Donning and Doffing PPE
If you work in a hospital or health care centre, or as a first responder for emergency services, you can request CAA Roadside service by calling *222 or 1-800-222-4357.
This free service is currently being offered to Members and non-Members alike. If you are a Member and a healthcare worker or first responder, these calls will not be counted on your Membership.
Stan Pickthall talks about Pharmacare and Healthcare Workers
Long-overdue Ontario healthcare wage subsidies a good step, but workers need more says IAM Union
The Ontario government’s announcement on wage subsidies for all frontline healthcare workers was welcome news to the IAM Union, which has been advocating for this long before the pandemic started.
The subsidy provides four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee’s hourly wage. Further, employees working over 100 hours per month will receive lump-sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. Therefore, eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week will receive $3,560 in additional compensation. The payments apply to staff “working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals,” according to the announcement. Read more
Ontario Supporting Frontline Heroes of COVID-19 with Pandemic Pay
Government Recognizes the Dedication and Sacrifice of Frontline Workers
April 25, 2020 1:00 P.M. Office of the Premier
TORONTO — In recognition of the dedication, long hours and increased risk of working to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is providing frontline staff with a temporary pandemic payment.
This increase will provide four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee’s hourly wage. In addition, employees working over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. This means that eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week would receive $3,560 in additional compensation. Those eligible to receive the payment will be staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals. Read More
Government needs to step up support for health care workers: Horwath
Message from Stan Pickthall, GVP Canada on what the IAM is doing for members in Canada
IAM District 78 News | March 26, 2020
| IAM District 78 is here to help |
| IAM District 78 is providing a dedicated person, on staff, to assist IAM members with the Employment Insurance process, to answer questions around Personal Protective Equipment and to answer general questions regarding COVID19. Allison is available during regular office hours by phone at 416-729-5563 or by email askinner@iamdl78.org It Pays to Belong. |
On behalf of GVP Stan Pickthall
To: All Staff, Districts and Local Lodges in Ontario
Dear Sister and Brothers,
While we’re advising members of the different measures being taken by the federal government and the EI program, please note that additional financial help is available through Ontario Works. Members in Ontario can contact Ontario Works in their city for help with food, shelter and other costs.
Note that the link takes you to the Toronto page, please advise members to find information about Ontario Works in their city. Ontario Works is advising that only three offices will remain open, and that questions will be handled online or over the phone. Applications are dealt with electronically.
This link provides an overview of financial help that is available; it’s a lengthy list, please take the time to read carefully.
In solidarity,
Stan Pickthall
COVID-19 and Healthcare – FAQ for IAM Members
In instances where a member is assigned to work with a client who is confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, you have the grounds to invoke your right to refuse unsafe work. We are asking employers to conduct risk assessments, and advise workers of risks involved with their work.
In non-confirmed cases, we are urging employers to develop policies based on the precautionary principle and ensure all workers have adequate protection. Not only do employer policies protect workers and residents, they are part of social policies that can help protect the greater public. Should you show up to work, we are recommending that you request PPE. Even if a case is not confirmed, the employer should provide disposable gloves and hand sanitizer.
Once a possible case is confirmed, and it happens to be a client you visited, you should follow public health guidelines and be in self-isolation for 14 days. We are asking the employer to not penalize individuals who are following government issued guidelines. If you develop symptoms, contact your family doctor and follow further instructions.
Given the evolving nature of circumstances, we are asking employers to abide by the precautionary principle, and even in suspected cases, provide PPE up to and including N-95 masks. Employers are legally obligated to provide workers with the appropriate PPE and protect against workplace dangers and hazards.
Guidelines issued by Health Canada apply to the general public and not those who work on the frontlines where the nature of their work exposes them to the virus. The IAMAW is advocating for a different standard and advocating for the use of PPE in all circumstances, up to and including the use of N-95 masks. READ MORE