Thread by @TeriMooring

Dear #bced teachers teaching on call,

The #Covid_19 pandemic has drastically changed our personal & professional lives this year. As we adapt to working in this extraordinary time of change, please know your Federation is keeping your needs and your rights at the forefront. 1/

The @bctf & your local unions are aware of the unique health and safety concerns faced by TTOCs as schools reopen and classes resume. We also know that the government’s back to school plan is insufficient and doesn’t include enough protections for teachers or students. 2/

And in particular, not enough protections for TTOCs, given the nature of your work. We are continuing to work to examine other avenues, to push government to make much needed improvements to the plan. 3/

Changes such as reduced classroom density to allow for physical distancing, a robust mask policy, and improvements to school ventilation systems. Over the past weeks, the @bctf & local unions have set the expectation that TTOCs be included in all health and safety training. 4/

We are also advocating for TTOCs to receive pay for required health and safety training days, as well as continued training throughout the pandemic as school sites modify the protocols they have in place. 5/

The Federation is working hard to ensure TTOCs have access to meaningful work and that your ability to work is not limited by district health and safety plans. We are encouraging districts to compensate TTOCs if a loss of work occurs due to health and safety plans. 6/

Additionally, the @bctf &local unions are advocating for the creation of more secure and reliable employment for TTOCs during these uncertain times. This could be done by creating contract TTOC positions &by offering TTOCs the opportunity to teach remote &transitional programs.7/

Additionally, as a TTOC you need access to paid sick leave, this is particularly important during a pandemic. You should not have to choose between your health and making a livable income. 8/
#bced

I want to assure you that your Federation is pushing for proper and easy access to health and safety measures for TTOCs, including readily available PPE and proper social distancing in all classrooms. 9/

Given the nature of your work, you will be working with multiple cohorts, I highly recommend you wear a mask and a face shield. It’s incumbent on the school district to supply you with both. 10/

The employer needs to provide you with specific #COVID__19 related training and instruction, in particular the health and safety prevention measures that impact you and your colleagues at the school site. 11/

If you have not received health and safety training or you have other concerns, such as availability of PPE, I encourage you to contact your local TTOC contact or your local union office. 12/

If, during the course of your workday, you have a health & safety concern, I encourage you to follow this protocol:
1. Inform the school principal of the concern. You should seek assistance from the site-based health & safety representative or the school union representative. 13/

They can be of support to bring the concern to the attention of the principal.
2. If the situation remains unresolved, the health and safety rep can bring it to the site-based Joint Occupational Health and Safety committee. 14/

3. However, if you have a serious and immediate concern regarding your working conditions that is not resolved by the school principal, I encourage you to work with your school-based representatives to contact your local union office. 15/

.@WorkSafeBC can be called in situations regarding unsafe work. However, if a member decides to call the WorkSafeBC Prevention Hotline without following the above steps they will be redirected back to their principal and/or site-based committee if they have not done so. 16/

If, at any time, you have questions or concerns with #Covid_19 health & safety protocols, I encourage you to contact your site-based health and safety representative or school union representative. 17/

For your information, the @bctf Health and Safety handbook outlines your rights & the employer’s obligations. You have union representatives at the school, local & provincial levels to support you and your safety concerns. 18/ bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/…

They can be relied upon for support and solidarity. Working during a pandemic is difficult and stressful, I recognize this is particularly true in your role. We are continuing to work to ensure your employment rights are protected. 19/

Your health and safety is respected, &that you have access to the sick leave provisions when you are ill. We will keep you updated as to our progress. Once again, please do not hesitate to contact your local teachers’ association if you have any questions/concerns.
In sol,
Teri