As of April 30, 2022 this page is no longer being updated. Some information may be outdated at time of reading, some information may still be relevant.
COVID-19 Information and Resources
As the situation develops, we are striving to communicate solid information and available resources to our members and their families. We will continue to provide updates as they come along.
United Association General President Mark McManus has issued an address to UA members in regards to the current COVID-19 situation. View the video on YouTube here.
UA Head Office has also released a publication outlining Guidelines to Protect Worker Health Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Other Potential Infectious Material (OPIM) in Plumbing and HVAC Systems.
Local 516 Office
The UA 516 office is now open again to walk-ins, but please do not visit us in person if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. All Provincial Health orders and directions are observed. We appreciate your consideration.
All services continue to be available by phone and email. If you don't know who you need to speak with directly, email info@ua516.org, as this email is constantly monitored.
Telephone:
604.882.8212
Toll-Free:
1.800.729.6699
RTI Refrigeration Training Institute
RTI Refrigeration Training Institute is operating with implemented COVID-19 protocols. Visitors should call ahead. As updates occur, we will pass them along to all members and contractors.
Current Updates
Canada Life Newsline July 2021
Canada Life Newsline December 4, 2020
Canada Life - Calm in the Pandemic Storm
Canada Life Newsline May 21, 2020
Union Dues Relief - April 15, 2020
Federal and Provincial Benefit Summary - April 8, 2020
Canada Life Newsline March 30, 2020 - Retirement
Canada Life Newsline March 27, 2020 - Health
Canadian Government Proposed Emergency Response Benefit March 25, 2020
UA 516 Update March 23, 2020 - PM
BC Government announces $5 billion in support March 23, 2020 Full Article
BC Government Construction Guidelines March 22, 2020
UA 516 Update March 17, 2020 - AM
Canada Life Newsline March 16, 2020
COVID-19 and Your Retirement Savings
Canada Life Newsline: Coverage and Coronavirus
Resources
COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool
The BC Ministry of Health has developed a self-assessment tool to determine if you might need further assessment or testing. Click here for the Self-Assessment Tool.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call 811 immediately.
BC Government/New COVID-19 Hotline
The Province of BC has created a new COVID-19 information hotline dedicated to non-medical questions about COVID-19 such as travel recommendations, social distancing, support and assistance from government agencies. You can call or text 1-888-268-4319 from 7:30am to 8:00pm.
Visit the BC Government's COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information page.
BC Centre for Disease Control
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus. Visit their website here.
Government of Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada
For the latest updates on the response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), visit the Government of Canada's website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. Click here to go to the CERB website. The CERB ended September 26, 2020, and was replaced with 3 new recovery benefits: the CRB, the CRCB, and the CRSB.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The Canada Recovery Benefit will provide eligible workers with $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to 26 weeks for those who have stopped working and who are not eligible for EI, or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in two-week periods. Click here for more information.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods. Click here for more information.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week (taxable, tax deducted at source) for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19, self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19, or have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19. This benefit will be paid in one-week periods. Click here for more information.
World Health Organization
For even more information on the outbreak, visit https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Employment Insurance (EI)
Service Canada has set up a dedicated toll-free phone number, 1-833-381-2725, for those facing quaratine due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please submit your application before contacting them.
Document: How to Apply for EI during COVID-19
BC Building Trades
The BC Building Trades has a COVID-19 Updates page focussing on updates relevant to BC workers. Check it out here.
Technical Safety BC
The Health & Safety of our members is paramount at all times. Visit Technical Safety BC to keep up to date on Safety Standards.
TELUS - Mental Health Resources
Going the Social Distance - Dr. Diane McIntosh
TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart Podcast
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart has put together a webpage of helpful resources to help during this extraordinary time. Check out their resources for mental health, anxiety, and nutrition.
Other
We're all in this together. Check back for updates regularly.