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John,
AFGE has been steadfast in our push for immediate action to help protect our members and the public we serve.
In this week's newsletter we've included important updates in our fight for the health and safety of government employees.
FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
We know this is a difficult time with many changes and adjustments in our daily lives –both at work and at home. A recent survey of union members reveals that federal employees who are caregivers are facing emotional and financial stress and lack support from agencies while trying to balance work and home responsibilities. Members reported that many of their employing agencies do not provide information on mental health resources.
To bridge the gap, we want to share some agency resources with you, as well as a self-paced module on Coping with Stress and Anxiety developed by the Field Services and Education Department.
WEBINAR TOMORROW: COVID-19: FEDERAL EMPLOYEES & WORKERS' COMPENSATION
This Thursday, Oct. 29 at 5:00 p.m. ET AFGE will be conducting a 90 minute informational session on federal employees and workers’ compensation issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.
We will discuss how OWCP guidelines and new FECA bulletins apply for filing COVID-19 claims.
WE NEED COVID-19 RELIEF LEGISLATION NOW
We can’t afford to wait any longer. Lives have been lost. The Senate must come together to pass COVID-19 relief legislation now.
For months, America’s workers have been risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones by going into workplaces without enforceable safety measures.
The House has passed the HEROES Act and its less robust version to provide relief to those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. We urge Senate leaders to pass legislation that includes protections for workers in the midst of a pandemic.
HOW TO USE THE RETURN TO WORK INFORMATION REQUEST TEMPLATE
We have developed a return to work information request template intended to help you check the boxes for the work the agency needs to do before drafting a return to work plan.
If any number of employees were allowed to work remotely during the pandemic, your agency is contemplating returning them to work. Even if they don’t yet have a policy (or haven’t shared that one is being developed), they are planning for one.
We will have a right to bargain over that plan. Some of the bargaining will be substantive, and some of it will just be procedures and appropriate arrangements —just like when we bargain a CBA.
The health and safety requirements for returning employees to work are significant. The amount of planning an agency needs to do to begin returning employees to work is substantial. The requirements set out by OSHA and OPM lay out the parameters of the sort of work an agency should be doing, and those represent the foundation for this information request.
Please regularly check afge.org/Coronavirus to view important coronavirus updates.
Note: Information on this site is not intended to substitute for actual medical care or professional medical advice. If you believe you are, or may be ill, contact your primary care health provider immediately. Information on this website may change as the situation/recommendations/resources evolve. Please check back frequently.
Sincerely,
Dr. Everett Kelley
AFGE National President
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