28 November, 2021

Dear Member;

Let me start by apologizing for any delays, or for any seeming lack of response to some of the concerns expressed by members.  This delayed response doesn’t reflect the substantial effort that our executive, legal, and office staff have been putting into addressing the many issues raised.  As a consequence of their effort, the Corporation has agreed to considering the points made by the IBEW to Management.  In an effort to address the concerns raised, the Corporation will be taking the following immediate actions:
 

• There will be a transition period (November 30, 2021 to December 14, 2021) where employees who have opted for rapid testing will be required to complete the rapid test(s).  However, uploading results will not be required prior to December 14, 2021 and enforcement will not happen before that date. The requirement to upload results will take effect on December 15, 2021.  Notwithstanding the transitional period, the Corporation will continue to encourage all employees who have opted for rapid testing to upload their results.

• Manitoba Hydro has adjusted the privacy reference on the Safe4Work App to address concerns raised.

• Manitoba Hydro will arrange a town hall meeting with Manitoba Public Health to address employee questions and concerns.This will occur in a moderated and controlled environment (currently scheduled for Dec 10^th.  Details to follow).

• On an exception basis, at the request of an employee and approval of the Corporation, and subject to legitimate proven technological barriers to policy compliance, Manitoba Hydro will consider allowing staff that are in possession of a vaccination card to produce evidence (in person or picture) to Safety/Health & Environment.

• In addition to the measures listed above, at the request of the IBEW, the Corporation will permit its employees who are members of the IBEW to attend an IBEW informational town hall meeting for up to 60 minutes (currently scheduled for Dec 10^th with details to follow).

• The purpose of this town hall meeting will be for IBEW to inform and advise its membership of the legal opinion sought on Policy P613 COVID-19 Vaccination.This meeting will be exclusive to the IBEW and not open to representatives of Manitoba Hydro.

• Attendance at the town hall shall be voluntary and the information presented shall be shared in advance with the Corporation. The town hall will be jointly sponsored by the IBEW and UNIFOR.

• The Corporation has committed to discussing the individual applications of Policy P613 COVID-19 Vaccination that might arise in the future.   However, Hydro reserves the right to manage operations and to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034