![Composite photo of Dave Bulmer and Queen's Park](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_500/public/assets/images/member-news-dave-queens-park-1200.jpg.jpg?itok=C80YKEYK)
Monday, August 19, 2019
As your union, the protection of your health, safety, and livelihood is our top priority. And your employer has a legal obligation to ensure our workplaces are safe.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer’s Graduated Return to the OPS Workplace (GROW) will see AMAPCEO members currently working remotely gradually returning to the workplace on a part-time basis. This is scheduled to start as early as September 13, 2021. When they return, they will be joining those AMAPCEO members who were in the workplace throughout the pandemic.
Following advocacy work by your union, today the OPS Employer announced that they will be implementing a policy requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to undergo regular testing for COVID-19 when attending the workplace.
Many of our members work in healthcare, public health policy, and science. They know the efficacy of vaccines against this insidious virus. Testing those who are unvaccinated and encouraging them to get their shots, combined with other health and safety measures—such as masking, physical distancing—are practical actions we can take to help keep COVID-19 at bay.
I have proactively reached out to the government and the OPS Employer to offer the union’s assistance in shaping the policy.
I want to make sure the Employer gets this right.
And I want to do all I can to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
I recognize there may be a small number of AMAPCEO members who have a medical reason for not being vaccinated. Your union will be advocating that the policy and procedures protect your health, safety, and privacy as much as possible.
In the meantime, we continue to review Ministry- and location-specific reopening plans as they become available to ensure the Employer is doing everything they should to keep you safe.
The fourth wave of the pandemic is here, and it’s affecting partially- and un-vaccinated people at alarming rates. It’s incredibly important to do what you can to protect you, your loved ones, your colleagues, and your community. Vaccinations—especially in conjunction with other public health measures—are scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways of keeping one another safe.
If you haven’t already, please book an appointment to receive your first or second COVID-19 vaccination at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.
I’m happy I did.
If anything further happens before next Wednesday’s Town Hall we will update you.
Until then, let’s remember we are all stronger together.
![Dave Bulmer Signature](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/assets/images/signature.png.webp?itok=9jIHE9vC)
Dave Bulmer
President & CEO