This section is designed to guide you through the
work-related COVID-19 illness process. The process differs from other work-related injuries or illnesses. Read through the steps below and do not hesitate to contact CUPE if you need any additional information or support. You'll find relevant information, forms, contact lists, and documents in the documents section of the website
here.
Most of all, we urge you to take the time you need to be well! If you become sick, it is crucial that you report it regardless of whether you will book-off or not. This allows the joint Workplace Health and Safety Committee to conduct a Hazardous Occurrence Investigation and Report, in accordance with the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety regulations. In turn, we can find ways to prevent similar situations from recurring. Help your Union and your Workplace Health and Safety Committee help you!
Since December 31, publicly funded PCR testing are only available for high-risk individuals who are symptomatic and/or are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including for the purposes of confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis to begin treatment, and workers and residents in the highest risk settings, as well as vulnerable populations. Members of the general public with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing.
Air Canada's isolation period matches your province of residence -the updated information regarding this and provincial links can be found on the aeronet homepage, under the "covid19 information" tab. Follow the steps below if you become ill with COVID-19 and you believe it is work related.
If you are only reporting an illness without booking off, follow the same steps but disregard the steps for booking-off/on.
1) Call Crew Scheduling to book-off as "Injury on Duty" (even if it is an illness). Tell them it is COVID-19 related.
2) Complete and submit either the Work Related Injury/Illness eReport or the ACF32-8 Flight Attendant Injury/Accident Report, if you have not already done so.
-a) The eReport is found on
sims.aircanada.ca or ACaeronet > Safety > Submit a Safety Report, eReports > New eReport > Work Related Injury/Illness.
-b) The paper-based report can be scanned and e-mailed, or fax it to your Occupational Health and Safety Manager (E: lauren.bordynuik@aircanada.ca / T: 905-676-4396 / F: 905-676-4543).
3) Your IFS Crew Productivity Manager's office will e-mail your Air Canada account within 24 hours of receiving your report.
-a) Review this e-mail and all attachments.
-b) Respond to their e-mail as soon as possible.
-c) If they offer modified duties, contact your CUPE Workers Compensation Committee representative (E:office@local4092.ca / T: 905-676-4293).
4) Complete the WSIB Form 6 Worker's Report of Injury/Disease as soon as possible (
https://www.wsib.ca/)to start your Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claim.
-a) Residents of Quebec should contact CUPE Local 4091 for assistance with CNESST (T: 514-422-2235 / E: cnesst.scfp@gmail.com)
-b) Call WSIB (1-800-387-0750) and explain that:
--i)You are a cabin crew member in isolation because you contracted COVID-19 at the workplace;
--ii) You submitted your WSIB Form 6;
--iii) Follow their instructions.
5) When your isolation period ends, or if you can do it virtually beforehand, visit your doctor or a clinic to complete WSIB Form 8 Health Professional's Report.
-a) Advise the doctor that this is an "Injury on Duty."
-b) The doctor will complete the WSIB Form 8 and submit it to WSIB.
-c) Obtain a copy of Page 2 of Form 8, which you must scan and e-mail, or fax, to your IFS Return to Work Manager (E: ifs.absencereporting@aircanada.ca / F: 905-676-4543).
6) If you believe your absence will be for more than 7 days, apply to the Wage Indemnity Plan (WIP).
-This is in addition to your WSIB claim. WIP protects your wages in the event that your WSIB claim is denied.
-a) We recommend providing the WIP forms to your doctor during your initial appointment, to avoid additional visits.
-b)
If your doctor already completed WSIB Form 8, you can usually provide a copy of it with your WIP application instead of getting your doctor to complete the WIP Attending Physician Statement (Page 2 of the WIP form). -c) For more information regarding WIP contact your WIP Committee representative (Patricia Eberley E: eberleywip@accomponent.ca / T: 1-877-411-3552 ext. 258) or
click here.
7) If you completed the isolation period and still have symptoms, contact the Air Canada Occupational Health Services (T: 905-676-2400) and follow their instructions.
8) If you completed the isolation period and are asymptomatic, you can book back on.
9) If you were absent for more than 7 days after the self-isolation period, and were cleared by Occupational Health Services,
you must book back on & contact Planning to return to "Active Status" and be re-instated on the regular payroll. You do not have to call them if you were absent for less than 7 days.
We know this can be overwhelming. We are available to you if you need any clarification or assistance during the process.
Remember to keep a copy of all documents and correspondence!