Dear members,

Union leadership are working around the clock to protect our members amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very concerned about the health and safety of our members and staff, and all the loved ones who are affected by possible exposure to this virus in our work sites and service centres. Our top priority currently is to continue to pressure the employer to implement safety measures, as we continue to deliver essential services to our fellow Canadians.

With this in mind, and close to our hearts, we are also aware that CEIU has contractual obligations to fulfill, including that of representing our members. Many NVP elections have not yet taken place and delegated to Convention has not yet been identified and registered. CEIU has both contractual and moral responsibilities to ensure that the structure of our union remains intact, especially at this critical time. We cannot afford internal business to be left to the side; the possibility of our union coming to an administrative halt by not meeting our obligations poses further risk to our members. Our National Office is continuing its operations remotely and will continue important and key preparations to uphold the integrity of our union. This includes preparing for Convention and carrying forward with NVP Elections and delegation at Convention.

The NVP elections are part of preparations for Convention 2020, which will take place in September, as are preparations for Convention. While at present we are faced with many immediate fears and anxieties related to the pandemic, we anticipate a return to normal operations over time. Our by-laws require us to proceed with Convention and we have contractual obligations to other parties. Barring force majeure, at this time, we must be prepared to fulfill those requirements so that our union can continue to remain functional.

For these reasons, we are continuing our preparations for NVP elections and Convention delegation, and will encourage all of our members to participate in the process and follow the deadlines that will ensure our union continues to function. We truly hope that you understand the reasons why this is necessary. Rest assured, once again, that the health and safety of our members remains our top priority at this time and that we are doing everything within our power to protect our members from unsafe working conditions.

Should anything change as a result of measures resulting from the pandemic that would still be in effect by September, we will be sure to inform members of the steps we will be taking at that time. Until then, as always, CEIU will continue to act in the best interest of its members, which includes both immediate action on protecting our members during this pandemic, as well as ensuring that the operations of our union continue to function so that we can do that work in the future as well.

We thank you for your understanding, and hope that we can count on your participation. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your union leadership.

In solidarity,

Your National Office