March 10, 2020 – The NewsGuild-CWA is urging locals and staff to ensure that employers have established protocols to protect workers and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the job.
“Our first priority is that employees we represent are safe to do their jobs and will not be penalized for getting sick,” said Jon Schleuss, NewsGuild president. “Employers must create an environment that encourages open communication, where employees can ask questions and make decisions to prioritize their health and safety.”
Guild locals and staff are questioning employers about the procedures they have established.
Questions include whether safety protocols have been established, whether and how employees have been informed of the protocols, and whether procedures have been established for employees to report symptoms or exposure to the virus.
In addition, union reps are asking management how pay will be handled in cases where employees are exposed to the virus, test positive for the virus or are quarantined, and whether employees will be permitted to opt out of high-risk assignments without fear of discipline or reprisals of any kind.
For additional information about specific questions union officers should submit, contact Lou Grieco at lgrieco@cwa-union.org.
More information:
Symptoms – CDC
How to protect yourself – CDC
Steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick – CDC
Coronavirus map: Tracking the spread of the outbreak – New York Times