Your Union is committed to providing a safe and healthy work enviroment and takes the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. We understand that this State and National Emergency is creating a lot of concern over not only our health but our day to day routine. The following statement was released by Strattec on Thursday March 12 by Dian Fellows:
All:
In response to the mounting concern about the COVID-19 or "coronavirus", we wish to reassure you that we are following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations' guidance carefully to monitor the global and location situations. With that in mind, please note the following:
In the absence of a vaccine, we must all follow preventative measures to protect ourselves, our families and our workplace. Please follow the following preventative measures:
Check https://www.cdc.gov/ for up-to-date guidance and travel restrictions for traveling for personal or business reasons.
Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with un-santitized hands.
Stay at home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately dispose of tissue. Do not reuse.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including your phone. If you are traveling by plane, bring wipes to clean things like armrests, air nozzles and tray tables.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Please let your supervisor know if you have traveled outside the US or have had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the virus in the past 30 days. Currently there are 4 countries that the CDC recommends for self isolation for returning travelers: China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.
In Milwaukee, all visitor entrances except the east entrance will be closed and all visitors MUST fill out a form with Security that notifies us of any contact or exposure to the virus. Anyone who has been in contact will be denied entrance to our facilities.
All business travel to China, Italy, South Korea and Iran will be limited or restricted.
If you are sick, stay home.
Maintenance/janitorial crews will be regularly sanitizing surfaces, door handles, doors, railings and other commonly used surfaces. Hand sanitizers are available from the Crib. Sanitizing wipes are on back order.
Please be assured that we will continue to monitor the situations and address future concerns as appropriate.
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SINCE THE EMAIL, WISCONSIN GOVERNOR TONY EVERS HAS SHUT DOWN ALL WISCONSIN SCHOOLS AND PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS DECLARED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY. THE UNION POSED THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ON BEHALF OF OUR MEMBERS TO THE COMPANY:
What should I do if I have symptoms that could be Covid-19 related (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) until drive through testing is available?
Company Answer: Consult a doctor via urgent care or the virtual visit. Do not come to work until you are cleared. Bring a note from the dr. clearing you or if diagnosis is the virus. Please notify us if you are diagnosed so that we can notify others.
Will I be pointed for absences related to self-isolation if I or a family member in my house has symptoms of Covid-19?
Company Answer: You can use vacation, a point or a Personal Leave.
* Union information: Article 7, Section 4, "Attendance/Tardy Policy", Subsection 3 on page 15 of our CBA states that consecutive days off for the same verified illness will be considered as a single incident of absence rather than a daily absence and only one (1) point will be assessed for the entire absence provided that the employee supplies satisfactory medical certification.....
* Union information: Article 16, Section 1 "Personal Leaves" on page 50 of our CBA states that the Company in its discretion and on a non-precedent setting basis will provide personal leaves of absence for up to six (6) weeks subject to an extension for a like period, upon the presentation of good and sufficient reason for such leaves of absence or extensions thereof.....Should the Company deny an employee's request for a personal leave of absence or an adoption leave, the emplyee shall have the right to request an immediate meeting between the Union and the Company to resolve the issue.
With hospitals being overcrowded and not wanting to go into an environment where I could come in contact with a person infected with Covid-19 how can I get a medical excuse to show my employer that I am ill?
Company Answer: Virtual visits are available through UHC or many local medical groups and you can ask for an excuse.
* Union Info: You can click this LINK to view the information for Virual Visits provided by UHC. If you have a different health care provider please reach out to them as there are many options available.
If I do contract Covid-19 or am ill for a period of 8 days or more, will I be paid while I am unable to work?
Company Answer: You may apply for FML and/or STD.
* Union Info: To apply for FMLA or Short Term Disability Notify HR and/or your supervisor of your absence. Call United Healthcare at 866-556-8298 and complete and fax any necessary forms to UHC at 866-334-0985
* Union Info: Article 22 "Weekly Disability" starting on page 68 states that after six months of seniority as a full-time emplyee shall become eligible for weekly disability benifits (STD), subject to the terms and conditions set forth....Effective September 16, 2019 the amount benefit is $405 per week...To be entitled to benefits, an employee must be totally diabled from performing work. For emplyees with less than 5 years seniority, the maximum period of benefits for a continuous disability is 13 weeks. For employees with more than 5 years...its 26 weeks.... Benefits are payable beginning with the 8th day of disability due to disease. However, benefits ar epayable beginning with the 1st day on which you are confined in a hospital for a period of at least 24 hours.
Will I be allowed to have time off to care for a family member suspected of having Covid-19? Would that qualify under FMLA if I am eligible?
Company Answer: Yes if qualified.
* Union Info: To apply for FMLA or Short Term Disability Notify HR and/or your supervisor of your absence. Call United Healthcare at 866-556-8298 and complete and fax any necessary forms to UHC at 866-334-0985
Now that schools are closed until April 6th (estimated as of 3/13/2020 per Governor Evers) what can I do if I need time off for child care?
Answer: Use vacation or apply for a Personal Leave.
* Union information: Article 16, Section 1 "Personal Leaves" on page 50 of our CBA states that the Company in its discretion and on a non-precedent setting basis will provide personal leaves of absence for up to six (6) weeks subject to an extension for a like period, upon the presentation of good and sufficient reason for such leaves of absence or extensions thereof.....Should the Company deny an employee's request for a personal leave of absence or an adoption leave, the emplyee shall have the right to request an immediate meeting between the Union and the Company to resolve the issue.
Can I flex my hours each day now that day cares and after school programs are closed, until my spouse can watch my child(ren)?
Company Answer: We will consider your request depending on business needs.
* Union Info: Article 8 "Hours of Work" Section 9 on page 21 states ....The Union will be notified by the Company of any one (1) hour shift start time bariance agreed to by an employee. It is understood that thtere may be special operations which due to the characteristics of the job or temporary conditions that may require that a shift be scheduled at a start time which varies from that above.
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Please reach out to a Union Representative if you have any questions or if you would like representation when disclosing your situation to the company. We are here to provide any support we can, especially in this time of crisis. The in plant office number is 414-247-3458
