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SIU COVID-19 Update – April 29, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our communities across the country, all SIU Union Halls will remain closed until at least May 18, 2020. A decision will be made at this time whether to extend the closure and we will be sure to keep you updated through our social media channels, email and our website. However, when our halls reopen, it will not be business as usual, as physical distancing measures will have to remain in place for the safety of our staff and our Members. A detailed reopening procedure will be sent to all members in the coming weeks.

As your Union, our top priority is the health and safety of our Members, and we continue to work from home to support all of you to ensure that your working conditions are suitable, given the current circumstances.

To date, we are pleased to report that COVID-19 has not created mass unemployment in the shipping industry as it has in other sectors. We understand some members have been delayed in being called back and we are monitoring the situation closely. We continue to be in constant communication with our companies and will keep all of you up to date on any issues that may arise.

The SIU would also like to reach out to the families of all Members during this time. We are here for you, just as we are there for your loved ones on board. We know that many of you are worried, but we would like you to rest assured that we are working tirelessly, night and day, to ensure that all of our Members are well looked after. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will gladly help as best we can.

We encourage all to continue to follow the advice and guidelines set out by your companies, Transport Canada and the Government of Canada. Practice social distancing, wash your hands, stay inside, and avoid contact with others until a time where we are advised otherwise. The only way to get through this is if we all follow these guidelines and look out for one another.

Fraternally,

SIU of Canada

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