As the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, the new normal is changing every day.
The United Steelworkers union is reaching out to share information and resources.
Many provinces are already asking people to stay home if they can and practise “social distancing” or “physical distancing” to limit the spread of the disease.
The reason for this is both to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to conserve much-needed capacity in our health care systems, in anticipation of a surge in demand for health services that we want to be able to accommodate. It’s an act of social solidarity for those who are able to do it.
While we do what we can, such as working from home and limiting social contact, let’s bear in mind that many workers, including members of the United Steelworkers union, don’t have that option.
The USW is calling for further urgent measures to protect and support workers. Check below for the latest news and updates. You can also sign up for USW COVID-19 updates, sent right to your inbox, every week.
The USW extends its thanks and appreciation to all public health-care workers and everyone who is working to keep our communities going – people on the front lines helping those who are ill and putting themselves at increased risk of infection due to the very nature of their jobs. These are the everyday heroes who are helping Canadians navigate this public health crisis.
Resources
- COVID-19 Resources from the Workers’ Health and Safety Centre
- What to Do When the Paycheque Stops: A Guide for Working Families through the COVID-19 Crisis
- USW Guide to Federal Support Programs
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) toll-free line: 1-800-959-2019
- Upcoming USW Events Postponed
- Other USW COVID-19 News Releases
- Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
- USW COVID-19 Demands to Federal and Provincial Governments
- Public Health Agency of Canada coronavirus telephone info line: 1-833-784-4397
- Employment Insurance: Service Canada information
- Employment Insurance line for those in quarantine: 1-833-381-2725
- Canadian Labour Congress: COVID-19 Response
- Ontario Federation of Labour COVID-19 resources
- Workers’ Action Centre and Fight for $15 and Fairness: COVID-19 – Protect Workers Now!
- World Health Organization: Mental Health Considerations
- Alberta Federation of Labour Backgrounder on Paid Sick Days