This page is dedicated to providing updates and resources for CUPE Local Unions in Saskatchewan during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure members remain safe, take necessary precautions and have the support of their union.
LATEST PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ISSUED MEASURES:
The Government of Saskatchewan declared a provincial State of Emergency on March 18, 2020 – giving the government broad powers to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following measures are effective immediately:
The Government of Saskatchewan has limited the size of indoor and outdoor public and private gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, effective March 26, 2020.
Exceptions are provided where two metre distancing between people can be maintained, such as: settings and workplaces where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings, and a critical public service or allowable business service.
The Public Health Order clarifies:
“In the event that a critical public service or allowable business service is unable to maintain two metre distancing, other measures such as self-monitoring of personal health or supervision by Infection Prevention and Control Officers or Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace shall be applied.”
The list of public services and allowable business services permitted to continue operating are available at: Critical Public Services to Address COVID-19 and Allowable Business Services (as of April 3, 2020).
Non-allowable business services are prohibited from providing public-facing services. This is in addition to the business services that were ordered closed on March 23.
Saskatchewan will begin Phase 1 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan on Monday, May 4, 2020, gradually and slowly lifting selected restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staged lifting of restrictions will not apply to the communities of La Loche and Lloydminster, which are currently managing outbreaks of COVID-19 cases. Public Health Orders remains in place, which require:
- Limit of any gatherings to no more than 10 people,
- Continue physical distancing of two metres, and
- Stay home if they are sick, to help protect the health and safety of individuals and the population.
People planning to form an extended household group should continue to exercise extreme caution.
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced a temporary wage supplement for lower income essential workers. The supplement consists of a flat $400 per month benefit for up to 16 weeks (March 15 to July 4) for each eligible worker. The supplement is for workers helping Saskatchewan’s vulnerable citizens through the COVID-19 pandemic and who earn less than $2,500 per month and make less than $24.00 per hour at an eligible facility.
CUPE Saskatchewan has developed a one-stop, one-page Quick Guide to assist CUPE Local Unions with informing members about this important temporary income support program and how to apply.
VIEW THE GUIDE:
The direct link to the program: www.saskatchewan.ca/wage-supplement-program
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES:
| Important Government Information: | |
|---|---|
| Direct link to: Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 information hub | |
| Direct link to: Provincial Government Supports for Workers | |
| Direct link to: Government of Canada COVID-19 Health Related Resources | |
| Direct link to: Government of Canada: Economic Response Plan – Financial Support | |
| Direct link to: Mental Health Supports Available in Saskatchewan | |
| Direct link to: Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan – 5 Phases Information |
CUPE SASKATCHEWAN RESOURCES FOR LOCALS:
| Click for Information Resources from CUPE Saskatchewan | |
|---|---|
| COVID-19: HEALTH AND SAFETY CIRCULAR NO. 1 (April 7) – Sent to all CUPE Local Unions. For a copy email the Division Office | |
| BRIEFING NOTE (March 18): Speedy amendments to Saskatchewan’s employment law passed providing job-protected leave during COVID-19 pandemic and removes doctor note requirements retroactive to March 6 | |
| STATEMENT (March 19): CUPE stands with you during provincial state of emergency to reduce COVID-19 transmission | |
| STATEMENT (March 16): CUPE members in Saskatchewan on the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic have the support of their Union |
CUPE NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR LOCALS:
| Click for Information Resources from CUPE National | |
|---|---|
| Income supports for workers during the Coronavirus pandemic (Updated April 17) | |
| General occupational guidelines for COVID-19 | |
| COVID-19 Fact Sheet | |
| CUPE will be posting updates as they become available on the CUPE National website at: www.cupe.ca/covid-19 |
FAQ – Find the answer to frequently asked questions CUPE members may have in Saskatchewan. Click on the question to get the answer.
/nm cope 342