Sister and Brothers,

As you are aware, the PSAC and UCTE are continuing to monitor the developments of COVID-19 and its impact on union business. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures and we are taking the following steps:

National office closed

UCTE staff and regional vice-presidents have been advised that they will each be working from home. Face-to-face meetings will not be happening, and all non-essential travel has been cancelled. This decision is effective immediately and we will review in 2-week increments.

You will still be able to reach staff and your national executive by their office telephone numbers or by email.

Grievances

Grievances that require the RVP to be in attendance will be done via teleconference. During this time, whenever possible, we will have grievances placed in abatement.

Strike votes

PSAC has suspended all strike votes effective immediately.

UCTE Events

Golf Tournament

At this time, we have decided to cancel the annual Mike Wing Charity Golf Tournament as well as any other face-to-face meetings for April and May.

Convention

The UCTE Convention Committees will be rescheduled to a later date.

Small gatherings

At this time, UCTE and PSAC are asking that small gatherings like local meetings, committee meetings and regional activities be conducted remotely via teleconference or video conference wherever possible, or postponed.

Three PSAC Regional Conventions Postponed

As noted yesterday, in keeping with recommendations from both local and national health authorities regarding COVID-19, the union has made the difficult decision to suspend activities that would require a large gathering of members.

The following PSAC Regional Conventions will be postponed and efforts made to reschedule at a future date:

• National Capital Region (April 17-19, 2020)
• Quebec Region (April 24-26, 2020)
• British Columbia Region (May 1-3, 2020)

The PSAC will continue to closely monitor the situation and determine whether the remaining Regional Conventions (Ontario, North, Prairies and Atlantic) will proceed as planned.

We will continue to update our website, social media as well as email local executives directly as the situation develops.