COVID-19 Updates

LOU Vacation

Greetings: 

The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28^th, was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and has since spread to at least 80 countries around the world.  This day is a tribute to those men and women who have died as a result of a workplace illness or accident.

The IBEW was originally formed by workers who wanted to improve safety in their workplace.  Our union was formed on the need for safety at a time when 1 in 2 electrical workers were being killed on the job every day; even our own founding President Henry Miller died from a workplace incident. Today, safety continues to be a main focus of our Local Unions mandate; safety is paramount to the IBEW!

With respect to this year’s National Day of Mourning, the theme on April 28^th is “Stop the Pandemic at Work”.  Right now, millions of workers who have been deemed essential are risking their wellbeing every day and are working tirelessly to keep our country running during this unprecedented time.  Many of our IBEW members fall into this category and continue to provide critical services which include healthcare, utilities, telecommunications, railroads, government and construction, just to name a few.  We must ensure that front-line workers have the protective equipment they need, and the training to use it safely.  We must also ensure that those who have not been deemed essential stay home and adhere to physical distancing regulations.  By doing this we reduce the transmission of this virus and help keep essential workers safe.

No worker should die from their job; workers deserve to arrive home safely at the end of their workday but too many workers are dying from work.  Workplace accidents and illnesses are preventable and should never be seen as “just part of the job”.  Workers need to be reminded that they have the right to know about the hazards in their workplace and receive the training they need to be able to do their jobs safely.  They have the right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety and most importantly they have the right to refuse work that could endanger their health and safety or that of others.

April 28^th is the day we remember those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever changed because of something that happened in their workplace.  It is also the day when we resolve to make every workplace a safe and healthy place to earn a living. 

The global COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we live and work and therefore will change the way we hold vigils and ceremonies this year.  On Tuesday, April 28^th, 2020, we ask that you mark the day by lighting a candle in your home and posting a photo to social media with hashtag #WorkersDayofMourning and #StopthePandemicAtWork.  Frontline workers are also encouraged to share a photo in your uniform or protective apparel using the same hashtags.  While we can’t meet in person, we can hold virtual memorials and share a moment of silence over video or teleconference.  We must continue to bring visibility to the importance of commemorating the National Day of Mourning. We must insist that all levels of government do more to enforce existing health and safety laws and vigorously prosecute violations when a worker is killed or seriously injured.

We owe it to the families who have lost their loved ones to preventable workplace accidents and illnesses to do better for today’s workers.  Everyone deserves to return home to their loved ones at the end of the day.

In solidarity,

Tom Reid
International Vice President

Brothers and Sisters,

On March 11th, 2020, the world as we know it changed when the World Health Organization declared a Global Pandemic.  What that meant was not known by any of us, but it was clear that our lives would change, in all aspects, including how we work and do our jobs.  Since that day, the Union has continued to consult the company with workers concerns and the company has continued to put measures in place to make the workplace safe for the employees. 

In saying that, putting safety measures in place is only part of the equation.  We as employees must become up to date with all those measures and continue to apply them at the workplace.  IBEW Local 2351 asks that all members take the time to review the company initiatives, put in place to keep you safe, during this COVID-19 Pandemic.  The company has added a number of the safety-related materials to their COVID-19 page on the following website: https://nlhydro.com/covid-19-updates/ .

Please pay attention to all safety guidelines, use proper PPE and practice Physical distancing.  The company has developed a New! Risk Assessment & Safe Work Practices for Critical Work (added April 15, 2020) during COVID-19. 

According to their website “Risk Assessment and Safe Work Practice documents have been developed for critical work that is continuing throughout the company, specifically to address situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained. These documents outline the control measures that can be used to keep workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including engineering and administrative controls, as well as the use of personal protective equipment.”  It goes on to say “The Risk Assessment and Safe Work Practice must be applied when physical distances of 2 meters are not able to be maintained.”

These documents are available , on the above mentioned website and on the COVID-19 Safety & Health section of the Grid (for those with network access).

For your safety, the union recommends that all members become aware of the tools in place for your protection.  If you have any questions, please consult your supervisors, Managers, the safety and health department or your Union representatives.  It is important for all employees to know, understand and use all the documents at your disposal, to work safely.

BESAFE
IBEW 2351 Executive