Protections for Workers During the Pandemic

WFSE has set the bar for what working people can accomplish during this crisis. We have risen to meet this critical moment of our lifetimes. Members and staff have jumped into high gear to assist those facing unsafe working conditions and financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Want to take action today? Write a letter to Governor Inslee and other Washington leaders to let them know we need #CourageousDutyPay now!

Here is what we’ve accomplished together so far:

ACHIEVED:

“Thanks to our union, our swing shift staff received employer-paid leave and continued supporting their families while in quarantine.” – Gabe Hall, Juvenile Rehab. Supervisor Green Hill School

“We need to stick together and show management that all workers matter.” – Susan Keberenge Nutrition Service Worker UW Medical Center

• Employer-paid quarantine: Instead of using up our personal leave, employees in quarantine receive paid administrative leave for up to 14 days (the average incubation period) if they are unable to telework.
• Telework: Employees who are able to telework but awaiting approval and/or equipment set-up can remain in paid administrative leave status. Employees considered “high risk” due to age or underlying health conditions may also telework from home or remain home with an alternative assignment in regular paid status.
• Employee Screenings: All employees (and essential vendors/visitors) in congregate settings must submit their temperature and complete the Dept. of Health questionnaire prior to gaining entry.
• Outside PPE:State agencies have stopped preventing employees from bringing their own personal protective equipment (PPE) to work while supply chain issues persist. Agencies have also lifted the ban on precautionary use of personal masks when employer-issued PPE is not required.
• General Public: Governor Inslee adopted several of our union’s recommendations, including the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, early measures to promote social distancing and ban non-essential gatherings, a moratorium on evictions, and an expansion of unemployment benefits and cash assistance.
• Another Win: State agencies have been directed not to request exemption from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

IN PROGRESS:

Together we’ve made significant progress, but we have more work to do. All employers must continue to take bold action to protect jobs, families and communities during this pandemic.

• PPE: State officials must fast-track PPE to front-line workers who are at a heightened risk for exposure. This includes custodians, health care workers, social workers, nurses, and all employees in public-facing jobs.
• Employer-paid Leave: We continue to push for the expansion of employer-paid leave to also cover any leave required once symptomatic and in isolation pending diagnosis and clearance to return to work. (Prior to April 1, state employees had to use personal leave or LWOP.)
• Consistent & Comprehensive Communication: All state agencies must adhere to public health guidance and immediately inform employees of potential exposure to COVID-19. It’s a matter of life and death.
• #CourageousDutyPay: For those who are unable to work from home, we’re advocating premium pay for front-line workers who face a heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19. Take action today!

You can help #FlattenTheCurve and ensure safety on the job.

If your employer is not following public health guidance, contact your steward immediately or contact the WFSE Member Connection Center at 833-MCC-WFSE or [email protected].