Covid-19 Information

These are unprecedented times due to the scale and severity of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a Global Pandemic on March 11, 2020. In a short period of time, we have seen tremendous change extending into not only our work lives, but also our personal lives, and in how we organize on a societal level. We understand that many Members of Local 362 and their families could very well be directly affected by spread COVID-19. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Teamsters Canada, and Local 362 are working together closely in communicating with government and Business to support workers and provide assistance to the public in these trying times, and to insure those continuing to work are receiving the necessary protections in the workplace. Local 362 members are encouraged to contact their Shop Steward or Business Agent with any workplace related concerns or to report an employer who is not maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

As Members of our Local Union, you are our number one priority and we will continue to serve and advocate on your behalf, and to conduct our business within the scope of all necessary guidelines being prescribed by Health Canada and Alberta Health Services. We have introduced risk mitigation / risk management practices in our Local Union Offices in Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray. The offices continue to operate and to provide services but are closed to all non-essential visitation until further notice (including entrance to Members and the general public). Members that may be required to pay individual union dues, may do so by E-Transfer by sending an email to [email protected].

Local 362 has been approved to conduct an election as a precursor to returning to self government and the eventual lifting of the current trusteeship. The election will be held in line with the Alberta Health Risk Management requirements. The election is by mail ballot, the ballots will be counted on June 1, and two Nomination Meetings have been scheduled. The first on April 13, 2020, at the Edmonton Office (commencing at 7.00PM) and the second on April 14, 2020, at the Calgary Office (commencing at 7.00PM). Members may participate in this process without attending the meetings in person. Nominations, Seconds, and Acceptances may be made in writing through Government mail or through Courier service. Information has been included within the Nomination and Election Notice recently mailed to every Local 362 member.

Through the entire nomination and election process, all Officers and Staff Members of Local 362 will adhere to the Alberta Health Risk Mitigation Strategies. If necessary, to comply with Government Health regulations it is possible there may be regulated access allowed into the Nomination Meetings to provide verbal nominations, seconds or to accept nominations. All meeting spaces are large enough to provide for safe distances between all parties present, however we must mitigate risk by managing the number of people present at any one time.

Collectively, we are experiencing global events that will have a lasting impact on the structure of society and how we will interact in the future. As we are pacing through unforged territory, we understand that individuals may face emotional distress. If you may find yourself in circumstances of emotional stress, we encourage you to practice self-care rituals, seek guidance from a certified Practitioner and keep socially active through prescribed measures of social distancing. Please visit the Local 362 website to consult available mental health resources in Alberta and if you are in danger, please call 911 for immediate assistance.

Your Local Union’s Officers and Staff are here to help and will be available, as always, but through the means of telephone and email, for the unforeseeable future. You may find email addresses for your Business Agent on the Local Union’s website. To speak with your Business Agent by telephone, please call the respective office based on the geographical area which you are located, or closest to. If you have Health and Welfare coverage provided by Manitoba BlueCross, you may contact Prairie Teamsters for further information pertaining to your benefits, short-term or long-term disability coverage.

If you find yourself in a situation of a lay-off, please remember to contact the Local Union office to request a withdrawal card.