BCGEU COVID-19 Information Hub

Your union has heard from a number of members concerned about the COVID-19 virus and its implications in our workplaces, and in response we've developed this website to keep all of the most up-to-date information at your fingertips. Please check back frequently as we're updating as the situation changes.

As part of our COVID-19 response plan:

The BCGEU senior elected and staff team are meeting daily (remotely) to triage member concerns and manage the union’s operations.
We are in regular contact with labour leaders and the provincial government to support a coordinated response that protects working people.
We are monitoring announcements from governments and public health officials for potential impacts on BCGEU members.
We are making every effort to maintain non-COVID member services and supports.

Latest updates

Cheat sheet: Your employer’s duty to accommodate during COVID-19
Care for Caregivers - designed to support the psychological health and wellbeing of health care workers responding to COVID-19, from SafeCareBC and the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division
Guide to CERB and other income replacement benefits - We’ve created a guide to help you and your family understand which financial supports you are eligible for during COVID-19 and how to apply. Click here to see what benefits you may qualify for
It's time to support essential workers - read the letter the BCGEU wrote to Minister of Finance Carole James calling for real supports for working people during the pandemic.
Your pension: On an unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 outbreak? - Click here to read important details about how this affects your pension contributions and benefits.
Beware of fraudulent emails related to COVID-19 - we've noticed an increase of scams being sent to BCGEU members, click here for details and examples
Working in an essential service and need child care? The BC government has established a plan for finding it - click here for details

Have a COVID-related question?

Email [email protected] – Responses are confidential. To help us answer your question quickly, please tell us your employer and city of work.

Stewards

Ran out of essential materials? Download a copy of our grievance form or order hard copies of grievance forms, membership cards and more.

Not receiving updates?

Job specific COVID-19 information & news

BCGEU members work under 550 different collective agreements so situations vary, but for many of our members in sectoral agreements or particular fields we have specific information and/or recommendations. Click on your sector below to find the latest updates:

General COVID-19 resources & information

It's important to rely on credible, official sources on COVID-19 and how to prevent its spread in our communities and workplaces. Below you can find information and resources that we recommend.

BC Government:
- New COVID-19 app (including online self-assessment tool) - if you're experiencing symptoms check here to find out what you should do.
- Provincial Support and Information - non-health-related COVID-19 information, including links to Provincial Health Orders currently in force
BC Centre for Disease Control:
- COVID-19 information for the general public
- COVID-19 Common Questions
- COVID-19 Care - information for health professionals
WorkSafeBC: information on how to stay safe at work.
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions: Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression
MLA Bowinn Ma is maintaining a comrehensive summary of the public health orders and financial supports that have been announced, both provincial and federal
- COVID-19 Financial supports
- COVID-19 public health and government news

As new information becomes available, recommendations may change. We recommend checking these resources frequently

New

Workplace Health & Safety

COVID-19 has introduced new concerns in many worksites. Learn about our recommendations and your rights.

New

COVID-19 Income Benefits

A guide to help you and your family understand which financial supports you are eligible for and how to apply.

Supporting working people

Find out what BCGEU and the labour movement are doing publicly to support working people during the pandemic.

General COVID-19 news

Click on the button below to read articles or bulletins we've published related to COVID-19:

covid