Know Your Rights During an Outbreak of Influenza

January 16, 2018

Members asked to read the outbreak control policy for their health authority; file a grievance if sent home

As the number of flu cases continues to climb across the province, the BC Nurses' Union is reminding members to educate themselves on the rules and regulations around outbreaks at their worksite.

During an outbreak, all staff who decline anti-influenza medication or the influenza vaccine, may be redeployed if their employer can find alternate work for them. Staffing services in most health authorities have been informed of this. If your employer advises you must be excluded from work, members have the choice to use vacation time or banked overtime to remain off work until the outbreak is over.

BCNU is asking any member who is sent home without pay or denied an accommodation, to contact their steward and file a grievance.

Please take a minute to review the outbreak policy for your health authority. If you have questions, contact BCNU's Occupational Health and Safety Department at 604.433.2268 or email healthandsafety@bcnu.org.