Press Coverage by Marcus Fitzgerald from News 1130.
VANCOUVER (News 1130) — A workforce already hit hard by layoffs in light of COVID-19 is fighting to keep medical benefits.
The union that represents those in the hospitality industry is leaning on employers at hotels, restaurants, and airports to make sure workers won’t have to worry about health costs.
Michelle Travis of Unite Here Local 40 says close to 95 per cent of those who go to work in hotels and restaurants have been laid off.
“For thousands of hospitality workers across the province, their medical coverage will start to run out in April. Our concern is that while employers may be getting relief or some other assistance, we don’t want to see workers lose their health coverage at a time when they need it the most.”
Travis says the union is asking employers to extend coverage during the pandemic, and they’re also asking the provincial government to make sure that employers don’t drop them at a time when they need their benefits.
“We want the province to send a strong message to employers that extending coverage is an obligation that they need to continue during this difficult time that we’re in.”
Travis points out that a small number of employers have stepped up to extend coverage, but it’s not universal.
“Some of our larger employers in the province have not agreed to do that yet, and we think at a time when we have a major global health crisis, we don’t want to see people lose their coverage right now.” Travis says. .
She adds it’s going to be sometime before all those laid-off workers will be able to get back to their jobs and get back to normal.
“(The workers) really need the income supports, and they also need to ensure their medical coverage can continue while they’re riding through this storm.”
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2020-04-07 11:40:582020-04-07 11:40:58Metro Vancouver hospitality workers union fighting for those laid off to maintain medical benefits
Vancouver, BC — With thousands of hospitality workers just days away from losing their healthcare coverage, UNITE HERE Local 40 calls on BC’s provincial leaders to ensure that employers extend medical benefits in this time of unprecedented crisis.
At the end of April, Canada’s laid-off hospitality workers will lose their employer-provided healthcare coverage, but the $27 billion dollar COVID-19 federal response will do nothing to provide an emergency healthcare net for those who need it. The latest COVID-19 policies and relief coming from our government officials still leaves the health needs of hospitality workers in the lurch.
While we commend the very few hospitality employers who have committed to extending medical benefits for workers so far, none of the major hotels have ensured protection. We need our provincial leaders and employers to step up to the plate and not leave the real health care and economic needs of hospitality workers behind.
Zailda Chan, Local 40 President, says: “Hospitality workers across B.C. are among the hardest hit by this global pandemic. Almost 95% of hospitality workers in hotels, airports, food service, and remote camps have lost their jobs. During this public health crisis, the hospitality industry will be receiving government assistance and relief for employer health tax payments while simultaneously cutting workers off of their health coverage. That is why we are calling on the government and employers to ensure workers keep their health coverage when they need it most.”
Naden Abenes, a member of Local 40 who works at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, says, “Getting laid off was devastating, but losing my medical benefits is the tip of the iceberg. On top of making sure there’s food on the table every night, I’m worried sick about catching the virus because if I do I won’t be able to afford prescriptions.”
Media Contacts:
Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, sfung@local40union.com
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2020-04-06 15:16:552020-04-06 15:18:50Press Release: Local 40 Calls on BC Government to Extend Hospitality Workers’ Healthcare during COVID-19 Crisis
Today is the beginning of sign ups for the $2000/month Canada Emergency Response Benefit!
If you have already applied for EI after March 15th, you do NOT need to apply for this benefit. If you have NOT applied for EI and your birthday is between January and March, you should apply today. If your birthday is April to June, please apply tomorrow. If your birthday is July to September, please apply on Wednesday. If your birthday is October to December please apply on Thursday. Apply here!
Applicants who set up direct deposit are expected to receive a first payment within three to five days. Those who use mail should receive a first payment within 10 days. Payment is $2,000 a month for up to four months.
Applicants will need to confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria, and information that they provide during the application process may be verified later, the government said.
The benefit is available from March 15 to Oct. 3. The deadline for applications is Dec. 2.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2020-04-06 09:45:542020-04-06 11:27:02Federal COVID-19 Benefits Program Portal Opens Today: Here’s How to Apply
Job opportunities with Compass Group in the lower mainland and on the island. Cleaning jobs at health care facilities available at over $20/hour. Email updates@local40union.com to be contacted by a recruiter.
March 21
Local 40 has been working with Compass Group to allow for Local 40 members to be offered positions IMMEDIATELY in area hospitals as casual cleaning employees.
Casual Employees needed at the following locations: Vancouver Metro Area, Squamish, Comox, Campbell River, Whistler, Saanich, Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Powell River.
Pay Rates vary slightly but start at $17.10 per hour for approximately 40 hours per week and possibly Overtime.
Compass will continue to pay for your Local 40 Health Care Benefits.
You will become a member of HEU and pay Union Dues equal to 2.1% of monthly earnings plus a $5 Initiation Fee.
Compass will provide TRAINING so that you are able to perform your duties safely.
If you are interested in pursuing these job opportunities, please click here.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2020-04-06 05:00:452020-04-06 17:03:20Job Opportunities for Local 40 Members!
On March 30, 2020, UNITE HERE leadership from across Canada held a tele-press conference to speak on the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on workers nationwide. Listen to a complete recording of the conference. For press coverage, see below:
Metro Vancouver hospitality workers union fighting for those laid off to maintain medical benefits
Press Coverage by Marcus Fitzgerald from News 1130.
VANCOUVER (News 1130) — A workforce already hit hard by layoffs in light of COVID-19 is fighting to keep medical benefits.
The union that represents those in the hospitality industry is leaning on employers at hotels, restaurants, and airports to make sure workers won’t have to worry about health costs.
Michelle Travis of Unite Here Local 40 says close to 95 per cent of those who go to work in hotels and restaurants have been laid off.
“For thousands of hospitality workers across the province, their medical coverage will start to run out in April. Our concern is that while employers may be getting relief or some other assistance, we don’t want to see workers lose their health coverage at a time when they need it the most.”
Travis says the union is asking employers to extend coverage during the pandemic, and they’re also asking the provincial government to make sure that employers don’t drop them at a time when they need their benefits.
“We want the province to send a strong message to employers that extending coverage is an obligation that they need to continue during this difficult time that we’re in.”
Travis points out that a small number of employers have stepped up to extend coverage, but it’s not universal.
“Some of our larger employers in the province have not agreed to do that yet, and we think at a time when we have a major global health crisis, we don’t want to see people lose their coverage right now.” Travis says. .
She adds it’s going to be sometime before all those laid-off workers will be able to get back to their jobs and get back to normal.
“(The workers) really need the income supports, and they also need to ensure their medical coverage can continue while they’re riding through this storm.”
Press Release: Local 40 Calls on BC Government to Extend Hospitality Workers’ Healthcare during COVID-19 Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2020
Vancouver, BC — With thousands of hospitality workers just days away from losing their healthcare coverage, UNITE HERE Local 40 calls on BC’s provincial leaders to ensure that employers extend medical benefits in this time of unprecedented crisis.
At the end of April, Canada’s laid-off hospitality workers will lose their employer-provided healthcare coverage, but the $27 billion dollar COVID-19 federal response will do nothing to provide an emergency healthcare net for those who need it. The latest COVID-19 policies and relief coming from our government officials still leaves the health needs of hospitality workers in the lurch.
While we commend the very few hospitality employers who have committed to extending medical benefits for workers so far, none of the major hotels have ensured protection. We need our provincial leaders and employers to step up to the plate and not leave the real health care and economic needs of hospitality workers behind.
Zailda Chan, Local 40 President, says: “Hospitality workers across B.C. are among the hardest hit by this global pandemic. Almost 95% of hospitality workers in hotels, airports, food service, and remote camps have lost their jobs. During this public health crisis, the hospitality industry will be receiving government assistance and relief for employer health tax payments while simultaneously cutting workers off of their health coverage. That is why we are calling on the government and employers to ensure workers keep their health coverage when they need it most.”
Naden Abenes, a member of Local 40 who works at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, says, “Getting laid off was devastating, but losing my medical benefits is the tip of the iceberg. On top of making sure there’s food on the table every night, I’m worried sick about catching the virus because if I do I won’t be able to afford prescriptions.”
Media Contacts:
Michelle Travis, 778-960-9785, mtravis@unitehere.org
Stephanie Fung, 604-928-7356, sfung@local40union.com
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Federal COVID-19 Benefits Program Portal Opens Today: Here’s How to Apply
Today is the beginning of sign ups for the $2000/month Canada Emergency Response Benefit!
If you have already applied for EI after March 15th, you do NOT need to apply for this benefit. If you have NOT applied for EI and your birthday is between January and March, you should apply today. If your birthday is April to June, please apply tomorrow. If your birthday is July to September, please apply on Wednesday. If your birthday is October to December please apply on Thursday. Apply here!
Applicants who set up direct deposit are expected to receive a first payment within three to five days. Those who use mail should receive a first payment within 10 days. Payment is $2,000 a month for up to four months.
For more information, Canadians should go to canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html#how
Applicants will need to confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria, and information that they provide during the application process may be verified later, the government said.
The benefit is available from March 15 to Oct. 3. The deadline for applications is Dec. 2.
Job Opportunities for Local 40 Members!
April 6
Job opportunities with Compass Group in the lower mainland and on the island. Cleaning jobs at health care facilities available at over $20/hour. Email updates@local40union.com to be contacted by a recruiter.
March 21
Local 40 has been working with Compass Group to allow for Local 40 members to be offered positions IMMEDIATELY in area hospitals as casual cleaning employees.
Casual Employees needed at the following locations: Vancouver Metro Area, Squamish, Comox, Campbell River, Whistler, Saanich, Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Powell River.
Pay Rates vary slightly but start at $17.10 per hour for approximately 40 hours per week and possibly Overtime.
Compass will continue to pay for your Local 40 Health Care Benefits.
You will become a member of HEU and pay Union Dues equal to 2.1% of monthly earnings plus a $5 Initiation Fee.
Compass will provide TRAINING so that you are able to perform your duties safely.
If you are interested in pursuing these job opportunities, please click here.
UNITE HERE! Canada Responds to COVID-19 Crisis
On March 30, 2020, UNITE HERE leadership from across Canada held a tele-press conference to speak on the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on workers nationwide. Listen to a complete recording of the conference. For press coverage, see below:
Canadian Press – Hospitality workers ‘hit first and hit hardest’ says union seeking more support
CTV Vancouver (with video) – Hospitality workers call for financial support in face of mass layoffs
CBC – Hospitality workers’ union says 90% of members have lost their jobs in past 2 weeks
News1130 – BC hospitality workers’ union calls government wage subsidy approach a ‘bailout for businesses’
CTV Toronto – Nearly 90% of hospitality workers will lose jobs because of covid-19 pandemic, union predicts
Global News – COVID-19: Hospitality union offers help as hotels considered as makeshift hospitals
Victoria News – Canadian COVID-19 round-up: Air Canada cuts 15,000 jobs, 90% of flights