17 March 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers;

IBEW 2034 has been, and is continuing to monitor the evolving situation with regard to the COVID-19.  We are committed to the health and safety of our members, staff and public at large. 

IBEW 2034 has been in regular ongoing communication with Manitoba Hydro, raising concerns and advocating for solutions to some of the issues immediately in front of us as a result of the current crisis. The specifics provided to date by the corporation for the upcoming weeks and beyond have been minimal, so at this time we’re not aware of the plan.  What we currently know other utilities across Canada are doing include the following:

• Utilities have moved into “Mission Critical” modes.  This means activities to ensure electrical production and delivery can be maintained.  
• All non-essential work has been postponed and no planned maintenance is occurring at this time

• Employees have been divided into three categories:
  • deemed to be “Mission Critical”;
  • are working from home; or,
  • on standby (not assigned work to be performed at home, but on standby in case they are required).
• This results in approximately 1/3 of employees being deemed mission critical, which means that 2/3 of employees are currently working from home or are placed on standby;
• All employees continue to receive their regular pay, regardless of what category they fall under, therefore, no need to use vacation, bank time, sick time and etc. 

• For people on standby, there is an expectation that they will remain home in order to prevent the spread of this virus, and also in case they are required to report to work;
• There is the potential of employees being asked to perform activites that they don’t normally perform (within their limits).  This may include assisting other areas of government.  For example:  employees might be asked to deliver medical equipment and supplies to the hospital sector, or members might be asked to fill in at our contact centre to take customer calls if illnesses or quarantine creates staffing issues.  A high level of flexibility, communication and cooperation will be beneficial to all of the public.

These are all proactive steps that should be implemented by Manitoba Hydro. 

We know our members are concerned about a loss of income should they be required to self-isolate or need to be at home to fulfill their family responsibilities with school and daycare closures. We have been in constant communication relating these as well as other concerns and urging Manitoba Hydro to be flexible and supportive in these unique circumstances.  Some suggestions presented to date include working remotely where possible, possibly changing work hours to allow parents to manage childcare at home and utilization of sick benefits. We have an agreement that they will relax the requirement to provide sick notes, so as not to overburden the medical system.  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