This week we heard from the Provincial Government about their ‘road map’ to re-open Ontario. This document lays out a plan that phases in easing of restrictions over two-to-four week phases based on a number of factors, including declines in testing and hospitalization rates. While we don’t see firm dates, we do see the path to re-opening becoming clearer. As we move into and through the phases of re-opening, the Union will continue our work to represent members as we transition slowly back to more normal operations at the University.
Disruptions to people’s daily work have by and large minimized as the major shifts have been worked through. This is not to say that your work area may not still be impacted, as changes to funding, alternative work or any new adjustments to emergency measures may still occur, but the large-scale changes are now fully implemented.
Mail Service on campus is operating, so if people would like to collect or drop of mail, they are happy to process it. They will also send mail via Canada Post to home addresses. A valid chartstring is needed to process work. Contact information for Mail Services can be found on their McMaster webpage.
This pandemic has in many ways already altered our understanding of how our society functions. Our reliance on the oft-underappreciated service sectors has shifted has been brought sharply into focus. Many smaller and local businesses have had to radically shift how they operate to stay afloat, and we have had to change how we engage with them for the thigs we need.
Another thing we are seeing is people looking for ways to give back to the community. One way we can do both is by supporting local businesses that are supporting local resources. A number of Hamilton area businesses are supporting SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton) by donating a portion of their sales to SACHA. If you are interested in deliveries of coffee, biscotti, popcorn, or flowers for yourself, or maybe for Mothers Day, check out SACHA’s facebook post.
The YWCA Hamilton is looking for community support as well. They are in need of PPE for their front-line workers, as they are providing critical services to women and families experiencing homelessness, to ensuring the safety of adults with developmental disabilities living at our group homes. Food and sundries are also needed. Everything from dish soap to colouring books to hygiene products are needed for those women who are self isolating at the YWCA Hamilton. For more information you can visit their donation page to find out what they need and how you can donate.
Another way to support our communities is by supporting the United Way. A 3rd year McMaster Student has found a way to do just that. She is making home-made tie-dyed t-shirts and selling them for $10, with 100% of the proceeds going to the United Way. You can visit her Instagram site @made.by.momina or you can find her order form here.
If you would like us to share information on how your work area is still working at Mac, or have information on a community based resource that needs support do let us know and we will endeavor to include that in future communications.
Recently we have seen how our Union’s persistence results in better working conditions for our members. The improvement to wages, among other things, for those long-term care workers who are facing so many challenges right now, was a great win. However, we want to see these improvements last beyond COVID-19. We need to take care of the people taking care of our families. You can participate in a Virtual Day of Action today and send a message to the Ford Government that we need to fix long term care for the long term. More information can be found in the message from our Ontario Regional Director posted on our website.