Coping with COVID-19

What have you learned about yourself during this pandemic? Five CLAC members share their thoughts

Donna Panchyshyn

Local 304 member and RPN at a long term care home in Owen Sound, Ontario

I have learned that even though I am terrified for myself and my family that I live with, I continue to show up at work while we are in outbreak. We currently have 22 out of 29 residents who are confirmed with COVID-19. I have learned that I can handle the constant stress brought on by this.

Craig Fillier

Local 63 member and equipment operator employed by Kiewit Energy Construction Co. ULC working on a propane dehydrogenation project northeast of Edmonton

I’m an ex-military vet and have been in the construction industry for about 18 years. I’ve learned that looking out for each other is more important than we think. The better we look out for each other at work, the safer our families will be. That’s why social distancing and following protocol is not only keeping us safe at work, but also our families.

Angie Toussaint

Local 301 member and grocery worker in Alberta has learned it takes a lot of patience to serve people who do not practice social distancing.

I am getting more anxious doing my job due to the behaviour of people who are not practicing social distancing and who constantly intrude on other people’s space. Although there are safety measures put in place, there is not enough spacing between cashiers, customers, and then cashier and customer again. It is about maybe a 1.5 foot distance for the cashiers who are working.

Some customers are rude and indignant and do not want to practice social distancing. They are selfish and have a total sense of entitlement. They have told me that COVID-19 doesn’t bother them because they think it is bunk.

One customer came in with a severe cough and I had to serve him. He made the motion to cough into his sleeve, but the sleeve was too far away from his mouth to do any good.

These people are putting everyone at risk of contracting COVID-19. If a person is sick, stay home. Travellers who have flown, either out of province or otherwise, have told me they have just returned to Calgary and then came straight to the store to shop without self-isolating first.

Obviously, containing the virus and spreading it is not important to these types of people. They still shop as a family cluster and put their own children at risk.

Alice Machitar

Local 501 member and a care aide employed by We Care in Vancouver has learned to overcome her fear to do her job taking care of others.

I’m scared, even though I’m a strong person. Sometimes, before going to work, my stomach is full of butterflies because in my mind is always the question, what if? Even though I take precautions, the fear is still there. I have to fight it and keep the faith that everything is going to be okay because our clients need us and are waiting for us. We need to sacrifice to help those people who need us.

John Korcina

Local 6 member and sheet metal worker employed by Halton Sheet Metal Ltd. in Ontario has learned that we need to be there and help each other.

Well, I helped a family in Hamilton that needed to move, at no charge. I helped an elderly gentleman repair a temporary garage that got ripped apart in the wind, at no charge. If I can do it, so can all members of CLAC Local 6 in this time of need!

We Want to Hear from You!

Each week, we’ll be asking a different question for you to answer about your experience at home or work during the pandemic. Let us know your thoughts and we’ll share them with your fellow members. Just click the question below and you will be taken a webpage where you can easily fill in and submit your answer.

This week’s question: How are you and your community supporting front-line workers?