Dear Fellow UWOSA Members,
Our Collective Agreement is still in full force during this pandemic. As of June 1, the University continues to change the landscape of UWOSA work, and we must continue to adapt. Our collective agreement provides viable options to all of us. Management has notified its leaders that while it is still being flexible about when and how work is being done, management expects us to fulfill our job responsibilities. The Employer’s expectation is they will continue to pay full salary if employees are completing tasks assigned.
If you have family obligations that prevent you from working, or have a reduced workload as a result of the pandemic, our collective agreement has viable options to choose based on your specific personal situation or a change in your workload due to the prolonged pandemic. They are:
Article 20: Vacation
Article 23: Leave of Absence Without Pay
Article 30: Reduced Responsibility
Article 32: Hours of Work and Overtime
We have a right to exercise these articles under our collective agreement. If you would like to speak to a UWOSA officer prior to making any decision regarding the Articles above, please contact our office at info@uwosa.ca. It is important you understand your rights under our collective agreement so that you can make an informed and educated decision.
We are concerned that some faculties and service units may attempt to lay off our members during the pandemic. UWOSA vehemently objects to any layoff especially when the University has `paused’ the posting of many UWOSA vacancies, or has delayed the hiring process of positions already posted. Therefore, a Letter of Understanding has been signed between Western and UWOSA to retain as many UWOSA members as possible and provide job security in an effort to avoid any lay off, including a temporary lay off.
We know that Western values the work we do, and we also know that we possess valuable skills, abilities, and institutional knowledge that are transferable across campus, that can be utilized in other areas to bridge gaps, and keep our members working.
To read the Letter of Understanding in full, please go to our Union’s website, in the Member Area, under Governance Agreements and Forms.
It is important that you stay informed and educated during these continued uncertain times. If you have any questions, please email info@uwosa.ca. UWOSA has its own video conference platform (Zoom) to ensure confidentiality of any discussion with us.
We are here to support and will continue to strongly advocate on your behalf.
Supports
As a reminder, there are a number of supports available to you. If you haven’t already visited, please check out the Employee Resources COVID-19 page https://www.uwo.ca/hr/spec_resources.html which links to many resources, including EFAP.
And most importantly, be kind to others and to yourself. As we move through these unchartered waters, it may be easy to get discouraged. Know that there are supports available to you should you require them, please reach out.
What health and safety measures have been employed to ensure everyone’s safety?
Western Occupational Health & Safety have prepared a comprehensive web page, which contains important information for anyone seeking to return to campus. Faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all of the principals, protocols and best practices provided on this page: https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/health-safety.html
EFAP – information https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/eap/
Rehab Services – information https://www.uwo.ca/hr/safety/ergo_rehab/
Please contact us at info@uwosa.ca if you have any questions or need supports.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
In Solidarity,
~ Nikki Grozelle, President, UWOSA
