March 30, 2020 - Hello Sisters, Brothers and Friends,

Before I say another word, I want you to know that it is YOU as Telecommunications Workers who are keeping Canada running right now.

Many Canadians are working from home and staying safe, countless Canadians are able to call health lines to get their medical advice, and other Canadians are kept aware of important developments by TV and internet. Millions of children are able to learn via e-learning when they are kept home from school, numerous businesses and governments are able to maintain essential services to keep the provinces and country safe from chaos. Friends and families are able to connect to each other via FaceTime, Houseparty, Messenger and so many other apps.

All of this is because of you. You are on Canada’s frontlines in this, what will be the most historical event of our lifetime. Canadians everywhere who may take for granted that their phones, internet and television will always work when they need them to, should take a moment to respect and to be thankful for the work that you do to make sure the magic happens, to make sure that the country stays connected when we are being forced to be physically apart.

To do this under conditions of instability and difficult workplace changes, dealing with unprecedented challenges as you perform your work, is spectacular. I’m proud of you, and you should be proud of yourselves and each other.

I continue to meet with your employers everyday regarding the effect of COVID-19 on your work lives, discussing the latest information on workplace changes with them. Your Union considers the actions Telus and Shaw have taken to expand working from home to be positive. We are also well aware that not all members are yet able to stay out of the office, and we are in constant discussions with Telus regarding minimizing in-office work, in accord with the recommendations of health authorities.

As well, every day the Union is contacted by members who provide us valuable information on what is happening at work, and we absolutely need this feedback as background for our discussions with your employers.

I wish that I could answer in this message the dozens of questions you collectively may have regarding recent developments at work, but different members from different departments of different employers have different questions that don’t necessarily apply to one another. So, at the bottom of this message is a one-click link that allows you to leave the Union any comment or question, whether it’s a concern you have with your working conditions, a question about the Collective Agreement, a request for resources, etc. We will ensure that a Local Union Representative gets back to your inquiry promptly.

While the Union is acting in a cooperative and positive manner with your employers at this time out of good faith, make no mistake that we will not accept the use of this emergency as an excuse to undercut your working rights or the security of your Bargaining Unit. Not all the news that your employers deliver is roses all of the time, however, your Union is doing our level best to work with your employers as partners and allies at this extraordinary time in our history. All that to say, we, 1944’s Officers, will remain vigilant and fearless when it comes to protecting our members and our Union now and in future days.

The COVID-19 crisis has led to a very significant economic setback across the country, and you very likely know others who have been laid off work. At the same time, there are recent and ongoing changes to the forms of relief provided by government to those suffering financially due to the crisis. Below are some up-to-date resources provided by the USW and others that you can pass along to those who may need them:

United Steelworkers: USW Guide to Benefits During COVID-19: By Province
Canadian Labour Congress: COVID-19 Resource Centre
Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease

I also want to add that Local 1944 is walking the walk with regard to our own staff. We’re very happy to let you know that on any given day, 96% of the Local’s active staff are working from home and at the same time, the Local is still providing full service to members.

Please be aware that contacting your Union with regard to any questions or concerns is simple.
Just email contact@usw1944.ca, call your closest Local office, or click on the comment link below:
https://1944.fyi/questions-COVID19 

Thank you for the extraordinary work you do everyday, now more than ever. 

In Solidarity, 

Donna Hokiro
Acting President
USW Local 1944