ARE THE PROPER COVID CONTROLS IN YOUR WORKPLACE? |
As State agencies consider bringing more and more employees back into the workplace, it is crucial that they provide COVID controls to the greatest extent possible. Especially now, when we are seeing spikes in COVID across the State and across the country. Otherwise, as workplace density increases, so does the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19.
Experience up till this point has been that workers are just as productive, if not more, working remotely during this pandemic. Lower density in the workplace is a major control measure for COVID. It allows for greater social distancing and less potential for exposure to the virus. But now it seems that the State is intent on bringing all the workers back. Even though at this point there has been an increase in COVID cases across the state, and a vaccine is not expected until 2021. Sadly, the restrictions and guidelines the State has for private sector businesses are not used for their own worksites. Their “Reopening New York Office Based Work Guidelines” still require businesses to be at 50% capacity. State Agencies should follow the same guidelines (seen here https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/OfficesSummaryGuidelines.pdf ).
In the PEF Toolkit for PEF Activists for return to work activities, there are more details of what should be in place for a safer return to work following the lockdown. Our Health & Safety and Labor/Management Committees have been using that Toolkit to push for concrete information from management representatives as workers are being brought back into the workplace. But we need your help.
Employees deserve to feel safe in their workplace. Teachers across the country have lifted their voices in their “Not Until It’s Safe” campaign –– fighting for protections for their members. So are we. If the State continues on this ill-advised path, and you are in an agency that has returned more people to the worksite, you can help us fight for your safety and health by providing us with details from your workplace using the new COVID Controls Checklist on the following pages.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a thousand voices can be heard for miles. So use the checklist to document what is happening in your workplace, and if COVID controls, especially masking, social distancing, and barrier methods, are in place or not. Let us know what you are walking into! Document your workplace draw a picture, write a summary or audio blog it. BE CAREFUL NOT TO VIOLATE ANY WORK RULES IN DOING SO. Contact your PEF Steward or Field Representative with any questions on what you can or cannot do.
The information you are providing is crucial for PEF address COVID concerns in your workplace. Your PEF Local Leaders and Statewide Representatives will use this information to address concerns at both your workplace and on a statewide level. This will involve your Local Council Leader, Stewards, Labor Management and Health and Safety Committees.
The latest information on COVID and other issue important to you are sent out through the PEF Action Network. If you are not receiving those emails, you may sign up at https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-for-email-notifications. To update your information, call PEF at 800-342-4306 or 518-785-1900, or email jcarpenter@pef.org. Please only use your personal cell phone and email for contact information.