On December 13, 2024, UPE staff and members of the 008 bargaining unit met with the department to discuss plans for opening a lobby for Long Term Care (LTC) customers. Starting in February, customers will be able to make appointments to meet with LTC workers. They will be directed to use the North/East entrance of the building (the entrance to General Services) to wait for their appointment.
We made it clear to the department that all DHA locations need to be aware of this process and not send customers to East Commerce without an appointment.
Since clerical staff will be responsible for answering the phone when customers arrive for their appointments, a procedure needs to be developed to guide how clerical staff will interact with customers. UPE will be meeting with the department soon to discuss this.
Additionally, it was made clear that workers will be held harmless for denying appointments for anything other than active cases. We will also return to the table 30 days after implementation to discuss any unforeseen impacts or changes that need to be made to the process.
UPE expresses gratitude to governing board members James Starr and Stephanie McCall, along with subject matter expert Tony DeRego, for their participation and advocacy in this meeting.
Â