April 16, 2020
RE: COVID-19 Related Work Refusals
Dear Employee,
Personal Support Workers (“PSWs”) are considered an essential service in healthcare by the Ministry of Health. This means that there are limitations to what type of work they can refuse at this time. All PSWs are expected to continue to provide service to clients at this time and to adhere to all Agency policies and processes. This includes accepting new clients within your availability and service area. Although the current pandemic has caused justifiable fear and anxiety amongst workers about their health, the Ministry of Labour has declared that fear alone of a potential exposure will not be an adequate reason to refuse work. As such, if there are work refusals, we must escalate to the Ministry of Labour for follow up.
We understand that this is an unprecedented time and we are working daily with our community partners and following directives from Public Health and the Ministry of Health to minimize the health and safety risks to you. All PSWs are provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safely do their job. Up-to-date information can be found on the PSW Portal, on the mobile phone and in your voicemail.
We also encourage you to reach out to your Client Services Supervisor (CSS) if you continue to have questions and concerns about your ability to do your work safely. Finally, regular telephone “huddles” with your CSS will begin next week (more details to follow shortly) that will be an additional opportunity for you to learn and share information with your team.
Please remember that we are in this together and we are here to support you. Our clients, caregivers, and community need us more than ever, and we thank you for your continued dedication to providing essential care.
Regards,
Silvia Marabeti CHRL, MBA, MHRM
Vice President, Human Resources & Volunteer Services