General

I received a call to work at a local food bank from PennDOT/Agriculture and AFSCME. Why did I receive a call to work at a food bank?

April 21, 2020

I received a call to work at a local food bank from PennDOT/Agriculture and AFSCME. Why did I receive a call to work at a food bank?

AFSCME has partnered with the Commonwealth to bring employees back to work at several food banks across the state where there is a great need and a shortage of help. This is...
Can I be recalled to work even though I have not been working during the shut down?

April 21, 2020

Can I be recalled to work even though I have not been working during the shut down?

Yes. As the Governor reopens more businesses and Commonwealth functions, work may become available to you and you may receive a call to return to work. The return to work could be...
I have received paperwork from L&I with contact information containing an email address for Employer’s Edge. Is this a legitimate document?

April 21, 2020

I have received paperwork from L&I with contact information containing an email address for Employer’s Edge. Is this a legitimate document?

Yes. We verified with the Commonwealth that this is a 3rd party provider for PennDOT unemployment compensation claims.  If you receive documentation that you are not sure about, you should contact the...
Can my essential/non-essential status be changed?

April 10, 2020

Can my essential/non-essential status be changed?

Yes.  The Commonwealth has the right to change an employee’s status.  That can happen for a number of reasons as we have seen during this pandemic. For example: The work they were...
Do I have to use all of my leave time before I apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits?

April 10, 2020

Do I have to use all of my leave time before I apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits?

No. For additional UC answers, click here: https://www.oa.pa.gov/covidleave/Pages/default.aspx
I have been designated as an emergency responder, but I have not been reporting to work or teleworking. Why am I now considered a first responder?

April 10, 2020

I have been designated as an emergency responder, but I have not been reporting to work or teleworking. Why am I now considered a first responder?

Council 13 has been notified by many of the agencies of their designations.  We do not agree with all of them and are currently in discussions with those agencies.
Who is an emergency responder?

April 10, 2020

Who is an emergency responder?

An employee who is necessary for the provision of transport, care, health care, comfort, and nutrition of patients, or whose services are otherwise needed to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes,...
After the POC ends, can a non-essential employee work some days and collect unemployment compensation on the others to maintain my benefits?

April 7, 2020

After the POC ends, can a non-essential employee work some days and collect unemployment compensation on the others to maintain my benefits?

If you choose to use paid leave or LWOP, your health care benefits will continue. If you are on LWOP for more than one (1) full pay period, you will receive a...
How do we prevent managers from manipulating an employee’s essential status?

April 7, 2020

How do we prevent managers from manipulating an employee’s essential status?

The managers would still have to justify why an employee was made essential.  If we see that this is a problem, we are to raise it with the agency, then with the...
Will essential employees be able to utilize the same four options without repercussions?

April 7, 2020

Will essential employees be able to utilize the same four options without repercussions?

Essential employees are entitled to the 10 days under  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). For additional FAQs for essential employees, follow this link: https://www.oa.pa.gov/covidleave/Pages/default.aspx