The Civilian Institute of Professional Personnel (CIPP) is calling for a delay in any return plan until the full extent and impact of the latest phase of the pandemic is assessed. The union sent a letter to the city council and met with city officials on April 6 to discuss details of returning to work. According to the CIPP, city officials told them that the municipality was in the “planning phase” of how to implement a hybrid model once employees return – something that has not yet happened. Ottawa still holds the record for the amount of coronavirus in its wastewater.
‘Let’ s hold on ‘
“We are at the height of the spread of this pandemic. We do not want to contribute further to it. We do not want to put anyone at risk if we can reduce that risk,” said Peter Bleyer, CIPP Executive Director. “These people work just fine wherever they work right now. So let’s hold on.” CIPP represents more than 3,000 city staff in a variety of areas, including the Ottawa Public Health, Emergency Services, Paramedical Services, Engineering, Sewage, IT, Financial Services, Social Services and Community Housing . Some of their members have already been invited to return to work on a voluntary basis, Bleyer told the CBC. Ottawa paramedics prepare their equipment in the parking lot of the Civic Hospital campus last April. It is one of the many groups of civil servants represented by CIPP. (Jean Delisle / CBC)
The survey shows widespread support
“We are very concerned. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our members,” he said. “And honestly, our members are part of the wider community. And they care as much about the wider community as they do about their own health and safety.” The union also wants to restore coverage and physical space requirements in the city’s workplace and facilities, as well as enhanced ventilation and air filtration in all workplaces – something Bleyer said would send a positive message to other employees. The CIPP surveyed its members between April 4 and 6, and of the 40 percent who responded, about three-quarters said they wanted to postpone their return to work, given how quickly the COVID-19 signal was rising in Ottawa sewage . The majority also said that enhanced security measures, including better ventilation and air filtration, would make them feel safer. “Employers have a responsibility to maintain the health and safety of their employees,” Bleyer said. “Our members have expressed serious concerns about returning to work at the moment. Obviously some kind of return to work will be needed, but there is no reason to be in a hurry.”
“Multiphase” approach to urban planning
Ontario eased coverage restrictions on March 21. The mask is still mandatory for paramedics and anyone in a city long-term care home, shelter or rest center. The rules continue to apply to Ottawa Public Health’s public transportation and vaccination, dental or sexual health clinics, as well as to anyone using the supervised drug service. In an email to the CBC, the city confirmed that it is in the process of implementing a multi-phase approach to a hybrid return-to-work model for office workers over the next three months. Most of the employees who worked from home continue to do so, the city said, as each department begins to develop its own plans. “The Municipality continues to prioritize the health and safety of all employees and will ensure that the implementation of all return-to-work plans takes into account the needs of our employees and the ongoing situation in relation to COVID-19,” said Valerie. Turner. , General Manager of Innovative Customer Service, in the statement. In March 2020, the city of Ottawa transferred 3,000 employees to part-time work whenever possible. However, about 75 percent of workers – more than 16,000 of the 19,500 – continued to come to work physically during the pandemic to provide basic services.
