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The spread of COVID-19 has changed the everyday reality for workers around the world. Workers United Canada Council is committed to helping you and your loved ones navigate employment, emergency relief, and health & safety at this difficult time. All Workers United staff are continuing to work remotely and are available by e-mail and by phone. Please e-mail info@workersunitedunion.ca with any concerns and you will be promptly connected with the appropriate staff person.
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE
Your team at Workers United Canada Council is concerned about our members, their families, and the communities they live in.
Please note that if you are laid off you do not pay union dues.
We are concerned about the workers who have to go to work because they are deemed essential, see the provincial links below, and are fighting on many fronts to flatten the curve as they fight this pandemic. We are concerned about our members who have been laid off and face uncertainty with a reduced income through Employment Insurance.
- Hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Clean all hard surfaces in your home regularly with a sanitizer
- Staying home if you have any of these symptoms
- Protecting yourself
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND PREVENTION SERVICES
WSPS offers free e-course on pandemic awareness: The WSPS offers free e-course from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) focuses on the impact a pandemic may have on workplaces and our communities.
NOT FEELING WELLYou can also access Ontario's online self-assessment tool here.
- Getting workplace ready FOR COVID-19
- Centres for Disease Control and Control: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Call 1833-381-2725 to get your waiting period waived.
Note: Most employers file your Record of Employment (ROE) electronically so you will likely not need a paper copy. If you work or have more than one job, you will need a ROE from each workplace. If you don't have a ROE you should still make an application.
Click here to file for EI under all circumstances.
Employment Insurance line for those in quarantine: 1-833-381-2725
*IMPORTANT: All Service Canada offices are now closed. As an alternative, you may access their services online.
- A minimum unemployment rate of 13.1% applies to all regions across Canada starting August 9, 2020
- If your region’s unemployment rate is higher than 13.1%, we’ll use the higher actual rate to calculate your benefits
- You only need 120 insured hours to qualify for benefits because you’ll receive a one-time credit of:
- 300 insured hours if you’re applying for regular benefits
- 480 insured hours if you’re applying for sickness, maternity, parental or caregiving benefits
- You’ll receive at least $500 per week before taxes, or $300 per week before taxes for extended parental benefits but you could receive more
- If you’re applying for sickness benefits, you do not need to submit a medical certificate
- If you’re a fisher, we’ll look at the earnings from your 2018, 2019 and 2020 summer or winter seasons to determine your benefit rate and establish your claim for the same season
- If you received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the 52-week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
- Ontario Prevention Office update (01/04/2020):
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New prevention branch email address - There is a new email address for questions about the implications COVID-19 may have on training programs approved by the Chief Prevention Officer. If you are a training provider, learner or employer and have a question about how COVID-19 will affect your training, please email COVID19LearnerLine@ontario.ca. For non-COVID-19 questions about training (e.g. lost card or learner ID, training provider applications, etc.), email:
- Working At Heights WAH.Inquiryline@Ontario.ca
- Joint health and safety committee certification training:
JHSC.InquiryLine@ontario.ca.
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- Ontarians will get a break on their hydro bills during COVID-19 pandemic
- Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
- Please do not visit an assessment centre unless you have been referred by a healthcare professional.
- Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
- Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020
- Health Services in Your Community: Public Health Units
- Community Legal Clinics - High quality legal information on COVID19 related questions
- COVID-19 self-assessment and Additional info and resources
- Additional info and resources
- The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Information sheet (available in multiple languages)
- Symptoms and treatment
- What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy
- Self-isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts
- How to self-isolate
- Support for Workers
- COVID-19: Additional Measures to Protect Saskatchewan Residents
- Self Assessment Tool
- Information on self-isolation, personal protection measures and information for care providers
- Self-Isolation Support Program
- Amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act
- Public Health Orders
- Public inquiries:
- COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.
- Health Regina: 306-787-4083
- Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca
- Hand washing
- Grocery shopping
- Beware of Scams: How to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 outbreak
- "Wash Your Hands of Germs, Racism, and Xenophobia!"
- "Do I have to work during the coronavirus outbreak? A labour relations expert weighs in"
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
- Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19
- WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
- COVID-19: HEALTH EMERGENCY LABOUR PROTECTIONS Urgent comprehensive action is needed to protect workers, communities
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Public Health Agency of Canada
- The Public Health Agency of Canada coronavirus telephone info line: 1-833-784-4397
- The Government of Canada on COVID-19
- World Health Organization: Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
- How to stay informed: Find the latest information from WHO on where COVID-19 is spreading
- Advice and guidance from WHO on COVID-19
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
STAY SAFE