April 30, 2020.
Dear members of CUPE 3261,
Pay continuity:
The University of Toronto’s commitment to pay continuity for our faculty, librarians and staff has been consistent since March 14. Most have been working from home, while others – essential workers or those performing critical functions – have been working on site. This will continue to be the case after April 30.
Some of our staff members have been unable to work at all, because their units have completely or partially shut down due to physical distancing requirements. In the coming weeks, leaders across the University will be exploring all options to see how we can keep staff in these units engaged and supported.
Members should continue to talk to their manager and Supervisors to access:
COVID sick leave;
COVID self-isolation;
COVID childcare;
COVID immunocompromised.
The University is prepared to provide access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to casual employees in the CUPE 3261 – 89 Chestnut and CUPE 3261 Casual bargaining units on a without prejudice and without precedent basis for the duration of the COVID declared emergency.
Protecting our members remains our main priority, although things may feel hopeless rest assure it will end at some point, we must continue be positive and refrain from pointing our fingers.
This type of behaviour is counterproductive. We need the think of our brothers and sisters that may be less fortunate than ourselves.
I believe in our members humanity, and justice for all.
Together we can combat this!
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” –Mahatma Gandhi
Allan James
President CUPE 3261