Dear friends,
Today the OPSEU Executive Board bolstered its efforts to support members who are facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 outbreak.
We have doubled our Hardship Fund. Effective immediately, these monies will offer eligible members an additional resource for assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. We know this is a stressful time. We want to lend a hand to our members who are struggling to meet basic needs and who are working tirelessly to take care of their loved ones and families.
The Hardship Fund assists members who are in good standing and are experiencing unexpected and/or temporary financial hardship. It provides emergency financial assistance based on need, duration, and available budget. Members can apply for Hardship Fund assistance by accessing the form here. The form itself outlines how to fill it out with a checklist, and can be sent to the chair of each Regional Hardship Committee.
Temporary changes have also been made to OPSEU’s Local Time Off Fund (i.e. 80/20 Fund). For the duration of the pandemic, OPSEU is waiving the requirement that 20 per cent of monies must come from local rebates. Please note that in order to qualify, locals must have their TARs up-to-date.
All monies for OPSEU’s Hardship Fund and Local Time Off Fund will come from our contingency plan.
OPSEU is doing its part and hope that every bit of support helps. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wash your hands regularly, and be safe.
Though we are apart, we’ve never been closer!
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida