IBEW 2034 - COVID-19 Update March 26/2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers;
I want to take a few minutes of your time and give you an update. Most importantly, I hope you and your loved ones are all doing well.
We’re enduring so many changes that it’s completely expected to be left with questions and concerns about a lot of things. And while we certainly don’t have all the answers, I hope you’ll find this update, and those that will follow, at least be a little helpful.
By now you’ve often heard that we’re in unprecedented times. On Friday March 20th Manitoba joined the provinces of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and P.E.I. that have all previously declared states of emergency. Although we haven’t been hit hard yet, it’s inevitable that we are going to see some significant effects, especially now that a state of emergency has been declared. As of today March 26/2020, Manitoba has 36 (confirmed and probable positive) cases so we expect more extreme measures to take effect in the very near future. As of 3:00 today March 26/2020 Manitoba Hydro has not had any confirmed or probable positive cases of COVID-19 among any staff or contractors.
Our members provide an essential service to the Province of Manitoba and all its citizens. IBEW has placed the COVID-19 issue as the number one priority by deferring other less urgent issues for the time being. IBEW has been following up with and had several (Skype and phone call/conference) meetings with Managers, Directors and members of Hydro Executive other bargaining groups throughout the province, other utilities across Canada, workplace health and safety, as well as medical professionals. Some concerns we’ve heard include some parts of the corporation. We have and will continue to follow up on your concerns.
Therefore, this is not a normal situation with respect to regular work practices and we expect to see swift collaboration and decision making as a result. In that regard last week, the IBEW sent Manitoba Hydro a draft Letter of Agreement (LOA) that establishes priorities like the health, safety, and security concerns of all employees, customers, and the community. This LOA would allow a high level of flexibility for IBEW to engage in ongoing discussion and agreement on things like alternate work schedules, modified work hours, different safety protocols, and different work and living conditions for our members as the public emergency goes on.
Please continue to take all necessary precautions even if you are in a low-risk group. These precautions are not just to avoid getting infected or spreading COVID-19, but to avoid over-burdening our healthcare system during this situation. Maintain distance from others, cough into your elbow, wash your hands often, and try to avoid touching your face.
THANK YOU for your patience, understanding and for everything that you’re doing to help – whether you’re at home working, on stand-by, or on the front lines. ALL OF YOU are necessary and play a vital role in helping provide and maintain important services to Manitoba. As this continues to evolve, it is absolutely essential we work together to protect each other and to maintain the services that we all rely on.
IBEW 2034 has closed off traffic to our office at 1907 Portage Avenue to members and the public as a precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This change will stay in effect for the time being and updates will be provided as changes occur.
The office staff will remain available by phone and email to complete as many tasks as possible. Please call the office at 204-944-2034 or email ibew@ibew2034.com with questions to see if what you need can be accomplished on the phone or online.
We appreciate your cooperation as we all work through this unique situation.
In solidarity,
Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034
