The Checkpoint (Volume 1, Issue 10)

Harassment Issues Tackled: Survey of 2921 membership begins

The IAMAW is launching a survey of harassment and bullying in the workplace on Sept.23, 2020. We are asking all interested members to fill out the brief survey. You may contact a steward, or Chief Steward for a copy of the survey, which will be submitted back to the Chief Steward at your terminal.

Members of the Women and Human Rights Committee, Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and the Educator will have copies of the survey as well, or you may stop by the union office in your terminal to fill one out.

This information is critical for information gathering and assessing the extent of issues in your workplace. But, most importantly, this survey is critical in helping the IAMAW advocate and make sure our members voices are heard.

Your input is invaluable, and we hope you’ll take the time to complete this important survey.

In Memoriam

Local Lodge 2921 would like to extend deepest condolences to the family of Manpreet Kaur Sangha. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. A Gurdwara Service will be held on Sunday September 27, 2020 at Sri Gurduara Jot Park, 135 Sun Pac Blvd, Brampton. Ont. More information can be found at bcvc.info.

Rise in COVID–19 Cases Alarming: 2921 Health and Safety Committee

“The recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases among screeners is deeply concerning, and is indicative of possible gaps in health and safety protocols”, said Chairperson of the Joint Health and Safety Committee for the union, Harjinder Dhamnait. Dhamnait went on to comment that there are several concerning health and safety issues that have been outstanding for months, but the issue being given priority over others is the recent rise in COVID cases among screening officers. The steady rise in positive cases is certainly impetus to address this as soon as possible through health and safety processes.

At the beginning of the pandemic, a risk assessment was conducted by a seasoned IAMAW health and safety representative, given concerns about appropriateness of workplace protocols that were in place at that time. The complete report, and recommendations were shared with the employer. Findings of that initial assessment revealed gaps, some of which stemmed from general guidelines from Health Canada being unsuitable for work conditions of screening officers. Given changing circumstances and an increase in the number of confirmed exposures, the IAMAW is concerned that the risk assessment is outdated, and that new risks may be present.

For this reason, the health and safety committee has requested a new risk assessment in the coming weeks. The union’s primary concern is the health and safety of our members; the basic principle of health and safety is that people should leave work exactly in the same condition they came to work. “Airports were initially at the epicenter of exposure and the spread of the virus; when workers are safe, so are travelers, it’s in everybody’s interest to make sure the airport is a safe and healthy environment”, Dhamnait said.

The Health and Safety Committee will communicate updates to members as soon as they’re available by way of the weekly newsletter.

Stay safe and be well!

Local Lodge 2921 Event Changed

Your Women’s Committee/ Human Rights Committee has decided to change next weeks event due to the rising Covid-19 cases. The Local Lodge will be continuing with the food drive up until October 12, 2020. You can drop off any non-perishable food item to either Chief Stewards office where it is being collected by our committee members. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact any member of the committee.