COVID-19

This guide covers background leading up to the COVID-19 immunization program and the balancing of CUPE members’ individual rights, health and safety, the recognition of public health information and the interest of the community.

CUPE members made it clear at the 2021 National Convention that stronger action is needed to protect workers in the face of global pandemics. The resolution called for action on personal protective equipment (PPE), air quality and clear policies and guidelines. Health care workers are on the front line of health and safety risks during the pandemic. This fact sheet provides information and tools for health care workers to advocate and bargain for stronger pandemic health and safety protections at work.

If you’re working during this pandemic, it’s essential that your employer takes additional health and safety precautions to limit exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. This applies whether you are returning to the workplace, or you never left. The following provides general guidance and leading practices for CUPE members to consider as we continue to work through the time of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus from the same family as the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus.

CUPE has been receiving many questions from members concerning COVID-19 vaccines. This document addresses some of the most frequently asked questions.

Contact tracing is essential in all CUPE events as well as picket lines for locals on strike.

COVID-19 is the disease that is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2 or the virus). During the infection process, the COVID-19 virus enters cells and tricks them into making copies of the virus’s genetic information. This genetic information is like a building plan. Using this building plan, new viruses grow and go on to infect other cells. COVID-19 symptoms appear and then worsen as more and more cells become infected.

This updated backgrounder on income supports for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic adds new information based on recent updates from the federal government.

Thank you from the CUPE National Executive Board to every one of our 700,000 members for everything you’re doing to keep our communities safe, healthy and strong.