Letter to IBEW Local 43 Members Regarding COVID-19
Brothers & Sisters:
As the United States and nations throughout the globe are facing concerns related to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, I feel it's important to speak directly to all IBEW Local 43 members and share the following information.
IBEW Local 43 is taking this pandemic very seriously and its impact on our members and the industries in which they work. We are working with our local NECA chapter and our local and state leaders to put in place protocols to ensure we best serve our members and your needs during this crisis.
We are also following directives given to businesses and organizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Local 43's leadership have taken several steps to limit potential exposure to our members by working with our local NECA chapter and our signatory contractors to ensure our job sites are safe and have the proper cleaning and disinfecting materials for our members use.
We also are currently working with our benefits professionals to help our members cope with anxiety, pressing financial concerns such as credit counseling, mortgage and rent relief and will provide those resources on our website in the very near future.
In addition, we are pressing both federal and state governments to adopt measures that protect the health and safety, as well as the financial security of working people, including paid sick leave.
As a union representing more than 1,200 unionized electrician
professionals we are working with our International Union, the AFL/CIO, & the National Building Trades to push for measures that protect the health of those working on construction projects that are deemed essential to our state and nation.
For now, there are several steps that everyone can continue to take to keep yourself safe and help stop the spread of the virus, including these basic hygiene practices recommended by the CDC:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cloth when you sneeze or cough or use your elbow. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Also, please follow all guidelines issued by your state and local governments, particularly in the nation's hot spots, such as New York State.
Throughout the past few weeks, Local 43 has posted several resources via mass email and text and we will have them shortly on our website at IBEW43.org under the COVID-19 section. Included will be current recommendations of the CDC and WHO. We will continue to update this information as it becomes available.
Thank you all for the caution you're showing to keep yourself, families and co-workers safe during this very difficult and uncertain time. Your union is standing beside you and your family and is working to protect you and our nation's economy.
In solidarity,
