Friday, March 27, 2020 by Larry Dorman
Union leaders from SEBAC (the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition) have been combining efforts to make sure that the perspectives of frontline workers are being heard as the State’s response to COVID-19 evolves.
Our report analyzes the steps the Lamont Administration has taken to date and recommends additional steps the State should take to move further and faster in its COVID-19 response, both for state employees and the public we serve.
- Click here for the complete SEBAC report, The Latest on State Government Response to COVID-19. This includes revised OPM/DAS Guidelines. (Updated 3.27.20)
- Click here for a page summary of SEBAC’s concerns/recommendations. (Updated 3.27.20)
- Click here for a stand-alone copy of the latest OPM/DAS guidelines. (Updated 5.5.20)
The SEBAC document also incudes an outline of our core principles for navigating our way through this public health crisis, along with memoranda from the State concerning COVID-19’s impact on state employees.
During this crisis, SEBAC has asked for a daily point of contact between a designated union leader for each bargaining unit and a designated management representative so there will be continuous sharing of information. As always, if you have questions, be sure to start with your local union steward and leadership structure.
As we state in our report, we face a public health challenge unlike any we have encountered in recent memory. The solidarity and dedication of our membership gives us the confidence that we will face it well, and come out stronger than we went in, although we know it will not be without disruption and suffering.
We will keep members informed as things evolve and change and urge all members to reach out to union representatives and leads with their views, ideas and concerns as we move through this crisis and forward to better days.
Additional Resources for Members:
- Click here for the latest information on CONVID-19 from the State of Connecticut
- State Office of Policy & Management and the Department of Administrative Services Memo Re: COVID 19-related personnel situations in state agencies
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention
- If you become unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you are encouraged to file for unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, but you can get started at www.filectui.com
- For CT Residents, dial 211 or text “COVID19” to 898211 for up to date information