Important News for Pregnant and Other Vulnerable BCNU Members Affected by COVID-19 Outbreak

March 27, 2020

BCNU is working hard to ensure vulnerable members are provided with fast-tracked medical accommodations during the outbreak

* UPDATED CONTENT *

BCNU is working hard to ensure that vulnerable members, such as nurses who are immune-compromised and potentially at higher risk of serious impact of COVID-19, are provided with fast-tracked medical accommodations during the outbreak. Immune-compromised employees should not be required to provide medical notes under the current circumstances, however medical confirmation may be required following the COVID-19 crisis.

PROCESS FOR PREGNANT MEMBERS

BCNU has told health employers that pregnant workers at risk of COVID-19 exposure should be redeployed or allowed to work from home. If these options are not possible, pregnant employees should be eligible for the newly-created paid leave of absence the federal government has established to help workers during the crisis, and should continue to receive full extended health benefit coverage.

PROCESS FOR IMMUNE-COMPROMISED MEMBERS

Requests for medical accommodation can be initiated by individual employees who should contact their manager to begin the process. If needed, they can seek assistance from their steward or Enhanced Disability Management Program rep.
Managers should attempt to accommodate through redeployment to non-risk areas, allow working from home or assigning other appropriate work.
Where medical accommodation is not possible, employees should stay home and be able to access sick leave, federal employment insurance (EI) benefits or, if needed, other banks such as vacation or overtime banks.

Both immune-compromised and pregnant members are encouraged to contact a BCNU steward for more information. Visit the BCNU Member Portal to find the contact information of the steward at your worksite.

Or call the BCNU 24/7 Health and Safety Phone Line for urgent assistance if you are unable to reach your steward:

604-433-2268 (press 1)

Toll Free 1-800-663-9991 (press 1)

Information on federal employment insurance (EI) sickness benefits can be found here. Applications must be submitted online.

FEB 2021 UPDATE:
The health and safety phone line hours have been adjusted to 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. Urgent safety issues should be reported immediately to your employer with a follow-up call to BCNU when you are able to at 604-433-2268 or 1-800-663-9991 (press 1).