Phone: 204-944-2034
LOCAL 2034
IBEW 2034 - COVID-19 Update March 19/2020
Updated On: Apr 03, 2020

19 March, 2020

IBEW 2034  - COVID-19 Update March 19/2020


Dear Sisters and Brothers;


IBEW 2034 has been steadily monitoring the evolving situation with regard to the COVID-19 and continuous daily communication with Manitoba Hydro, raising several concerns and advocating for solutions to some of the issues immediately in front of us as a result of the current crisis. We are FIRMLY committed to the health and safety of our members, staff and public at large To date, this is what we know or can share:
 
Operationally

  • There will be no layoffs in the core business and Staff will not be required to take vacation to maintain pay and benefits. 
  • Effective immediately, where possible, employees are being encouraged to work from home in a virtual business model. Also, where possible, Customer Service Operations staff will be dispatched directly from their homes using our mobile workforce management (MWM) system.  As some employees have roles operating and maintaining pivotal infrastructure and equipment, those employees will not be able to work from home. In any case, staff may be required to work in a different capacity than they are accustomed to or perform work outside of their normal duties, but will not work beyond their skill sets, training, and abilities.  This could involve online training, creating procedures, cleaning equipment or vehicles, helping out other business units with a variety of duties etc. IBEW is committed to work collaboratively with the corporation in developing this process and ensure the corporation takes every precaution to ensure the safety and health of all staff and we are following the latest guidelines from provincial health authorities.
  • Manitoba Hydro is temporarily scaling back work on Keeyask and suspending travel in and out of the  Project’s construction site to help protect the safety and health of workers as well as residents of nearby communities from the introduction and spread of the COVID-19 virus under the guidance and direction from senior Manitoba Health officials and is expected to last between four and eight weeks. Some of the protection measures for staff on site include -  Increased cleaning protocols; reminders detailing proper recommended personal hygiene practices; implementing social distancing by, and providing only take-out meals from the Dining Hall.​ The temporary reduction of personnel at the site and implementation of the suspension will be complete by end of day Saturday, March 21.

School/daycare closures 

  • The province has announced the suspension of classes from kindergarten to Grade 12 effective March 23 to April 10. This is being done to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Human Resources is reviewing this development and an update will be provided as soon as available.  Subject to approval from your supervisor or manager, you will either be able to work from home, use up to six consecutive days of non-emergency family responsibility leave or utilize vacation credits (2020 accruals balances should be fully up to date as of March 18/2020).

Travel

  • If you were already out of the country, including anywhere in the United States, and returned to Canada after March 12, 2020 you will be required to self-isolate. In this case, you can use sick time to cover the self-isolation period.
  • If you chose to leave the country after March 12 you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return to Canada. In this case, you will be required to use vacation time to cover the self-isolation period.
  • Employees who are required to self isolate and are able to work from home may receive approval to do so from their supervisor/manager.
  • Supervisors/managers or their delegates should enter time for those who are not in the office and do not have access to myHR to enter time.
  • If you have any questions about travel or potential exposure/risk, please contact Health Services for clarification and clear direction BEFORE entering the workplace.

Employees not feeling well

  • STAY HOME! Staff that are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home (speak out if fellow staff are disregarding this important message).  Sick notes will not be required to alleviate the burden on our doctors and health care system.  Sick leave absences beyond 10 days may still require STM as per normal policy, but employees should check with Health Services first.

What does self-isolation mean? Avoiding all contact with others!

  • Stay home and do not go out unless absolutely necessary. Do not go to work, school, personal care homes or other public areas.
  • Do not use public transportation (e.g. buses, taxis, handi transit) and avoid large gatherings or events.
  • Use personal protective measures (e.g. regular hand washing, coughing into the bend of your arm, using tissues, regular cleaning of surfaces, etc.) for infection prevention and control.

What does self-monitoring mean?

  • Watch for cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties). Take your temperature twice a day, in the morning and at night, using a digital thermometer by mouth (oral).
  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, and/or chew gum 30 minutes before taking your temperature.
  • Do not take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) during the self-monitoring period unless your health care provider advises otherwise.

Good hygiene and social distancing

  • wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • avoid contact with people who are sick
  • keep your own workstation clean
  • practise social distancing. No close (less than two meters/ six feet) contact between other individuals in public,

Questions?



We will continue to work with and lobby Manitoba Hydro on all issues related to the current COVID-19 situation.  
 
The IBEW is also limiting traffic in our office to necessary tasks only.  Effective March 17, 2020, as a precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19 we will be restricting any access to our office at 1907 Portage Avenue.  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


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Contact Info
IBEW Local 2034
1907 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3J 0H9 CANADA
  204-944-2034

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