Update, May 7th 2020
Here is a list of the latest information and answers to a number of questions asked. This is not perfect but is the most up to date information we have.
Temporary Shift Start and Stop Times:
Machining:
- Lates: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
- Days: 6:00 AM -2:00 PM
- Aft: 2:00PM – 10:00 PM
GF6 Assy
- Lates: N/A
- Days: 6:18 AM 2:36 PM
- Aft: 3:30 PM – 11:48 PM
V8 Assy
- Lates: 10:54 PM – 6:54 AM
- Days: 6:36 AM 2:54 PM
- Aft: 2:54 PM – 11:12 PM
V6 Assy
- Lates: 11:12 PM -7:12 AM
- Days: 6:54 AM 3:12 PM
- Aft: 3:12 PM 11:30 PM
Steady Days
- Days: 7:12 AM -3:30 PM
Here is the latest tentative schedule for St Catharines.
V6. Engine
- May 11th 1 shift assembly, 3 shifts machining.
- May 18th 2 shifts assembly, 3 shifts machining.
- May 25th 3 shifts assembly and machining.
V8. Engine
- May 18th 1 shifts assembly, 3 shifts machining.
- May 25th 2 shifts assembly, 3 shifts machining.
- June 1st 3 shifts assembly and machining.
Transmission:
- May 25th 1 shifts assembly, and 3 shifts machining.
- June 1st 1 shift assembly, 3 shifts machining.
- June 8th 2 shifts assembly and 3 shifts machining.
Note: This is all subject to change.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Company Answers
HOW IS GM PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE COVID VIRUS WHILE I’M AT WORK?
GM is taking a multi-layered approached to addressing the virus. This includes the site entry procedure with temperature screening, enhanced cleaning, physical distancing and mandatory mask use.
I’M CONCERNED WITH THE PEOPLE DISTRIBUTING MASKS ARE NOT WEARING GLOVES AND COULD BE SPREADING THE VIRUS.
Mask distribution requires the distributor to wear surgical gloves, safety glasses and a face mask.
FORD IS REQUIRING FACE SHIELDS AND GM ISN’T. WHY?
GM requires safety glasses in manufacturing, warehouses and lab environments, which provide the same level of protection as face shields. Ford does not.
WHAT IF AN EMPLOYEE/VISITOR REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TEMPERATURE SCREENING PROCESS?
The Company will explain to the employee/visitor the importance of the temperature screening. If the employee/visitor still refuses, they will turn the employee/visitor away. If the individual is a GM employee, they will inform the HR/LR department.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WITH WORKING WITHIN SIX FEET OF A CO-WORKER WHEN PHYSICAL DISTANCING CAN’T BE ACHIEVED?
A multi-layered approach is critical for circumstances in which we cannot maintain physical distance – when physical distancing is not practical, the mask and safety glasses will be the primary means of protection that allow people to work in closer proximity.
IF EMPLOYEES WORK IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, CAN THEY WEAR A FACE SHIELD?
The provided masks and safety glasses offer extra layers of protection – however, if an employee would like to bring in their own face shield, they may wear it in conjunction with the face mask and safety glasses, where required.
AN EMPLOYEE CAN ANSWER “YES” TO ONE OF THE SELF-DECLARATION QUESTIONS. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
the employee IS sent to medical. If medical is not available, provide them with the packet on next steps.
IS THERE A CALIBRATION PROCEDURE FOR OUR TEMPERATURE SCANNERS?
Yes. There is a TIS available for use and set up of thermal cameras, including calibration steps for different models.
CAN A FLOOR-LEVEL FAN BE BLOWING AIR ACROSS MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES?
No.
SOME OF THE METHODS GM HAS IMPLEMENTED ARE NOT PERFECT IN PREVENTING SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.
In these uncertain times, we must focus on controlling what we can, and we will continue to take the appropriate actions. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are ready to adapt and make any changes to policy in accordance with relevant health and safety protocols issued by authorities. We will live our values and demonstrate our behaviors in order to protect you and our company.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN RIDE ON AN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE (IE SCOOTER, BURDEN CARRIER, ETC)?
Like all jobs where people work within six feet of each other, our layered protection protocols (mask, personal hygiene etc.) must be followed when more than one person is riding on an industrial vehicle.
WHAT TEMPERATURE WOULD CAUSE MEDICAL TO SEND A PERSON HOME?
If a person’s temperature is scanned above the established range at the temperature screening station, the employee is sent to medical. Medical will confirm temperature and will make the decision on whether an employee is sent home. The temperature the medical team uses to determine elevated temperatures is ≥100.4. If medical is not available on site, the employee will be referred to a local clinic or healthcare provider.
WHAT HAPPENS TO AN EMPLOYEE THAT FAILS TEMPERATURE SCREENING OR ANSWERS YES TO A SELF DECLARATION QUESTION UPON ENTRANCE BUT IS CLEARED THROUGH MEDICAL?
The person is asked to return to work and does not need to flow through the temperature screening entry process again.
WHAT ARE WE DOING IN AREAS WHERE PEOPLE EAT WHERE IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE 6FT PHYSICAL DISTANCE?
Every opportunity must be made to maintain 6ft physical distance when your mask is not on. Facilities limited in size may consider alternating lunch and break times to limit the number of people congregating in a central location.
CAN COVID-19 BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH HEARING PROTECTION?
Human ears do not contain mucus membranes and therefore cannot be an avenue to transmit COVID. However, the best approach is to always practice good personal hygiene by washing/sanitizing your hands prior to inserting your hearing protection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FACE MASKS
I’M WORRIED THAT THE MASKS ARE MARKED AS NON-STERILE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The label “Non-sterile” is used to indicate the masks have not been sterilized and if a medical user wants them sterilized for a specific hospital procedure they will need to do so before use. Just because the masks have not been sterilized does not mean they are carrying bacteria or other infectious agents. Masks are produced in a clean room environment. They are then sanitized using ozone or other treatment methods to effectively kill off any infectious agent before being packaged. So, there is no reason to believe the masks harbor any infectious agent.
CAN EMPLOYEES USE THEIR OWN FACE MASKS?
No. Only the GM provided face mask must be worn. The only exceptions are rated filtering face piece masks, such as N95 masks, and only if they are clean and in visibly good condition. Layering face masks is not permitted. Ex: no bandana over GM provided face mask.
ARE ALL TYPES OF N95s ABLE TO BE USED?
No. N95 filtering face pieces with exhalation valves are not permitted as an alternate to face masks. They do not protect against transmission of COVID-19. N95s with exhalation valves protect the wearer, but do not protect others since large respiratory droplets can be released into the air through the valve.
WHY ARE WE WEARING MASKS NOT PRODUCED BY GENERAL MOTORS?
GM has commitments to the government regarding the distribution of masks (majority of Warren made masks are going to the medical community) which requires additional sourcing to meet GM’s demand. Note: even if Warren was running at 100% capacity and only supplying GM, we would still require outside sourcing to meet demand.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MASK WHILE EATING OR DRINKING?
When removing your mask for the purpose of eating or drinking, please maintain the mask’s sanitary condition. It is recommended it be pushed under your chin or set the mask down on a clean piece of paper towel coloured side down within your own eating area.
ARE CONTRACTORS WORKING OUTSIDE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE MASKS?
Yes. Use of face masks are required while working on GM property.
WHAT IF I OR ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES HAS AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL ISSUE AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT WEARING A MASK?
Send the employee to medical to discuss.
ARE EMPLOYEES REQUIRED TO BE CLEAN SHAVEN TO WEAR A FACE MASK?
No.
IS MY MASK MEDICAL WASTE?
No. Masks can be disposed of in general trash or recycled through the local process established by environmental.
MY GLASSES FOG UP WHEN I WEAR A MASK. WHAT DO I DO?
Wash glasses in a mix of soap and water and then air-dry. You can also fold a piece of tissue and insert at the top of the mask to prevent breath from escaping up into the glasses. Also, make sure to fit the mask securely around your nose. Surgical tape across the bridge of your nose helps seal the mask and can be supplied through your G/L. A safety talk is available with additional information regarding these methods.
WHAT ABOUT MASK USE FOR ELECTRICIANS?
Although the current policy is to wear masks wall to wall, there are scenarios which require additional risk evaluations. In most scenarios where people need to remove their mask due to, for example, an arc flash exposure, the exposure could be offset by using arc flash rated face shields during the de-energizing / energizing of electrical panels when social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Masks must be worn the rest of the time.
CAN I USE MY FACE MASK FOR LONGER THAN ONE DAY?
No. GM requires one mandatory mask per day. If no longer wearable/functional, it can be replaced during the shift. We will allow/encourage employees to wear their face mask home and wear that mask back to work the next day. They will be given a new mask as they re-enter the facility.
FRIDGES AND MICROWAVES
- Microwaves and Fridges will be available for use
- Use is restricted to personal lunch bag only
- Group condiments are restricted
- Cleaning added to TL TIS, frequency 3 times per shift, Handles and touch points only
- Materials in TL TIS binder
- Social distancing for locations to be considered in Team room layouts
- Cafeteria services are closed for startup, tentative restart is week of May 25th
We will continue to add to this document. Please check back for updates.
In Solidarity