COVID-19 Message #10

To Support Staff,

Late afternoon on Wednesday, April 15^th Human Resource confirmed the dates and process for the temporary suspension of work (lay-off) of support staff. The last day of work will be Friday, May 15, 2020 and effective date of lay-off Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

Principals started advising affected staff verbally Wednesday afternoon and Human Resources will be providing written notice to affected staff by Friday, April 17, 2020.

Vacation entitlements and bank time for 10-month staff will be paid on May 1, 2020. 12 month staff who receive lay-off notification will have their vacation entitlement paid out on May 1, 2020 and will be contacted by HR about their banked time.
Staff will still have access to CONNECT, EPS email, etc. during the temporary suspension of work
The Identification for Transfer and Placement/Bumping process will be happening for the 2020 – 2021 school year. Every effort will be made to notify all support staff members identified for transfer for the 2020-2021 school year, prior to May 15, 2020 (last day worked). If you are IDFT’d, you will receive notice and a Seniority Rights form that you will need to complete and return to your principal or Human Resources to participate in the process. I will provide more information about this process in a future message.
Edmonton Public Schools will continue ASEBP benefit coverage for all permanent support staff until August 31, 2020, or as specified should they receive layoff notice as a result of the IDFT process.
Human Resources will electronically submit Records of Employment to Service Canada effective date of lay-off Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Support staff who normally are laid off at the end of June and apply for Employment Insurance have some experience with accessing EI under NORMAL circumstances. These are NOT normal circumstances and it is my understanding that some of the processes and programs have been adjusted. If you apply and receive funds from the Federal government programs available, note that some are considered TAXABLE income but no income tax has been withheld. You will be advised of any amount owing when you file your tax return in 2021. We do NOT advise members on any of the government programs.
VOLUNTEERING with Edmonton Public Schools virtual classrooms and on-line learning supports, etc. during lay-off is NOT supported by Edmonton Public Schools administration or CUPE Local 3550.

You can go directly to Edmonton Public Schools CONNECT or the Government of Canada websites for complete and up-to-date information. SEE links to information below.

Stay healthy and safe.

Carol Thompson

President, CUPE Local 3550

780 455-1435 – ext. 22

14207 115 Avenue NW

Edmonton, AB T5M 3B6

(NOTE: parking lot on south side of building)

This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential, personal, and/or privileged information. Please contact me directly if you are not the intended recipient, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed.

COVID 19 Information on CONNECT – must be signed in to CONNECT to access

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: LINK

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): LINK

Support for people facing unemployment