Changes to our working conditions during this time are possible through multiple pieces of legislation passed in recent weeks. An official State of Emergency was declared in Ontario on March 17, 2020. That has now been extended until May 12, 2020. York Region and most of the lower-tier municipalities we represent have subsequently declared municipal states of emergency. These changes allow employers limited emergency powers in order. Changes to our working conditions during this time are possible through multiple pieces of legislation passed in recent weeks. An official State of Emergency was been declared in Ontario on March 17, 2020. That has been extended until May 12, 2020. York Region and most of the lower-tier municipalities we represent have subsequently declared municipal states of emergency. These changes allow employers limited emergency powers in order to respond to this crisis. There have been additional emergency orders passed for the sectors of Public Health, Long Term Care, and Water/Wastewater and municipalities generally. These orders have specific and limited impacts on Collective Agreements for workers in those sectors. We have also seen new regulations passed under the Ambulance Act.
This is a quickly changing situation and can be confusing. We have provided links to current pieces of legislation and will update as changes occur. Please refer to the CUPE fact-sheets provided below for a thorough explanation of each piece of legislation and how it might impact our work. For specific details about changes to your working conditions and collective agreement please contact your steward or unit executive. Emergency measures may be needed to combat COVID-19 but it is important to be aware of these additional measures and how our employers choose to utilize them. CUPE’s hope is that fairness, safety and especially the protection of public health are top of mind when employers and governments choose to use emergency powers.