Corvid-19 Update 1

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Dear Member.

As you are aware, the situation with the Coronavirus is ever-changing and we are working to get the most current and up to date information to you as it happens. Please bear with us.

 

  1. We plan to remain fully operational to serve the membership during this time. We are taking every step possible to remain open, but we’ll need your help to remain open and provide the service you demand. As a result of the latest developments and recommendations to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus we ask:
  • If you feel sick do not come out to the Union Hall. If we keep the office staff healthy, we can stay open to help you.
  • Call before coming out to the Union Hall. Most of everything we do; we can help you by phone or email.
  • If you feel sick, do not go to work. We do not need you to spread it.
  • In the event we need to close due to illness, I will be working with our IT team on a contingency plan to set up a remote workforce for the staff to maintain full access to all necessary files and processes.

 

  1. Continue to watch the news tab on our web site for updates regarding meetings. Current cancelations are
  • Awards banquet April 4th, Canceled.
  • All face to face class for the JATC Canceled for the next two class sessions for each class section. As of right now, classes are set to resume on Monday, April 13th. All apprentices must stay in contact with the JATC for updates.
  • Code Update class in MARCH 21-22, Cancelled
  • Union meeting scheduled for April 8th, 2020 is tentative.

 

  1. The IBEW International office and the NECA International office has agreed to a National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA) Click here to read the agreement.

 

  1. An executive order has been put in place by Gov Tim Waltz modifying the rules to collect unemployment Unemployment Executive Order 20-05
  • Waives the waiting week
  • Waives the requirement to search for work
  • Waives the impact on the employer’s experience rating.
  • Does not extend benefits, YET
  • Applies to unemployment applications submitted after March 1.
  • Applies when:
    • Health professionals say worker can’t work because of COVID
    • Worker has COVID
    • A worker is in a risk category for COVID
    • The employer tells them not to come to work because someone else has COVID or a “communicable disease.”
    • Workers can’t get childcare or other accommodation to take care of school-aged children.
  • It does not apply if the worker chooses not to go to work.

Please note:

  • A worker does not have to be unemployed to collect unemployment benefits. If their hours are dramatically reduced because of COVID, they should still apply for Unemployment and state the reason is due to COVID.
  • MN DEED asks for patience around eligibility determinations and processing of applications.

We understand everyone’s frustration with what is happening, but we will do our best to keep you up to date as things change. Nothing is more important than your health and safety and we are here to help in any way we can. We also need to support each other during these difficult times.

If you have any questions feel free to call or email anytime.

In Solidarity

Chad Katzung

Business Manager

IBEW Local 343