate that these guidelines could be expanded into other regions with the application of similar expectations.
As your union, we value the critical work you do. We know how hard you worked to get us through the first wave, and we recognize how physically and emotionally trying these times are as we face the continued challenge of this pandemic. If there’s anything we can do to support you additionally, please let us know.
In the meantime, you can expect us to fully support you in demanding that you have a safe workplace and a robust public health care system in which to work.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE Health Care Presidents Council