Brothers and Sisters,
With the number of cases and deaths as a result of COVID-19 across Canada continuing to climb, we would like to update you on the status of our Halls, and inform you that our Union Halls may never function the same as they once did before this pandemic took place. Your Union has been hard at work developing a reopening plan for all of our Halls and we are pleased to be able to provide an update at this time.
All of the SIU Union Halls will remain closed to Members until at least May 31, 2020. We understand that this is unfortunate news for some Members, however the reality of this pandemic is that we are not seeing the number of cases and deaths decrease to our satisfaction. It is for your safety, and the safety of our staff, that these Halls must remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen. We will continue to update Members in the coming weeks on any progress that is made, and when the Halls may again open.
We would like to inform you that when the Halls do open to Members, it will not be business as usual for the foreseeable future.
Upon reopening, the Halls will only be open to Members between 9:30 – 10:30 & 14:30 – 15:30 and ONLY Members applying for a job will be allowed to enter. Upon entering, Members must continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines and will be asked to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when entering the Hall.
If you are displaying any signs of illness, you will be asked not to enter the Hall.
Members who bid on a job should approach the dispatch counter one at a time and leave their card on the countertop so that the dispatcher has a clear view from behind the counter. Once the dispatcher has determined who has won the bid, the dispatcher will complete the job call form on the member’s behalf and submit their file to the Company.
As for the weekend list, Members will need to send an email to the dispatcher no later than 15:30 every Friday. It must include their name, phone number, registration date and rating.
We are also encouraging all Members to submit their dues via eTransfer to dues@seafarers.ca . More information on how to pay dues via eTransfer can be found on our website.
For the SIU’s full reopening plan which outlines all of the guidelines that will be strictly enforced at all SIU Halls for the foreseeable future, please visit our website here; https://seafarers.ca/siu-covid-19-response-hiring-hall-reopening-plan/
These guidelines must be followed by all Members at all times. Failure to abide by these rules will result in you not being able to enter the Hall.
For the time being, all Halls will continue to operate according to the National Shipping guidelines holiday/weekend shipping. In order to register to ship out, please contact a dispatcher at your local Hall who will put your name on a list to ship out.
Fraternally,
SIU of Canada
