Wednesday, March 11, 2020
AMAPCEO is continuing to monitor this evolving situation. For the latest updates, please visit our COVID-19 response page at amapceo.on.ca/covid19
Update - Wednesday, March 11, 2020:
While the risk to Ontarians is still considered low, AMAPCEO leadership has been in touch with each bargaining unit employer to discuss their preparation and response plans in the event of widespread transmission of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer, for example, is taking direction from the hard-working experts at the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario (including many AMAPCEO members). The OPS Employer will maintain regular contact with its staff through workplace channels.
AMAPCEO also continues to monitor the situation and will provide you with updates where appropriate.
The OPS Employer confirmed with AMAPCEO that an employee in a Ministry of Energy, Northern Development, and Mines office in Sudbury is now in self-isolation following a positive test for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, the OPS Employer has temporarily closed that office and is working with local public health authorities to determine next steps.
Remember, these everyday steps can help protect you, your family, and your colleagues from exposure to many illness-causing germs:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating or after touching common surfaces or using the washroom.
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
- If you’re feeling unwell, stay home from work.
If you have a particular concern about your workplace, please bring it to your manager’s attention and let your Joint Health & Safety Committee know.
The outbreak of COVID-19 also underscores some of AMAPCEO’s concerns regarding the government’s changes to labour laws through the Making Ontario Open for Business Act.
Last year, the government revoked two paid sick days for every worker and reenabled employers’ ability to request medical notes.
While AMAPCEO members’ collective agreements entitle you to paid provisions in the event of illness, we share experts’ concerns that these legislative changes put too many workers at risk and place unnecessary strain on our healthcare system.
It’s never too late to reverse these decisions to extend fairer protections to every worker—and help keep Ontarians safe.