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President’s Update May 8th

Posted in Unifor 5555

As we head into May, we are starting to see some signs of easing of the measures that have so drastically changed how we work, and live, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the provincial government eases back some of the restrictions we are again seeing changes to how some of our members are working.  By and large these changes will be seen for those who continue to report to the workplace, but conversations are starting about what the eventual return to campus will look like.  When we have confirmed information we will share it with our members.  We can assure you that the Union will being working on our end to ensure that the transition back to the workplace will be done to in keeping with Health and Safety Provisions.

In the meantime, we are in the early stages of prep work for the Unit 2 Bargaining with a survey being sent to the membership, though we do anticipate that the COVID-19 measures will impact how we move ahead with negotiations.

Health and Safety

For those of us who are working remotely, there is a webinar available to our members on the Ergonomic of Working From Home.   In this one hour webinar, participants will learn about proper computer/work at home ergonomics, what resources they can use from around the house to achieve better ergonomics, and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Registration is required and is now open.  This webinar will be presented by Thayne Smith, National Ergonomic Coordinator Ford Canada and Dan Wilson, National Ergonomic Coordinator General Motors. To register-https://calm.ca/webinar-ergonomics-working-home

We also want to remind our members that we have resources available to support you, whatever the situation you are facing.  We have compiled links to supports and resources on our Mental Well-being page on our website.

Education

Unifor National offers scholarships to children of Unifor members entering first year post-secondary.  The deadline for applications has been extended to June 15th.  They have over 20 $2,000 scholarships available.  More information, links and form are posted on our website, or can be found on the Unifor National Education page.

The Unifor Education Department is also adding new dates for webinars relating to navigating the COVID-19 world.  In addition to new dates for the “Right to Refuse Unsafe Work’ and ‘EI/CERB’ they have added sessions on ‘Young Workers and the Crisis’ and Mental Health-Addictions during a time of Crisis’.  They are adding sessions and topics regularly, so you should check back often.  Information can be found on our Education Committee Page, the Webinar Post as well as the Unifor On-line Education page.

McMaster University offers a series of ‘short courses’ on a variety of topics.  Many are free, and some are minimal cost.  From Optimizing Sleep for your health, Living Sustainably to Protecting yourself against Fake News, there is likely something to catch your interest.  Information can be found at https://shortcourses.mcmaster.ca/product-category/short-courses/.

As always, we encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  If you are unsure who your contact is, the Contact Us Page has all the Executive Board and Unit Chair contact information.