Important message from the Canadian Director
Date: April 24, 2020
To: Local 261 Members
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am writing today to introduce myself and inform you of some changes in your union (Local 261).
My name is Ian Robb and I am the Canadian Director of UNITE HERE! Canada. I represent the International Union in Canada that Local 261 belongs to.
First, please accept my apologies for not reaching out to you sooner to let you know that Karen Grella, Secretary Treasurer of Local 261 has recently retired. As a result, the Executive Board of your Union asked the International Union for assistance under our Constitution.
On behalf of the International Union I have been appointed as the Trustee of Local 261 along with the assistance of Allison Burket and Matt Furshong who are the Assistant Trustees. Together, we will be helping Local 261 through this transition to new leadership. Until that time, as Trustee I will be the Director of Operations of Local 261 with full authority to run the business of the local Union.
Also we would appreciate your assistance in keeping Local 261 information up to date. Please contact the Union office to confirm or update your contact information so that we can keep in touch with you with the latest information.
I hope you are all keeping well and safe during these difficult times. Please feel free to contact your Union office if you have any questions. Their contact information remains the same:
Address: 200 Cooper St. #2, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G1
Phone: (613) 238-8136
In Solidarity,
Ian Robb
Canadian Director
UNITE HERE
To All Our Valued Members
This is a very difficult time in our industry. We understand that being laid off can create a heavy burden on you and your families.
The Government of Canada, Ontario Provincial Government and our Municipal Leaders have been working diligently to put measures in place to try and help ease the financial burdens.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is now available online at canada.ca. If you do not have the ability to go online you can contact Service Canada at 1-800-959-2041.
The Ontario Government has just announced a one-time benefit to offset the cost of providing materials to entertain your children while they have been off school. Go to the Ontario Government website for information on how to obtain this credit.
EI: For people quarantined due to COVID-19, the government is eliminating the waiting period entirely, so you can get EI benefits. If you need to be on medical EI benefits for a longer period of time you will have to speak with Service Canada via their Toll Free line dedicated to inquiries for people who have been quarantined 1-833-381-2725.
SAFE PRACTICES:
Please stay home…..your health and the health of your families and those around you are depending on you!!
Please practice “physical distancing”
Please wash your hands regularly…..hot water and soap are a great disinfectant
Please use sanitizers when no soap and water are available
While we are not physically working from our office, we are available to answer your questions and provide assistance.
Please contact us at: hstu261@gmail.com