AgencySpecific

How do we social distance? Sometimes there isn’t enough parking or space to work within the guidelines.

April 7, 2020

How do we social distance? Sometimes there isn’t enough parking or space to work within the guidelines.

If you are unable to perform your work in a safe manner, you should immediately address your concerns with your supervisor and ask that they make it safe for you to perform...
Could we be mandated to shelter in place at our job?

March 26, 2020

Could we be mandated to shelter in place at our job?

At this time, no 24-hour operation is requiring employees to stay on the property and not go home. The employer would have to notify the union if they were thinking of making...
If a room has a suspected case, can they mandate us to enter the room without proper personal protection?

March 26, 2020

If a room has a suspected case, can they mandate us to enter the room without proper personal protection?

No one should enter an infected area without proper equipment. If the area is infected and they don’t receive the proper equipment, they should just say they feel unsafe entering that area.
Should we have to provide our own personal protection?

March 26, 2020

Should we have to provide our own personal protection?

No, but if the employer is failing to do so, employees should take every precaution, including providing their own protection until the employer corrects the situation. If this is happening at your...
Can our employer not follow proper cleaning procedures at this time?

March 26, 2020

Can our employer not follow proper cleaning procedures at this time?

No.  If that’s happening, you should call your staff representative or the Member Resource Center at 1-800-5-AFSCME.
Do we have to be provided with the proper personal protection equipment?

March 26, 2020

Do we have to be provided with the proper personal protection equipment?

Employees should be provided with the proper personal protection equipment and the employer should be following CDC and Department of Health guidelines with cleaning procedures. If these things are not being done,...
How does Commonwealth of Pennsylvania expect workers to practice social distancing in such small spaces, especially during closing time and break periods?

March 26, 2020

How does Commonwealth of Pennsylvania expect workers to practice social distancing in such small spaces, especially during closing time and break periods?

You should practice social distancing in these situations the same as if you were out in the public.
Why is DHS “now” declaring our services essential when we’ve had crises in the past and stayed non-essential?

March 26, 2020

Why is DHS “now” declaring our services essential when we’ve had crises in the past and stayed non-essential?

What is happening now is unprecedented and is taking place over an extended and unknown period of time.
DHS was deemed essential on 3/17/20. How was this possible?

March 26, 2020

DHS was deemed essential on 3/17/20. How was this possible?

Sec. Miller determined that her agency needed to be essential to help the state maintain essential services during this crisis. We were able to negotiate a 2×2 schedule in OIM offices with...
We do not have enough sanitizing supplies, what should we do?

March 26, 2020

We do not have enough sanitizing supplies, what should we do?

Two weeks ago, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, masks and gloves were ordered. Many offices had ample supplies at the time the order was placed. They understand that supplies are running low. Recently...