Who Are We?
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CUPE 2745 represents nearly 4400 members who are educational and clerical support staff in New Brunswick schools and School District offices for the Department of Education. Our membership includes; Educational Assistants, School Administrative Assistant & School Clerks, School Library Workers, District Administrative Support Workers, School Intervention Workers, Speech Therapy Assistants and Student Attendants. |
Three Years without a collective agreement !!
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FAQ
RETURN TO WORK - COVID-19
What should you expect when you return to work?
Each Workplace is obligated to have an Operational Plan that has been pre-approved by District/EECD that should be shared with all staff.
Will School Support Staff be permitted to have a lunch break free of supervision/duty as was past practice?
You have the option to take a lunch break free of supervision/duty if you so choose if your schedule permits.
Will there be extra supervision/duty for Educational Support Staff?
There may be extra supervision/duty hours allocated in some schools, however this should be offered by seniority and your availability.
Will my right to refuse unsafe work still apply?
Yes, as a worker in New Brunswick you have the legal right to refuse unsafe work as per Section 19 of the “Occupational Health and Safety Act” however, you must advise your supervisor.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, you have the right to refuse work where you have reasonable grounds for believing that an action is likely to endanger your health or safety, or the health or safety of any other employee. This can not be totally based on the presumption that you may acquire COVID-19.
Is it my role to sanitize a classroom or sets of equipment/manipulative?
No that is the role of another group, however you may be required to keep your workspace sanitized and that of the student you are working with.
Will School Support Staff need to test students’ temperature?
As per the Return to School Plan: “Passive screening is required for school personnel, students and others permitted in the school building prior to entry. Signage is required to be clearly visible at the entrances. Adults and students will not be required to have their temperature taken prior to entry but should instead check their temperature prior to leaving for school and practice self-monitoring.
Parents are responsible for reviewing the screening questions with their children prior to leaving for school and only sending their child to school when they are well and have met the criteria outlined in the survey. See Work Safe NB Website for “Screening for COVID-19 Poster".
The Chief Medical Officer of Health in NB continues to promote two (2) metres of physical distancing. The "Return to School 2020" document of August 13, 2020, is promoting the World Health Organization (WHO) requirement of one (1) metre. How will this difference be justified?
The Department has worked with Public Health to develop guidance for public schools. The recommendation regarding physical distancing of one (1) meter was made based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It allows for appropriate distancing but also considers the reality of space availability in a school. Physical distancing is one element of the school system’s response to COVID-19, it cannot be scrutinized in isolation. But rather, it works in conjunction with mask use, hand washing and other measures. This has been sanctioned by Public Health.
If students cannot maintain physical distance outside their class grouping, they must wear masks in common areas, in addition to hand washing. Each student and adult should bring a mask for use in school.
Will the employer provide wipes/sanitizer and PPE to be used?
Yes, workplaces must ensure that employees have all the necessary supplies and PPE required to carry out their duties.
If we are part of the vulnerable population what are my obligations?
You are required to complete an affirmation form with supporting documentation to be given to your employer.
Are we going to have to be tested and cleared of COVID-19 in order to return to school every time we exhibit symptoms?
Public Health will determine when testing is required in all situations.
If someone in my household is directed by Public Health to self isolate, what are my responsibilities?
Please refer to the Protect yourself and others webpage for information.
What constitutes vulnerability?
Please refer to the Health Canada Website for details on vulnerable populations and COVID-19.
With the possibility of airborne transmission of COVID-19, how can we ensure that ventilation in the school is adequate?
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, in conjunction with District Offices are responsible to ensure that ventilation in all workplaces is adequate.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact your Local Union Representative or visit the Health Canada Website or Work Safe NB.
The “Return to Work Document” is a continual, changing, working document; this document may change as well.
Be safe and have a great year.
Each Workplace is obligated to have an Operational Plan that has been pre-approved by District/EECD that should be shared with all staff.
Will School Support Staff be permitted to have a lunch break free of supervision/duty as was past practice?
You have the option to take a lunch break free of supervision/duty if you so choose if your schedule permits.
Will there be extra supervision/duty for Educational Support Staff?
There may be extra supervision/duty hours allocated in some schools, however this should be offered by seniority and your availability.
Will my right to refuse unsafe work still apply?
Yes, as a worker in New Brunswick you have the legal right to refuse unsafe work as per Section 19 of the “Occupational Health and Safety Act” however, you must advise your supervisor.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, you have the right to refuse work where you have reasonable grounds for believing that an action is likely to endanger your health or safety, or the health or safety of any other employee. This can not be totally based on the presumption that you may acquire COVID-19.
Is it my role to sanitize a classroom or sets of equipment/manipulative?
No that is the role of another group, however you may be required to keep your workspace sanitized and that of the student you are working with.
Will School Support Staff need to test students’ temperature?
As per the Return to School Plan: “Passive screening is required for school personnel, students and others permitted in the school building prior to entry. Signage is required to be clearly visible at the entrances. Adults and students will not be required to have their temperature taken prior to entry but should instead check their temperature prior to leaving for school and practice self-monitoring.
Parents are responsible for reviewing the screening questions with their children prior to leaving for school and only sending their child to school when they are well and have met the criteria outlined in the survey. See Work Safe NB Website for “Screening for COVID-19 Poster".
The Chief Medical Officer of Health in NB continues to promote two (2) metres of physical distancing. The "Return to School 2020" document of August 13, 2020, is promoting the World Health Organization (WHO) requirement of one (1) metre. How will this difference be justified?
The Department has worked with Public Health to develop guidance for public schools. The recommendation regarding physical distancing of one (1) meter was made based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It allows for appropriate distancing but also considers the reality of space availability in a school. Physical distancing is one element of the school system’s response to COVID-19, it cannot be scrutinized in isolation. But rather, it works in conjunction with mask use, hand washing and other measures. This has been sanctioned by Public Health.
If students cannot maintain physical distance outside their class grouping, they must wear masks in common areas, in addition to hand washing. Each student and adult should bring a mask for use in school.
Will the employer provide wipes/sanitizer and PPE to be used?
Yes, workplaces must ensure that employees have all the necessary supplies and PPE required to carry out their duties.
If we are part of the vulnerable population what are my obligations?
You are required to complete an affirmation form with supporting documentation to be given to your employer.
Are we going to have to be tested and cleared of COVID-19 in order to return to school every time we exhibit symptoms?
Public Health will determine when testing is required in all situations.
If someone in my household is directed by Public Health to self isolate, what are my responsibilities?
Please refer to the Protect yourself and others webpage for information.
What constitutes vulnerability?
Please refer to the Health Canada Website for details on vulnerable populations and COVID-19.
With the possibility of airborne transmission of COVID-19, how can we ensure that ventilation in the school is adequate?
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, in conjunction with District Offices are responsible to ensure that ventilation in all workplaces is adequate.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact your Local Union Representative or visit the Health Canada Website or Work Safe NB.
The “Return to Work Document” is a continual, changing, working document; this document may change as well.
Be safe and have a great year.
Your opinion matters
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