Welcome to CUPE 2974

Welcome to the official CUPE 2974 website.  We are continuing to look at any and all ways of connecting and communicating with our members, and we are happy to provide this site as a springboard to a more united workforce.  This site will continue to act as a central hub of sharing as much news and information as possible with aims of also providing a stronger voice for all members of this local.

There has been a lot of change and adapting for everyone recently.  As the union transitions in some new executive members, we just want everyone to know that you have the full support of the executive, should you ever need anything.  Everyone, stay vigilant, and we will remain resilient in keeping ahead of the pandemic.  Our thoughts are with everyone and their families during these challenging times.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to one of your local union representatives.

Take care and stay safe

In Solidarity,

Your Union Executive

Our Community Partnership Officially Kicks-Off

Officially beginning tomorrow, Thursday April 1st, we are beginning our new community partnership initiative. For the entire month of April, show your CUPE 2974 membership card while you dine-in or take-out from Johnny Shotz in Tecumseh and receive 10% off your bill. Located at 13037, Tecumseh Rd. East, in Tecumseh. Jonny Shotz has proudly served the local area for 25 years and I couldn’t be more proud to start things off by partnering with them. If you are in the area any time throughout April, stop in and show your appreciation for the businesses serving our community, while also taking pride in your own hard work by enjoying 10% off your bill.

Don’t forget, you must show your CUPE 2974 membership card to receive the discount. If we haven’t met up yet, I’ll be in the Tecumseh area all day April 1st and we can meet to get you a card. Following tomorrow, I will still be working to make the rounds throughout the county to get cards to those interested. I have some county locations in the works for future partnerships following April, so we can show our appreciation to all of our 2974 members throughout Essex-County.

In Solidarity,

Your union executive.

 

 

 

Address to the Members of CUPE 2974

A Message from your Local President

 

To the membership of CUPE Local 2974

For those who don’t know me, my name is James Jovanovic.  I have served twice, separately on the executive, both in the position of Sub-Chair for 2974.2, totalling 4 years.  I’ve worked for Essex-Windsor EMS as a paramedic for over 12 years.  In my time here I’ve always placed an emphasis on standing up for our rights and fighting for what I believed in; primarily, the fair treatment of my colleagues in the workplace.

I am honored to have been nominated and elected your Union President. The significance of this appointment is one that I take very seriously; but not in how it will impact my life, rather the responsibility it has to each of yours.  The executive will place an enhanced emphasis on transparency, communication and responsibility to the membership. We will prioritize strengthening each of your voices while empowering your control over the direction of this local and over the future of your careers. This union will represent all members equally, regardless of position, classification, sector or status.  It is time that we are all reminded that this union exists to serve the betterment of its members in and outside of the workplace; to fight for your rights and to defend your interests. We have an unbelievably dedicated group on the executive that will work towards providing you with the tools for maximizing what a union can mean for each of us.  Only by coming together will we accomplish our goals; standing up for one another and supporting each other is where our strength lies. It cannot be stressed enough; each view matters, everyone’s opinions are equal, all voices deserve to be heard. Gone are the days where differing opinions will be considered out of order.  Opposing viewpoints are not only welcomed, but they are also encouraged.  If you have criticism of the union, I wish to hear it directly. If you have an opinion or view on which direction the local should take, I ask that you share it. “When you have something to say, silence is a lie”. I appreciate the wide-ranging views inherent to a group of unique individuals.  Not everyone will view “the union” in the same light.  If you don’t believe that this union works for you, that it doesn’t represent your interests, let us know so that we may all improve upon it. The union can be whatever you make of it; but any required change starts with your participation, through exercising the strength of your own voice.

The primary focus of the executive will be ensuring that your needs are recognized, and that this union represents something we all can share pride in being a part of.

COVID restrictions may initially limit my plans, but I will be looking to tour each worksite (outside of ems) in the near future in order to learn more about the issues you each face daily. Over time, I hope to meet and get to know each member of this local. I hope you can view this changeover as a fresh start and new beginning for this union, that will give us the opportunity for making achievements in better working conditions, compensation, representation and collective bargaining.

We will be expanding usage of the website in order to improve communication and access to information, thereby giving you greater tools to stay informed and make an impact. We want to strengthen this local by taking steps forward technologically and through embracing new thoughts and ideas for what a union can be and how best it can serve its members. I’m excited for what possibilities we can accomplish by simply standing strong, together, for a common purpose and a united future.

Rise together, stand united… YOU are the Union.

Thank you.

In solidarity,

James Jovanovic
Union brother
CUPE 2974
President2974CUPE@gmail.com

 

 

 

Semi-private Hospital room coverage

Through the grievance/arbitration process, we have discovered that our members are wrongfully being charged a deductible when they stay at a hospital, utilizing our semi-private room benefits coverage.  There is no deductible that should be charged for this benefit and the hospital is being incorrectly advised by Green Shield when charging you this fee.

Should you be billed by the Hospital for a semi-private room, please save all documentation and contact a Union Representative.

Feel free to review our benefits package Here.

Support Bill 191: Give frontline workers the support they deserve

Our frontline workers are heroes. They are taking care of our communities during this crisis, and we need to make sure we take care of them.

Currently, COVID-19 related WSIB claims are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. Frontline workers who are sick must prove that their contraction of COVID-19 was work-related.

This is unacceptable.

Frontline workers who have contracted COVID-19 while serving the people of Ontario should not be burdened with excessive stress and delays in receiving the benefits they need.

Bill 191 would add a presumption that COVID-19 is an occupational disease for essential workers who test positive.

Click here and send a message to your MPP, Premier Doug Ford, and Minister of Health Christine Elliott telling them to support Bill 191.

In solidarity,

CUPE Ontario

WSIB Exposure form

WSIB_Workers_Exposure_Incident_Form_2020_03_25

We are encouraging our members to fill out the attached wsib exposure form (above) if you transport any confirmed COVID positive patients.  WSIB will not be processing any claims unless you begin to show symptoms, however due to the difficulty of any one employee in tracking our own calls, for due diligence you can fill these forms out preemptively.  You can use your discretion and fill it out for any “screened” positive patients as well if you believe it’s a positive case and you are concerned.

WSIB is not currently accepting any hard copy claims.  You can fill out the forms directly or upload a form on the WSIB website.  From the home page, click on the top right corner (or hit this link) “Online services” and you can follow the process there.  If you don’t have a claim # (which you won’t generally for exposure forms), fax the form to 1-888-313-7373.  We recognize that access to a fax machine would be unlikely or difficult for most, so for now, fill out the form to have the information documented and available if needed and hold on to it should the time come that you develop symptoms.

If you believe you experienced a failure of your PPE, fill out a form 6 and report it to management. Still fill out the employer provided incident report, as this is required to generate the WSIB claim.  If they do not have the incident report to generate the claim and attach it to, the form 6 may be opposed later by the employer.  For the sake of due diligence, you should be doing both the incident report and the form 6 on a PPE failure and the Exposure Form for all transports of tested + cases.

Ian Nash and Dustin Anderson are our WSIB reps and you should be contacting them if you have any questions.

WSIB has a COVID-19 information page with useful information and direction provided.

Here is what each form represents. Hit the link for more info if you wish.
Form 6 – Workers Report form

Form 7 – Employers Report

Form 8 – Health Professionals Report

Our future with COVID-19

To our valued members, our union brothers and sisters, our friends and family…

As we enter into an increasingly stressful and challenging time, it is important to try and stay informed with the barrage of continuously changing information and newly implemented measures by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the employer.

I have trust and confidence that we will overcome and persevere, however we will undoubtedly all know and care for someone that this issue will profoundly impact.

We will strive to assist with the many questions our local membership likely all have.  The safety of our members is our top priority.

As this continues to unfold, we will do our best to meet all challenges head on, together.

In Solidarity

Your Union Executive

 

UPDATE ON PANDEMIC PAY

Hit the arrows to expand info for each – I will try and update this post with any information we receive that is not widely already available.

Ontario Ministry of Health - Daily Updates
 Below is a useful link to the Ministry of Health that conveniently provides daily updates about current cases and measures taken in Ontario.

It displays

  • The status of current cases in Ontario
  • General info on the virus itself
  • How to protect yourself
  • Information specific to health care professionals
  • Travellers returning from affected areas

..and much more.  Please keep up to date and keep informed as it appears that the changes will continue to be very rapid.

here is the link…

Ontario Ministry of Health – daily updates

 

CUPE Quarantine Information
 Here is an informative document created by the CUPE National Health and Safety Rep, Paul Sylvestre.

It details what impact you may have specifically in terms of your employment, how that may be affected and what rights and benefits you have.

It discusses rights to receiving pay, benefits, WSIB claims, as well as how and where to self isolate.

please hit the link and read the document… keep informed and stay safe.

in solidarity…

Guide-COVID-19-Quarantine-2020-03-13-EN

 

Legal opinion regarding worker rights

Cupe has received this important legal opinion from the CaleyWray law firm out of Toronto

The letter is in regards to your rights as an employee of a trade union and discusses within:

  • What occurs if your employer sends you home or suspends operations
  • Employment Insurance
  • How your Collective Agreement may impact your being off work

Please hit the link and view the letter.

COVID-19 Legal opinion on workers rights

 

Work refusal information

Guide_HS_COVID19_Work_Refusal_2020_04_21_EN

Guide_Work_Refusal_Process_2020_04_21_EN

Additional information

COVID 19 Q&A – Health Care Worker’s

CUPE Q&A – Income support for workers

COPING-WITH-COVID-March-31

Ontario takes additional measures to protect first responders

 

Policy change approved by County council

Attendance Wellness changes

Hit the link above to view the recently proposed, and since passed change to the Attendance Wellness Program.  Previously if you were entered in to the Attendance Wellness Program due to absences, it required 1 quarter of satisfactory attendance to downgrade any 1 level within the program or be removed entirely.  With this change, it will now take half a year of remaining healthy to be downgraded or removed, however it remains only 1 quarter to be placed in or to advance in the program. These changes are highly concerning and with no apparent expressed necessity or justification for this change.

We will be taking steps to combat this change and will update when available.

 

Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor

We are proud to support the Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor with a recent donation delivered by local President, Ian Nash.  The UHC aids several food banks across Essex County and serves as a vital resource centre for members of the public in search of employment. The UHC was supportive of our 2974 brothers and sisters during the Essex County Library strike by supplying soup, vegetables and many other supplies for our striking workers.  Please help increase awareness and visit them at https://www.uhc.ca/

In solidarity

your Union Executive

Welcome to CUPE 2974

Greetings and welcome to our new site in which we hope to better connect our members, as well as provide a central hub of communication, information and resources.

This is early on in what we hope to be a major step forward for our local.  Please feel free to contact one of your Union representatives to discuss suggestions on what you would like to see included on this site in the future.