March 17, 2020 - COVID-19 is a serious disease that can have significant medical consequences. It has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization - a disease outbreak that occurs over a wide geographical area affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Your Union, Local 258 IBEW, remains concerned with the unprecedented global, national and local challenges that we are all facing due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Please be assured the health and safety of our members, your families and our office staff remains our highest priority.

In addition to following guidance from local, national and international global health organizations, we have been taking precautionary measures to minimize the risk to our office staff and have now made the decision to close the Union office to visitors, including to members and the general public.

At this time, staff remain working during regular office hours (Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm). We have provided additional guidance on effective handwashing techniques and social distancing protocols. We have also supplied additional hand sanitizer and increased office and equipment cleaning measures. 

Please be assured Local 258 IBEW is in frequent communication with your employers, including senior leadership at BC Hydro, and with IBEW Local leadership groups across Canada, as we continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving and unprecedented situation. We are committed to protecting the physical and financial health of our members while also ensuring that we continue to provide essential membership services.

We are monitoring the situation closely and have cancelled all member meetings and staff business travel. The Local 258 IBEW Executive Board meeting scheduled for April 1 will take place via conference call.

Business Manager Doug McKay and Assistant Business Managers remain available to assist you. Members can call the office directly at 604-520-3305 or toll free at 1-877-520-3305, or log-in to the website for direct staff contact information. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Local 258 IBEW Statement on Coronavirus – March 7, 2020, updated March 13, 2020

Effective immediately – Local 258 IBEW Unit Meetings cancelled – March 13, 2020

Employment Insurance: The Government of Canada has made changes to EI in response to COVID-19, including waiving the waiting period for those who qualify for EI Sickness Benefits (including those quarantined). For more information visit the Service Canada EI website.

Unemployed members + Union Dues: Local 258 IBEW can process your union dues payment over the phone by calling the Union office at 604-520-3305 or toll free at 1-877-520-3305.