Local 480 – Corrections: Joint memo from NSGEU and the Employer about Public Health Protocols

Dear members of Local 480,

This wave of the pandemic is proving to be a challenge for Nova Scotians. You have all done an incredible job so far keeping the virus out of the facilities or contained when it has been present. I know this has not been easy and your efforts are appreciated. Right now we have community spread of the virus and people can carry it and be asymptomatic. Recently, we worked with the Employer to remind you about the importance of adhering to Public Health’s guidelines about wearing your personal protective equipment (PPE).

Here is the notice:

We are writing to highlight with all staff that it is essential for you to wear the required PPE as directed by Public Health.

The best way for you to ensure you maximize the likelihood that you will stay healthy is to do everything you can to prevent yourself from contracting this highly contagious virus or its variants. Whether in a facility or a community setting wearing your PPE consistently and appropriately is the most effective way of ensuring that infection does not occur.

We need to practice ‘universal precautions’ at this point in the trajectory of this virus, which means we need to consider that everyone we encounter could be an asymptomatic carrier and behave accordingly.

In addition to keeping yourself safe and healthy, you are, by extension, keeping your colleagues and co-workers, our correctional population, your loved ones, and the community at large safer from contracting this virus.

Please understand that we recognize the stress this adds to your work life and that you are perhaps more fatigued with this than the general population could ever know. However, now more than ever you need to take every precaution available to protect yourselves, starting with the consistent and proper use of your PPE.

Additionally, facility staff are now being accepted for vaccinations and you will be receiving an email to book your appointment. You are encouraged to get vaccinated.

Together we can continue to keep our workplaces safe.

Thank you and stay safe everyone.

Jason MacLean, President, NSGEU and Chris Collett, Executive Director, Correctional Services

If you have any questions or concerns about your health & safety, you can contact your Employee Relations Officer Rick Wiseman at rwiseman@nsgeu.ca , or the NSGEU office toll free at 1-877-556-7438 or inquiry@nsgeu.ca.