Local News News NUPW says it has not sanctioned any industrial action involving health care workers Sandy Deane10/01/20210105 views Top officials of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has disassociated the union from a social media post that calls for industrial action (sick-out) by COVID-19 frontline and essential workers on Wednesday, January 12. The post expressed concern “that staff [health care workers] have been asked to work through weekends and bank holidays, inadequate breaks and rest periods, have been recalled from vacation, not having appointments finalised as well as the impact on work/life balance and lack of remuneration. “Enough is enough! Since you are overlooked let the powers that be run the place without us. Unity is in numbers! Wednesday…call in sick…,” the social media post said. But in a message on the NUPW’s Facebook page, Acting General Secretary Wayne Walrond and his Deputy Richard Green (Ag) said: “While the social media post is purported to have been sent by one of our Industrial Relations Officers, there has been *NO sanction or authorization of any industrial action from the National Council of the NUPW.” Wayne Walrond, NUPW General Secretary (Ag) and Richard Green, Deputy General Secretary (Ag) They added that the union was cognizant of the sacrifices being made by workers and the personal and professional challenges this time presents especially to members in the health sector and would therefore continue to represent their interests. “We assure our members and all workers on the frontline of the COVID -19 fight that all representation made on their behalf will be done in a responsible, structured and organized manner allowing their full participation in the process.” The NUPW promised to issue further communication on the matter.