Human Resources during COVID-19

Scroll down this webpage for important information and links to reliable sources. For further information, contact Janice Goldsborough, Human Resources & Training Coordinator, at 204-471-6530.

Important links for Manitoba pork producers during COVID-19:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Government of Manitoba has partnered with several organizations to develop and launch an online marketplace that will connect businesses in the province with non-medical grade PPE and other materials needed for businesses to operate during the pandemic. Click here for more information.

Click here for the Canadian Centre for Occupation Health & Safety printable resource to support employers and workers in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Tips for dealing with your staff during COVID-19

Ask employees to voluntarily monitor their temperatures to help keep everyone safe on the farm. However, this should not be considered the only sign of illness. If they are experiencing any type of symptoms, it is best for them to stay home.
Treat all employees with respect. Just like you, they are under a lot of stress.
Make sure you take all precautions such as trying to have employees work within the distancing guidelines proposed by the government, even during breaks!
Provide all employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to help them feel safe.
Limit the number of service providers who come on to your farm. If service providers are absolutely needed, limit their contact with employees. Get them in and out as quickly as possible.
Make sure you talk to your workers and establish a level of trust so that if your employees are feeling ill, they won’t worry about telling you.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they must be isolated away from EVERYONE. Having designated housing in this example would be good planning.
Consider staggering shift starts to prevent over-exposure to other workers.
Ensure extra sanitation measures are implemented, such as cleaning barn door handles regularly (e.g. every 15 minutes), regular sanitation of changeroom, shower rooms, kitchen facilities, etc.
If employees carpool to work, suggest they take separate vehicles. If this is not possible, try to limit each car to two people, with one driving and the other passenger sitting in the back seat on the opposite side. PPE should also be worn in the car at all times.
Click here for the Canadian Centre for Occupation Health & Safety printable resource to support employers and workers in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

What if my employee refuses to work?

People are scared! No one wants to get this virus. However, unless they have been exposed to the virus through prolonged contact (at least 10 minutes) or are not washing their hands on a regular basis, people should still come to work if work is available. If they refuse, then before disciplining them, ask yourself if you can accommodate them in another manner. Are there other duties they may be able to do from home? If not, then you would be better off to look at lay-off rather than termination at this point. Lay-off allows you to let go of employees but be able to call them back once the pandemic is over, while termination ends their employment with no right to rehire once the crisis passes. However, by terminating their employment, you are required to provide them with pay in lieu of notice, while laying someone off does not necessitate this provision.

Wage subsidies available

Employees:

Employment Insurance regular or sick benefits – for people who have lost their jobs due to COVID 19.

Temporary Foreign Workers:

The government has agreed to allow temporary foreign workers (TFW) and seasonal agricultural workers (SAW) into Canada. They MUST go through 14 days of isolation upon arrival at your farm location. At the same time, they MUST continue to receive their full wages while isolated and cannot perform any type of work.
It is your responsibility to monitor the health of your TFW through daily communication. If their family arrived with them, you should enquire as to the state of their health as well. Remember – they are your employees, so be compassionate and show you care about them.
The federal government has also indicated they will be doing virtual inspections to ensure all TWF and SAW are well and employers are following the required mandatory quarantine.
Click here to read Special Compliance Inspections for Employers of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Click here to read suggested questions for an employer email to TFWs.

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB):

We believe that workers will only receive benefits through Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba if it can be proven that they contracted the virus through their work. If you have concerns or require further clarification, please contact WCB directly at 1-855-954-4321.
WCB has announced that they will be providing a rebate to all rate-payers on their WCB premiums. Details are available on their website.

Contact:

Janice Goldsborough
Human Resources and Training Coordinator
204-471-6530