An update on COVID-19

Friends,

If you have questions regarding this information please reply to this email, or contact [email protected].

Friends,

During this unprecedented time I sincerely thank you for being on the front lines of public service. Always, but especially now, it’s Council 61’s highest priority to support the health and wellbeing of our members.

With that in mind I’m writing to share this update on the COVID-19 situation in Iowa, Missouri and Kansas, and what it means for AFSCME Council 61 members.

As of this notice, 22 positive cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been reported in Iowa, 6 positive cases have been reported in Missouri, and 8 positive cases have been reported in Kansas. This number is expected to rise with documented community spread of the virus.

AFSCME Council 61 is calling for the following to be policies to be implemented by all employers:

  • Paid Leave for all absences caused and related to COVID-19 for employees of any status.
  • Allow employees to work remotely where able.
  • Adequate safety equipment for front line employees who may come into contact with the virus.
  • Testing for COVID–19 (coronavirus) for all essential public employees who must continue to provide services during the outbreak.

AFSCME members, be sure to document and report any cases in which you feel your rights as a worker have been violated, just as you would at any other time. While this is a very serious situation it is not a reason to panic. Continue to take precautions like regular hand washing and avoiding touching your face.

AFSCME International has compiled a webpage with resources that address how to keep yourself and your family safe, including resources that specifically address concerns public service workers may have. That can be found at www.afscme.org/covid-19.

Additionally, AFSCME International is lobbying aggressively to ensure passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Legislation meant to ensure working people are taken care of in this time of crisis. If you’d like to do more click here to ask Senators Ernst and Grassley to act on this important legislation.

In Solidarity,
Danny Homan
President AFSCME Council 61
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