President's Message Week 28

In this weeks update: 1. Vaccines 2. Updated Grids 3. COVID 19 Safety

Vaccines

If you are an EA currently coming into a school to work in a self-contained DD classroom and have not been contacted by public health regarding an appointment for a vaccine please email me ASAP. (Vaccination is voluntary so if you are choosing not to get a vaccine no need to respond) Those EAs (including casuals) not working in self-contained classrooms, the board does not have a timeline from WDGPH for you yet. If you are a casual picking up in-school assignments right now please send me a quick message!

Updated Grids

The board has provided the updated pay grids to the end of this collective agreement, which is the end of the 2021-22 school year. As soon as the collective agreement is updated and posted these will be incorporated. I have attached them here for your reference. https://mcusercontent.com/fd92d8e08ce1d6b287b53b308/files/bf915b81-9076-4508-8bda-8044667e84fc/Grids_1_.pdf

COVID 19 Safety

What you can do at work to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID 19

• Open windows/doors where possible—Increasing clean outside air helps to dilute a room of contaminated air

• Go outside with staff/students when possible

• Ensure the breathing zone of one person does not flow directly into another’s personal breathing zone

• Redesign work/eating areas where possible to ensure 2m social distancing

• Follow WDGPH & UGDSB health guidelines including 2m social distancing, wash/sanitize hands frequently, wear PPE as prescribed, disinfect high touch areas

• If you or family members are ill, follow appropriate protocols: Stay home and consider getting tested for COVID 19 as appropriate

• Launder work clothes daily

• Direct Health and Safety questions or concerns to the Principal: This is part of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS). If concerns persist, contact the union.

• Complete daily COVID 19 screening

• Be kind and take care of Yourself and Your colleagues

Sources: www.whsc.on.ca www.wdgpublichealth.ca www.workhealthlife.ca UGDSB Wellness Resources and COVID Information Health and Safety concerns? Contact: Julie Wagner, Health and Safety Officer, D18 ESSP/ECE Email: Julie.wagner@d18.osstf.ca Phone: 226-962-7508

Upper Grand Employee Assistance Program

If you are finding yourself or a family member or a colleague is needing additional support or resources please refer to the board's employee and family assistance program. This service is free and confidential. The board is not given the names of members who are using the service. It has been a challenging year with COVID and many of us are dealing with other challenges unrelated to COVID. This resource may be of help to members who need it.

Access the Upper Grand District School Board’s Employee & Family Assistance Program 24/7 by phone, web or mobile app 1-800-387-4765 | www.workhealthlife.com