COVID-19 March 27 Update

We have received  hundreds of calls and emails from members wondering if they can operate under the Essential Workplaces List.  After days of reaching out to government and legal sources we have not been able to obtain clear guidance. It will be up to individual businesses to interpret Sections 13, 21, 28 and 40 on their own, until such time as we can obtain further clarification. If you get stopped you must prove that the activity you are doing fits under the list. The Task Force recommends that even if you believe you are deemed an essential workplace, please limit your work until April 8 and ensure you are taking steps to protect your employees and customers.  

We have also been informed that the Ministry of Labour is actively inspecting workplaces and those working while under Covid-19 restrictions to ensure all necessary steps are being provided to protect employees from harm as it relates to the spread of the virus. If proper protocols are not in place the job will stop and fines will be issued. 
 

Visit the online Resource Centre for relevant information, updated constantly. Posted help measures include new federal support for small businesses, Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program, WSIB deferral, Canada Temporary Wage Subsidy and other relief programs.

 

The Task Force hosted an informative webinar yesterday on maintaining future business. You can view it archived here, and register for these upcoming webinars:

 

• The New Landscape: Strategic Planning in the Covid Economy with Warren Coughlin, March 30, 1:45 p.m.
• How to Navigate Your Contracting Business Through a Coronavirus Economy, Apr. 1, 2 p.m.

LO staff is working to phone every one of our 2,500+ members to listen to their concerns and let them know about resources. We are hearing worries, as well as hope for the post-pandemic future. Updated safe work practices will be vital, which LO staff members are working to compile.

 

Task Force members want to highlight the For Employees section of the Resource Centre, and suggest sharing it with staff.