Campbellville, Ont. – March 30, 2020 – All members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 12R24 would like to extend their best wishes to our colleague in Kitchener who tested positive for the coronavirus COVID-19. We wish them a speedy recovery and a return to good health as soon as possible. They and their family are in our thoughts.
Our Local is working closely with The Beer Store to ensure that worker safety is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes restrictive physical distancing in all outlets and deployment of appropriate protective equipment at all workplaces.
Our member who tested positive worked at Kitchener’s Highland Road Beer Store location but has not worked since March 14. All employees that this member came into contact with are self-isolating at home. This location was closed temporarily and went through a thorough cleaning. The Region of Waterloo Public Health has concluded that the risk of COVID-19 infection at this location from this employee is low and advised the Beer Store this outlet can re-open on March 30.
Health and safety reps and local stewards are monitoring safety protocols at all locations and working diligently with management to improve them where necessary. Our Local and The Beer Store are in close communication about health and safety issues during this unprecedented time.
If Beer Store employees have any concerns about health and safety protections at their workplace, please advise the employer first, then your health and safety rep and shop steward.