We’ve just come away from a video meeting with members of Executives from across the country. The picture is bleak for many, many locals. Tens of thousands of members have been laid off across the continent. 22 members have died from COVID. It’s uncertain how many members are tested positive.

Here in Edmonton, we’ve had 2 simple priorities:

Protect the health of members and that of their families

Protect our members’ jobs.

So far, we’ve had great success. We know of only 1 Local 569 member who is positive and that person was travelling and has not been in the workplace. There have been no layoffs in Edmonton or St. Albert yet and 8 casuals in Red Deer. The layoff situation will change. The Cities do not have a bottomless bucket of money, but we have Letters of Understanding in place with Edmonton and are working on them in Red Deer and St. Albert. These agreements will cushion the blow of layoff if it comes.

A few hours ago, ETS Branch Manager Robar announced that service is being reduced in Edmonton. The Owl Service will be stopped at midnight. LRT service will end about 10:30. These measures are welcomed, as they are the service hours that put our members at the most risk. Those Operators whose shifts are cut short by this service reduction will simply end their shift early. There will be no change to your pay.

At DATS, non-medical surgical masks will be distributed to all Operators. DATS Operators are at significantly higher risk because a) they do not have a security shield and b) they have a hands-on role with some clients. In addition, DATS will be moving to a 1-client limit on all buses. Passengers needing an aid will be allowed to have one. Beginning soon, hopefully Monday, Call-In clients will be screened for symptoms. No one declaring symptoms will be allowed a trip.

A member called today to ask how long is this COVID signup going to last. At present, there is no end in sight to the COVID signup. We are working to keep it going until the service levels ramp back up. If we have to change it before then, it will be because service is ramped down and there will have been layoffs. We are working very hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

That is my update for tonight, Sisters & Brothers. I hope you and your families are all well.

Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Apart

In solidarity,

Steve Bradshaw

President/Business Agent