COVID-19 Update – July 14, 2020

Dear members,

The executive has distributed more than 650 reusable non-medical masks to workplaces across St. George, UTM and UTSC. We have few masks left at the office, and ask you to contact us directly if you still need one. We have another shipment coming in 2-3 weeks, and we’ll be able to provide extra masks to all members then. 

U of T has also began distributing two reusable masks to each staff member. Some members have received theirs, while others are still waiting. Every member should receive their U of T masks within the next few days. 

Did you know that you can insert filters into your CUPE mask for extra protection? You can use paper products like coffee filters, paper towels or toilet paper,  or cut out a piece of a HEPA filter, or simply use a soft, breathable fabric such as nylon, cotton, or linen. 

CUPE 3261 continues to actively coordinate with other unions on campus to ensure workers are protected. We are working with the university to make sure that unions like ours have a say in the re-opening of campus. This involves active participation in the health and safety policies being developed for September to ensure a smooth and safe return for students and staff to campus. 

For more information on how the university plans on reopening, please visit UTogether2020: A Roadmap for the University of Toronto

In terms of how September will look like, what we do know is that at this point, it is estimated that roughly 90% of undergraduate courses will be offered online, with around one third providing optional in-person components. A higher proportion of graduate courses will be offered in person due to smaller class sizes. 

An online form has been made available by U of T for those who have questions about what September will look like. You can submit your questions here: https://www.utoronto.ca/covid19-contact 


New Facebook Group

To facilitate better communication between members and the executive, we now have a new Facebook Group. Members are encouraged to join the group, where together we can have discussions, share resources, ask each other questions, share concerns, and receive updates from the executive.  

To join the group, visit the link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cupe3261/