To all CX,
A series of calls with the employer occurred again today and again UCCO-SACC-CSN was pushing for very important answers to our members’ questions. Discussed were the admission of non-critical staff entering our facilities, institutional routine changes to respect the advice from every public health official as this advice relates to practicing safe distances, status updates on PPE inventory, annual leave issues, and the protection of our more vulnerable members (immunosuppressed, or Pregnant).
In relation to non-critical staff members entering our institutions, the employer has advised that they will not allow entry to teachers, contractors (except for emergency purposes) and a significant decrease in programs officers. The CSC committed to do a thorough review of only those inmates who may be coming up for release to participate in any program. It has been suggested that these programs should make use of video conference, to limit any movement into the institutions. It has also been suggested that a similar workload review take place to minimize entry for the Parole Officers.
The CSC will also be amending the questions and answer document on the use of 699 leave to include more specific examples for Management decisions, as we are seeing several incorrect interpretations coming from the sites. In this document there will be further clarification on 699 leave for pregnant employees and those who are immunosuppressed.
A request was made for inventory of PPE at each site which the employer will report back on, and there is no indication that there are issues with procuring products we need for our protection.
As we near April 1st, which is the deadline to submit our request in each institution’s summer annual leave draw, we advised the employer that this work must continue. Understanding the situation that the entire country is in, we must continue to protect our collective rights to vacation, while we recognize that operational requirements may not permit the granting of vacation leave in certain circumstances.
In order to abide by the recommendations made by every Public Health Official, to practice safe distances in our institutions, the RDC’s will mandate each warden to discuss routine changes to accommodate smaller groups, and best practices for individual health. Please engage your local union representatives with your ideas around what works best in your institutions.
Finally, the Phoenix issues that have occurred in the Prairie Region were also raised, and we were advised on the call that those members affected would receive cheques today or tomorrow.
As promised, we will continue to keep you updated with any new news and will continue to push the issues that are important for our membership’s health and safety.
Jeff Wilkins, National President, UCCO-SACC-CSN.