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Temporary Layoff / Furlough  FAQ

What is the effective date of the temporary layoff / furlough?

The first day of the temporary layoff/furlough will be 11P.M. Sunday April 19, 2020. The anticipated return to work date is Monday May 4, 2020.  

Will I be paid while on temporary / furlough layoff?

The temporary layoff period is unpaid. However:

• Employees may elect to use any accrued PTO (vacation time).
  • Hourly and salary employees may apply for unemployment benefits through the State of West Virginia.

Will my benefits continue?

To ensure the health and well-being of you and your family, we will continue company paid health benefits during the temporary layoff effective dates noted above. Company paid benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Regular employee contributions will accrue during the layoff period.

Will I continue to accrue PTO while on temporary layoff?

We will continue to follow our paid time off policy during the temporary layoff period. If you are in an unpaid status during the layoff period, you will not be eligible to accrue paid time off.

Will I be eligible to apply for unemployment during the temporary layoff period?

Yes, you will be eligible to apply for unemployment with the State of West Virginia. You may find more information at https://workforcewv.org/unemployment.

Who may I contact with questions during the temporary layoff period?

You may contact Greg Gaynor, Human Resources Manager at 304-989-1818 with any questions you may have.

Will I have access to Employee Assistance Program Benefits during my temporary layoff?

Yes, you will have access to Employee Assistance Program Benefits (Liberty Mutual) during your temporary 

April 18, 2020

Dear Fellow Employees,

As you are all aware, SMC Huntington, Burnaugh and Elkhart Operations are critical suppliers to numerous essential customers in the Defense, Aerospace and Energy markets.  As such, we have continued to operate during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.  Despite our many precautionary measures, the impact of the virus on our workforce has escalated to the point that we must make an immediate change to protect our employees. I’m sorry to inform you that it has become necessary to temporarily suspend operations and reduce the workforce through hourly layoff and salaried furlough.  Due to the rapid escalation of cases impacting operations, the Company is regrettably unable to give you more notice.

Details of the temporary layoff/furlough are as follows:

• Lay off / Furlough Starts:       Monday, April 20, 2020
• Return to Work Date:             Monday, May 4, 2020

As of a result of these actions you may be immediately eligible for Unemployment Insurance.  During the furlough/layoff period employees may use any accrued Paid Time Off available to them.  There are employees that, due to the critical nature of their roles, will be contacted by their manager to work some or all of this shutdown period.

We thank you for all your continued contributions you make to our company and look forward to seeing you on Monday, May 4.

If we can offer any assistance or any questions you may have during the temporary layoff you may contact Human Resources. Contact information is included in the attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet.  If you exhibit any signs, symptoms or are tested for COVID-19 during this period please call the COVID Hotline number (304) 526-5000.

Sincerely

Ken McMillen