The Union is making the case that is in line with the current medical guidance and has strongly taken the position that our high risk members should be given immediate consideration for telework and other assignments to reduce their foot print in the Institutions and Area Offices and thereby reduce the risk of COVID penetration among staff. Additionally, protocols have been developed for mandatory quarantine for exposure to positively- tested juveniles, staff, and employees in close proximity.
While working in partnership with Probation executive staff and managers, we were able to address particular employees needs and situations on a case-by-case basis, especially those that have a doctor’s note and medical slip documenting their risk of exposure.
The Union will continue to work with the Department on a daily basis through our conference calls and forwarding specific concerns to executive management for review and resolution.
For the next 3-4 weeks, the “new normal” will requires our members to be flexible and calm – we have to anticipate that changes will occur almost daily and that it will take time for the Department to develop plans, instructions, and guidelines to communicate how changes are to be implemented. Local 685 is collaborating with Probation Management and will continue to work together during this time of crisis.
Thank you for your dedication and the work that you have done under these emergency circumstances. And thank you for your support of the Union Executive Board as we continue working to represent Local 685 members’ interests during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Be safe, Brothers and Sisters!
Hans Liang
President
AFSCME Local 685
