Last week the Court System issued a memorandum giving an update regarding its ongoing response and guidance related to the COVID-19 (the Novel Coronavirus). Please refer to that memo for guidance related to leave in the event of isolation, quarantine, or home self-monitoring . This memo has expanded Section 9.5(d) Leave for Quarantine of our contract.
Section 9.5(d) Leave for Quarantine.
If an employee who is not ill himself/herself is required to remain absent because of quarantine and presents a written statement of the attending physician or local health officer proving the necessity of such absence, he/she shall be granted leave with pay for the period of his/her required absence, without charge against accumulated sick leave, annual leave or overtime credits. Prior to return to duty, such employee may be required to submit a written statement from the local health officer having jurisdiction that his/her return to duty will not jeopardize the health of other employees.
One of our downstate Locals was notified yesterday morning regarding an attorney who appeared in Westchester County’s Matrimonial Part and in the Westchester County Family Court annex. That individual has tested positive for the coronavirus. It has been conveyed to us that all individuals who the Court System is aware of who may have been in contact with this attorney have already been contacted and advised to consult with medical professionals. We have stressed to the Office of Court Administration that proper disinfection of the areas that the individual may have occupied is of the utmost importance. At this point we are unaware of any events in the 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th JD’s or with MHLS where potentially infected individuals have entered any of our many facilities. However, we are still emphasizing the need to properly disinfect on a regular basis and to supply our members with the proper mitigating equipment and cleaning supplies, as our members and their families’ health and safety are our primary concern. We will continue to monitor the situation in real time.
Please be guided by the facts on the virus and not media hysteria. While this is a serious matter, be assured that your concerns are being addressed with the NYS Office of Court Administration. We have been in contact with all of our Districts during this ever changing’ situation and are working together to get the correct information out to our members. At this time, we are waiting for further updates from the districts as to any responses that may take place with regard to any transmission of the COVID 19 Virus. As this information becomes available we will keep you posted via Receiver notices and on our web page https://cseajudiciary.org/local-334/
Please continue to exercise the safe practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH). Wash hands often, for 20 seconds. Stay at home if you have flu-like systems. Maintain social distancing as much as possible. For further information on the virus, CSEA has created a web site specifically dealing with Coronavirus and how it may impact you as workers. We are updating this site on a regular basis as the situation changes throughout our state. For the latest information, please visit our page at: https://cseany.org/coronavirus-information
Your safety and health, as always, are our concern. Stay safe. Use common sense. If you have any questions as always feel free to email ian@csealocal334.com.
In Solidarity,
Ian Spencer
President
CSEA Judiciary
Local 334