Common use of Pandemic Plan Clause in Contracts

Pandemic Plan. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been declared a provincial and federal state of emergency The parties recognize the need to effectively manage staff while trying to limit exposure as much as possible. At this present time the concern for everyone’s health and wellbeing is of utmost importance. In light of the current emergency we are facing there could be violations to areas of the Collective Agreement. Some changes that we already know could take place or already have taken place go as follows: • Limiting the amount of staff in the houses • Offering overtime to employees already working in the houses • Extended hours of work • Strict protocol on washing hands, sanitizing and social distancing The parties recognize that every day we receive new and different information on COVID-19. As we learn more it is understood that practices and policies may change. Prior to any changes or potential violations to the Collective Agreement, the Employer agrees to notify the Union and discuss the changes that will be occurring and what impacts they have on the collective agreement. The parties will work together to mitigate any violations of the Collective Agreement as much as possible. The parties also agree that the Union still reserves its right to file grievances if the Employer violates the Collective Agreement that is not resolvable between the parties or is a violation of the Collective Agreement that the Union deems is not relevant to the pandemic. In the event the Provincial or Federal government makes new recommendations to start easing up on social isolation or exposure the parties agree to discuss those changes and how they will be implemented into the workplace. Once the Provincial or Federal Government declares the state of emergency over, all practices will revert back to those outlined in the Collective Agreement and this letter will cease to exist.