Dear Members,
In light of the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 virus and what has now been confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, a statewide emergency by Governor Baker in Massachusetts (not yet in Vermont or New Hampshire), and what we know now in terms of the need to inhibit outbreak versus all that we do not yet know, your Union will play an important role in clarifying protocols, precautionary measures, sick leave, paid leave in the event of closure or reduced work hours, and pushing employers to respond humanely to the crisis in ways that protect the health and welfare of workers and our communities. Each servicing rep is working to identify and address the concerns specific to each workplace. Please share your issues and concerns with us: COVID-19 Workplace Survey
The safety of our members is paramount to us in the face of this and we are committed to continuing to advocate for our members during this public health crisis and continue to build our power as workers with the right to join this fight for the common good. We are especially concerned for our members and families who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and the disruptions it may cause.
UAW 2322 leadership and staff are reaching out to members to find out what employers have already communicated thus far, and we are contacting employers and reviewing existing contract language (which generally does not anticipate a pandemic) to find out what plans are in place or are being made which have not yet been communicated to workers. We expect that there will be appropriate safety protocols implemented in every single 2322 workplace to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Further, the special circumstances and the unknown scope of what will happen in terms of workplace closures/reduced hours, childcare closures, K-12 closures, etc. demands special dynamic consideration and measures as the situation develops in our region.
Other workers around the country have pressured employers to implement policies for expanded paid leave, relaxing absence issues, telecommuting and working from home, and maintaining pay even if hours are reduced. Labor unions and workers’ rights organizations are fighting for state and federal policies to greatly expand paid leave, healthcare access, and resources for workers during this time.
Out of an abundance of caution in reducing the spread of COVID-19, as a local, we are suspending nonessential meetings and gatherings, holding meetings via Zoom, and telecommuting where feasible. Given this, our physical office hours shall be curtailed indefinitely. We will be checking our office voicemail regularly, nonetheless, the best way to reach us is via email. You are also welcome to use the local’s Zoom account to host online meetings with your co-workers.
We hope we won’t have to cancel the “It’s Almost Spring!” Party for UAW 2322 members and family on April 1st. We are following expert guidance very closely and will send regular updates.
For more resources on COVID-19 and workplace responses, the national AFL-CIO has a good collection here: https://aflcio.org/covid-19
While we should heed the advice to remain physically distant from one another, let us not fall into isolation. Please stay in touch with all of your feedback, questions, and concerns. This will not break our collective spirit.
In Solidarity,
UAW 2322 Staff