Construction sites and industrial workplaces can be inherently dangerous places. Throughout your working careers you have been trained to be aware of your surroundings and to identify health and safety risks. You know that if you see something which is not right or which is unsafe, then you should say something to your employer.

The COVDI-19 pandemic has raised the possibility of new health and safety risks on the job-site. You should consider:

• Whether hand-sanitizer or hand washing facilities are available.
• Whether bathroom / or portable toilet facilities are being cleaned and inspected.
• Whether co-workers who are subject to self-isolation or quarantine are in breach of those requirements.
• Whether there have been any positive tests in the workplace.

If you see something, say something. Your employer must take all reasonable precautions to protect workers and should investigate and where possible remedy any safety issues. If action is not taken to remedy a health and safety risk, you have a right to refuse work in accordance with section 43 of OHSA. If you have concerns about your health and safety, you should refuse and immediately report the situation to your employer, your union representative and the Ministry of Labour who can be reached at: 1-877-202-0008.

We are all concerned about our health and we must also remain respectful of others. If you are sick, do not go to work.

The Union can and will file any and all grievances and occupational health and safety complaints necessary to hold contractors and employers liable for any violations of law and the applicable collective agreement. The Union will take steps to protect any member who refuses unsafe work, or who takes time off work in accordance with Provincial or Federal health guidelines and recommendations. Any specific concerns should be raised with your Union representative, preferably in writing, with as much detail or particulars as possible (we need the who, what, when, where, other witnesses etc.) together with a phone number where they can call you back.

It is the responsibility of each member to pay their union dues and to remain in good standing. If you normally pay your monthly dues directly, you should continue to do so. If you are a construction member who has their monthly dues “checked off” and remitted, and are laid-off or otherwise not working, you should ensure that your monthly dues are up to date.

If you fail to pay your dues for 2 months you will be administratively suspended and will cease to be a member in good standing.

If you have any question about your dues status please contact the Union Office.

The Labourers’ Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada is a well-funded professionally managed pension. All LPF investments have been made under expert guidance and in a safe and diversified manner. The Fund is confident that it can deliver its promise to you.

Specific questions about individual pension entitlements or Fund performance should be directed to the Fund at : http://www.lpfcec.org.