Dear MOSES members:
We have certainly been living in extraordinary times over the last six weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our daily lives. Many of you are feeling anxious, especially given the dramatic increase in positive Coronavirus cases and the situations described at our healthcare facilities. But it’s YOU who are at the forefront of providing core governmental services for the Commonwealth.
You have demonstrated the value of the work you provide to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the citizens of Massachusetts. We are proud of the passion and dedication that you all bring to the job, especially now as we work through this public health emergency together.
Some of you are working from home, others are required to report to work, but each one of you are completing critical tasks that keep state government operating. Our members from the Department of Public Health at the State Lab are performing the COVID-19 testing and the epidemiologists are tracking the virus, those who volunteer at the 211 emergency line and our members at MEMA are on the front-line providing information and services dealing with this virus. Others reporting to work such as the forensic scientists, laboratory personnel at the hospitals, hazardous response teams, crime scene investigators, state building inspectors, engineers from DCAMM, MWRA workers, Fish and Wildlife biologists, and others we may have missed, are all leaving their families to serve the public. That is what public service is all about.
Finally, we would like to express to our members at MassDOT and DCR who are required to report to work at construction and maintenance sites that they should strictly adhere to the new “COVID-19 Guidelines at Construction Sites” and make sure that your agency provides you with the proper PPE you need to do your job. Your safety and health are our number one concern.
We know many of you have important questions regarding COVID-19 and how it affects your job. Every day is different, and every day brings new issues to light. But rest assured, we are talking with your agencies to make sure everyone is aware of the latest information. We are working collaboratively with other unions, state health and safety professionals at DLS, MassCOSH, and reviewing CDC directives and agency guidance documents to ensure that best practices, protocols, procedures and communication plans are implemented.
There are a few items that we want to make you aware of. You may have heard about a Bill-HD4631 that was filed in the Legislature about giving additional compensation for those required to report to work. MOSES supports the Bill and is working in coalition with other public-sector unions on this Legislation. MOSES has recently submitted testimony on the bill and has asked our members to contact legislators to support the bill.
Another piece of legislation we are following is the “Family First Coronavirus Response Act” and how it affects state employees. Our legal staff has been reviewing the Bill and we have had discussions with the Office of Employee Relations (OER) about the federal law. Please refer to the article below for further information to act.
If you have any concerns about how COVID-19 is being handled in your workplace, please don’t hesitate to contact MOSES at
www.moses-ma.org
but remember to contact your supervisor and manager with concerns immediately.
The next few months will surely be challenging for all of us. When the going does get tough, please take a moment to remember how much all of Massachusetts values your work, dedication and compassion – and, above all, be PROUD of what you do. You do it well !
May you and your families be safe during this unprecedented time and once again, thank you for your public service!
Joe and Patrick
