There is a lot of information to take into consideration when determining which practices to follow when returning to a physical workplace during the pandemic. The biggest source of confusion is how public health directives/guidelines compare to workplace safety practices, particularly with the use of masks. In our view, public health advice informs workplace health and safety practices but does …
NEW – Health and Safety Committee Support Sessions via Zoom!
Open to CUPE members in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador The COVID-19 pandemic has created new Health and Safety challenges in workplaces across all sectors. CUPE members on health and safety committees have been working hard to represent their members concerns and address the risks they face. Recognizing the unique challenges these members face, CUPE is developing new approaches to …
School re-entry plan sketchy on details
Returning to school without a more detailed plan is a mistake says the union representing school custodians, secretaries and bus drivers. Sherry Hillier, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Newfoundland and Labrador says she has serious concerns about the government’s school re-entry plan, and wants to see more engagement with stakeholders prior to the beginning of the school …
Health and Safety resources for CUPE members
There is much talk in the media lately about returning to school, and understandably we are all anxious about what this will look like — staff, students and parents alike. While much of the attention appears to be on masking and physical distancing in classrooms, rest assured that we have been having regular discussions with government and the English School …
Self-isolation and quarantine: why it’s important
COVID-19 is transmitted by people who are infected and are spreading the virus. A person who comes into contact with the virus could develop symptoms quickly, or not until up to 14 days later (the incubation period). About half of people with COVID-19 will develop symptoms by day five after exposure. But becoming infected doesn’t always mean having symptoms, and in …
COVID-19 Prevention for Community and Social Services Workplaces
As the global pandemic of COVID-19 persists, CUPE wants to ensure that employers and members continue to implement leading practices to prevent workplace exposure to the virus which causes COVID-19. The guidance in this document is specific to addressing the hazard related to COVID-19. It is intended to assist CUPE health and safety activists in their efforts to ensure that …
Joint statement: COVID-19 and personal protective equipment
CUPE and the other health care unions (AAHP, NAPE, RNUNL, PARNL, and NLMA) have signed on to a joint statement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which will guide how we use personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care settings. The purpose of the joint statement on PPE is to ensure that all CUPE members have access to appropriate …
Statement: National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job
On April 28, the National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job, we remember all the workers we have lost, and we vow to keep fighting for safe and healthy workplaces for everyone. Every year in Canada, around 1000 workers lose their lives on the job. Their deaths are preventable and should not happen. And each …
Faces of the Frontline
Dear Members: I hope you enjoy the photos below of our long-term care members at St. Pat’s Mercy Home and Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. It is always so great to get news from members and to hear how you are coping through this very challenging time. My heart goes out to those of you on the frontlines of this …
Q&A on COVID-19 for education members
How long does the virus live on surfaces? A recent study found that the COVID-19 coronavirus can survive up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The researchers also found that this virus can hang out as droplets in the air for up to …