COVID-19 Healthcare Workers Update
March 30th, 2020
To: USW Local 2009 members Sodexo/Compass/Bouygues
The Provincial Health Office is asking health care workers employed at more than one site to indicate their preferences should they be restricted to a single site as part of public health efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of this past weekend all health care workers must register with a single site. USW Local 2009 members working at more than one site in hospitals/acute care, long-term care and assisted living, or a provincial mental health facility must indicate which of those sites they prefer to work at for the duration of a public health order for single site staffing.
USW Local 2009 has told health officials that they must take steps to ensure our contractor employers and our members are clearly instructed on infection control protocols and PPE requirements in response to the coronavirus threat.
If you are caring for someone under investigation or confirmed with COVID-19 you must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing care.
When someone with COVID-19 speaks, coughs or sneezes they expel droplets containing the virus. Current science suggests these droplets can travel up to 6 feet (2 meters), landing on people and surfaces in the environment nearby as they settle to the ground.
The virus can spread if these droplets land in your eyes, nose or throat when you are in close contact, such as providing direct patient care. It can also spread if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
At this time, routine care for patients under investigation or confirmed to have COVID-19 requires contact and droplet precautions to help prevent virus droplets from reaching your eyes, nose, and mouth while you work.
Contact and droplet precautions are:
· Gloves
· Gown
· Mask
· Eye and face protection
It is the responsibility of health employers to ensure workers are properly informed and equipped to work in settings where there’s risk of exposure to COVID-19.
USW Local 2009 expects all of our health employers (Sodexo, Compass, Bouygues) to provide timely, specific and clear direction to health care workers on the infection control protocols they will follow to avoid exposure to the virus.
Health employers are also expected to have sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on hand for health care workers, and provide the training to use it, including fit-testing for respirators where they are required.
Workers should always apply a precautionary approach to their work, and consult a supervisor with any questions about protocols or the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you do not feel your questions were answered properly contact us immediately at 604-513-1850.
The union is aware that some health employers are requiring self-isolation for workers outside the guidance from the Public Health Agency or the BC Centre for Disease Control. Please contact your Union Servicing Representative if you find yourself in this situation.
There may be other circumstances under which health care workers will be asked not to report to work. USW Local 2009 is working with government and our employers to minimize the economic impact of these directives on workers.
USW Local 2009 is urging government and health employers to provide all health care workers with general paid leave and adequate sick leave so that they are not economically impacted because of their role in the health care system.
USW Local 2009 continues to demand that government establish a clear policy that extends general paid leave provisions and adequate sick leave across all health care employers.
Many of our members are worried and anxious about what is happening around us. Therefore, USW Local 2009 has scheduled the following web meetings that will allow our health workers to get updates and ask questions. Some of the concerns are regarding safety, some concerns are regarding income replacement, and some are about job security.
Compass (Fraser Health Authority) Retail Foods, and Bouygues (JPOPC)
Wed, Apr 1, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (PDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/AlBieksa/compass-fha
You can also dial in using your phone.
Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391
Access Code: 579-625-389
Sodexo and Compass Long Term Care
Thu, Apr 2, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (PDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/AlBieksa/sodexo-and-compass-long-term-care
You can also dial in using your phone.
Canada: +1 (647) 497-9373
Access Code: 606-802-157
There is no question, this is an incredibly stressful time for all of us. As a team, the Officers and Staff at USW Local 2009, are trying to respond personally to all inquiries and are seeking clarity from your employers as needed. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that all employers are taking every measure necessary to protect the health and safety of our members and their families.
Most importantly, we are asking all of our members to remain calm. The government's Health Ministry protocols that are being put in place are there for good measure. We need to focus on staying safe, practicing physical distancing, stay at home whenever possible and help those that are most vulnerable and cannot help themselves. Together we will survive this pandemic and together we will preserve our solidarity and unity that will enable us to manage the future.
In solidarity,
The Officers of USW Local 2009
Al Bieksa: President
Georgi Bates: Vice President
Scott McRitchie: Financial Secretary
Mike Duhra: Treasurer