March 30, 2020
Dear fellow CWA Canada members,
Let me start with some good news: the federal government announced today that news companies are eligible for a 75% wage subsidy to help cope with the COVID-19 crisis – exactly the help we asked for in a letter to the feds on Friday. We applaud the government for its quick action.
Combined with government ad buys in local papers, that should largely ease the financial burden on our employers. We are already calling on employers that have laid off staff and cut hours to return to full operation.
The bigger issue continues to be health. We have just been informed of the first positive case of COVID-19 at a workplace where we have members – the Windsor Star. While the person affected is not a member, he works near our members and has been in contact with at least one. The workplace has been shut down for a couple of days to be disinfected. We are urging the company to allow staff who have been in contact with the infected employee to self-quarantine at home with full pay.
We want to work co-operatively with our employers but it is also our legal and moral responsibility to ensure that our members are protected. Rest assured that we are communicating with our employers to ensure your health – and finances – are looked after.
If you feel your workplace is not observing proper health protocols, if you are not being compensated properly, or if you have any questions, please contact your Local president or designate immediately. We at the national union will provide any advice, resources and support needed.
In the meantime, continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, avoid travel, and check the Health Canada website for updates on the spread and how to protect yourself: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
If you develop symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), avoid contact with others, phone your doctor’s office, and advise your employer and Local president.
In solidarity,
Martin
Martin O’Hanlon
President, CWA Canada
The Media Union