IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES

As Covid-19 infections continue to rise across the country, provinces are imposing strict lockdowns and closures affecting parents with school age children. Many members are questioning what options they have if they cannot simultaneously fulfill their caregiving responsibilities and obligations to the Employer.

 

Requesting 699 Leave

While the updated TB guidelines create significant barriers to qualifying for 699 leave (see our communique here), please know that 699 Leave With Pay is still available and members should request it if needed. Managers will examine requests for 699 leave on a case-by-case basis.
 

If you submit a formal 699 leave request in Peoplesoft which is denied, we ask you to please get a detailed explanation of the refusal in writing from your manager. Alternatively, if you discuss a potential 699 leave request with your manager and he/she informs you that such a request will not be approved, we again ask you to get a detailed explanation of the refusal in writing from your manager.  If you are unable to get a detailed written explanation of a refusal of 699 leave in writing, we suggest that you document the verbal explanation provided to you in writing.  This type of documentation will be valuable evidence in our policy grievance on 699 leave.
 

Please note that TBS has mandated that employees who are in good health and able to work, including those required by a public health official or medical practitioner to quarantine or self-isolate, should continue to work remotely wherever possible.
 

Commuting to Work

Some members who are required to go into the workplace or attend hearings are also raising concerns about commuting to work during the pandemic, particularly for those using public transportation. We recognize that commuting during a pandemic can raise both occupational health and safety, and human rights concerns. Exposure can occur through high contact surfaces, physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, ventilation may not be adequate, masks may not be worn appropriately, and commuters may not comply with public health guidelines to stay home when they are sick.
 

If you are or have been unable to work due to Covid-19, and have been denied reasonable access to 699 leave, or if you are at high risk for Covid-19 or have family members or caregiving responsibilities for individuals who are at high risk for Covid-19, and have been denied a commuting allowance or parking reimbursement, please reach out for support by contacting your regional GC representatives or complete an intake form.