As you know, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued directives calling for self-isolation for those with a history of possible exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus and isolation for those exhibiting symptoms or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
What type of leave is available for regular employees in Self-Isolation or Isolation?
Canada Post has issued a procedure for those required to self-isolate or isolate as a result of COVID-19. The procedure issued by Canada Post as understood by CUPW Vancouver Local is as follows:
Employees directed to self-isolate due to travel outside Canada within the last 14 days:
- Inform your supervisor or team leader right away that you are required to self-isolate due to travel outside of Canada
- Your supervisor or team leader will open a case with Canada Life, their Disability Management Provider for adjudication
- Your supervisor or team leader will code your attendance as paid special leave (code 9200) for each day you are absent until Canada Life has adjudicated the need for self-isolation
- If your absence is validated, you will continue to receive paid special leave for the time that you are required to self-isolate (in accordance with article 21.06 of our collective agreement)
- If your absence is validated, Canada Life must clear you to return to work after the self-isolation period
- Please note: Canada Post has taken the position that employees who have decided to travel outside of Canada following the directive of the Government of Canada to cancel non-essential international travel (on or after March 16, 2020) will not be eligible for paid special leave and will be expected to use other leave available such as personal days, leave without pay, etc.
Employees directed to self-isolate by a physician/public health authority:
- Inform you supervisor or team leader right away that you are required to self-isolate due to direction from a physician/public health authority
- Your supervisor or team leader will open a case with Canada Life, their Disability Management Provider for adjudication
- Your supervisor or team leader will code your attendance as paid special leave (code 9200) for each day you are absent until Canada Life has adjudicated the need for self-isolation
- If your absence is validated, you will continue to receive paid special leave for the time that you are required to self-isolate (in accordance with article 21.06 of our collective agreement)
- If your absence is validated, Canada Life must clear you to return to work after the self-isolation period
- If you are ill and the illness persists beyond validated period of self-isolation and approved paid special leave (in accordance with article 21.06 of our collective agreement), you may be eligible for short term disability (STDP) benefits.
As the information and direction concerning COVID-19 is rapidly changing, we expect that Canada Post will be updating its policies and procedures, accordingly. Once we receive updated information, we will do our best to quickly communicate the updates as we understand them.
If you have any questions or concerns, or feel that your rights to access paid special leave have not been upheld, please contact one of the CUPW Vancouver Local Officers at 604 685 6581.