Fanshawe faculty union files grievance to bring masks back indoors
The union representing Fanshawe College faculty has filed a grievance with the school over its masking policy.
"Fanshawe's abandonment of indoor masking, social distancing, and many other preventative measures has created an unsafe work environment," says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 110 in a media release.
The union did not make a representative available for an interview, but according to the release, it has heard from numerous members concerned for their own health and safety, as well as their family members.
It is Fanshawe's first full school year without COVID-19 measures since the pandemic began, which is in line with most other post-secondary schools in the province. However, Western University has maintained its mandatory masking policy, as well as requiring at least one COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
"It doesn't make a difference to me, honestly," says Miquel Balles, a Fanshawe student. "It's a personal choice at the end of the day."
"A year or two ago I would have been masked," says student Sam Munday. "I think everyone has gotten it, I've gotten it. I tried to avoid it for a long time and now I'm not as worried as I was.
Fanshawe did not make a representative available for an interview either, but says in a statement the school is "following all provincial guidelines related to health and safety on campus."
The college has not reinstated mandatory masking or vaccine requirements "based on ongoing and regular discussions with local public health authorities."
Fanshawe says it is scheduling a hearing with the union shortly to discuss the grievance.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.