A message from President Scott Travers
We are all acutely aware of how quickly everyday life has changed in Ontario as we adjust to life in proximity to COVID-19. This message is to provide you an update on how the Society of United Professionals is supporting members at this time.
Your health and safety are of paramount importance. We urge members to work with your local representatives to resolve any health and safety issues that arise.
Serving members safely
All Society staff have been directed to work from home. While the office is closed, member support continues through a number of accommodations that were put in place last week. While the Society continues to be available to advocate on behalf of members, we ask for your patience as we expect face-to-face activities such as arbitrations and negotiations will be delayed for understandable reasons that are beyond our control.
You can reach us during normal operating hours via email ([email protected]) and telephone (416-979-2709). If you have a meeting scheduled at the office, please contact the convenor of that meeting regarding alternate arrangements.
Workplace-level advocacy
Due to the great diversity of work performed by Society members, the workplace-level challenges you face due to COVID-19 are also diverse. For that reason, your senior leadership is working together with Local Vice Presidents to ensure every workplace has the support and counsel required to advocate for appropriate solutions that centre members’ health and safety.
If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19-related accommodation, please work with your local representatives, including your Delegate, Unit Director and Local Vice President. To find and contact your local representatives, click here to login to the Members Portal. If you have never logged in or forget your password, click FORGOT PASSWORD and when prompted provide the email address to which you received this email.
Resources to help you do your part
Federal, provincial and local governments are providing essential resources and advice to help you stay safe and do your part. Now more than ever it is essential that we listen to and heed the advice of our public health experts. Key resources include:
Government of Ontario COVID-19 Resources
Government of Canada COVID-19 Awareness Resources
Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Resources
While many people can work from home, society relies on a range of essential workers to continue in their roles. Beyond many of our own members, these essential occupations range from health care and transit to retail and supply chain. We ask that you show your consideration and support for them.
This is also an especially difficult time for vulnerable citizens, including people who are low-income, elderly, frail and socially isolated. Where it is possible for you to safely do so, we ask that you help vulnerable people in your community and donate to charitable organizations like food banks. Your donations will make a big difference now as charities have seen their donations plummet due to the number of people who have suddenly lost some or all of their incomes.
Thank you to every Society member who continues to serve our province through these challenging circumstances. While we may not be able to be physically close, we are still a tightly knit community and I know that if we each do our part we will emerge from COVID-19 with our best days to come.
In solidarity,
Scott Travers,
President
