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TEAM MEMO

To:         TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From:    TEAM Office
Date:     May 21, 2021
Re:        New and Noteworthy

• Extended Ballot Deadline for Revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws: Normally at this point in the process we would be asking for volunteers from the membership to count ballots; however, in light of the recent surge in Coronavirus infections and public health orders, we will hold off for a couple of weeks and instead, extend the window for voting. As we’ve had several packages returned due to incorrect address information, this extension will also give members requiring an address update the opportunity to participate in the process. The new deadline for ballots to be received at the TEAM Office is 4:30pm, June 8 , 2021.  Please contact us if you have questions about the package or the voting process.

• COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Reporting and Proof:  We’ve received some questions and concerns from members about Bell’s recently released vaccination guidelines and instructions for employees to voluntarily self-report their vaccination status on a COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Reporting Tool (via Bellnet).  Bell has assured TEAM that the use of Bell’s COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Reporting Tool is completely voluntary.  In other words, members are not required to use this tool, and those that choose to use it can decide the level of detail they wish to provide. 

Separate from the Self-Reporting Vaccination Tool/Tracker, members report being asked to provide “proof of vaccination” when paid time-off to receive a vaccine is needed.  In follow-up with Bell, we’ve confirmed that if an employee asks for paid time off to get vaccinated, they will be asked by their supervisor/leader to provide proof that the vaccine was administered.  We are advised that Bell “will not be keeping/storing any vaccination information” (outside of what is reported voluntarily through the Self-Reporting Tool), and that leaders have been instructed to delete the proof of vaccination once it has been reviewed.  Members receiving paid time off to get their vaccine do not have to make up the time or deduct the time from their paid sick time allotment.  If you have questions or concerns, or if you are being required to provide proof of vaccination and do not feel comfortable doing so, we encourage you to contact us.  

• Study Confirms Working Long Hours Increases Risk of Stroke & Death from Heart Disease: A recent study from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) concludes that “working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours  a week”.  The study also shows the problem is getting worse; “between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%”, and the number of people working long hours is also increasing.  While responses to TEAM’s recent Work Experience and Wellness Survey suggest that just over 1% of members regularly work 55 or more hours a week, for those members that do, we hope the results of the WHO/ILO study give reason for pause.  If you find yourself regularly having to work long hours to keep up with an excessive or unrealistic workload, we’re here to help, give us a call to discuss your options.

TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
204-984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470

www.teamunion.mb.ca
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