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Unit 3 COVID-19 Update April 3rd

Posted in Unifor 5555

Parking operations have been significantly impacted over the last few weeks and with the state-of-emergency extended we can expect to see that continue.  For Parking Operations staff we expect to see impacts to both the Full-Time and Part-Time members.

Full-time members are being provided alternative work, some of which will require be on campus, and some may be done remotely.  The key factor is that these projects will provide stability in their work hours for at this time.

Part-time members will face a bigger impact in that the work they are normally scheduled for has evaporated.  With parking gates lifted, and campus events cancelled, normal enforcement, pay-station and gate calls are not occurring.  Part-Time members have not been scheduled for the last couple of weeks, and we do not anticipate that changing.  As the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) is for those who have been without work for 14 consecutive days as result of the COVID-19 responses, you may be eligible for the CERB benefit.  We have some guidelines posted below and would encourage members to investigate whether you are eligible to access this option to help support you during this time.  When the situation changes, whether that be layoff or a call to return to scheduled shift, you will be contacted by the University.  If you have any questions related to this situation, you are encouraged to reach out to your Unit 3 Chair, Jeremy McFarlane (jeremy.mcfarlane@unifor5555.ca) or Vice-President, Emily Heikoop (emily.heikoop@unifor5555.ca).

Eligibility for CERB

The new Act defines eligible workers as being employed or self-employed people who are:

  • at least 15 years old;
  • resident in Canada, AND
  • in 2019 OR in the 12 months immediately before their Application, had a total income of at least $5,000 (combined) from:
  • employment
  • self-employment
  • pregnancy/parental leave El benefits
  • any provincial pregnancy/parental leave benefits (including adoption leave).

 

CERB will not provide any payments to individuals that are not eligible under these criteria. This means that any individual who earned less than $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months immediately before their application will not be eligible for benefits. The government could increase this $5,000 threshold by regulation.

In order to access benefits, a worker who meets the definition above may apply if they have ceased working for reasons related to COVID-19 for at least 14 consecutive days within the 4-week benefit period for which they apply for benefits.