3/25/2020 Business Manager Message - (3/25/2020)

March 25th, 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

LOCAL 467 REMAINS OPEN TO SERVE YOU
We're working to maintain 'business as usual’ during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Your patience is appreciated.  The Local 467 union office, training facility, and benefits office are temporarily closed to visitors to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The health and safety of Local 467 members and staff is our top priority.  We're in the office following health and social distancing guidelines and, in some cases, working remotely providing member services.  

We're in continuous contact with government agencies, the United Association, legal counsel, local and state building trades labor councils, and affiliated unions to keep the flow of information as up to date as possible to keep our responses as universal and consistent through these times.  Working with our benefits advisors and trustees, we're exploring options of how Local 467 can offer enhanced benefits to help ease any financial burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Local 467 apprenticeship and training department is also dedicated to continue providing apprentices a path to advance their training through remote online training.  The tentative start for spring semester remote online training is Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

MEETINGS
After careful consideration and following direction from the San Mateo County Health and the United Association, all Local 467 membership, officers, executive board, delegates, examining board, and joint labor-management apprenticeship & training meetings are canceled until further notice.

SHELTER IN PLACE
San Mateo County Health issued the order on March 16, 2020 directing everyone to shelter at their place of residence (stay home) except to provide or receive essential services, engage in certain essential activities, and work for essential businesses and governmental services.  These measures have successfully proven to reduce the spread of the virus in other regions, so it's important to respect the order.  The order went in effect March 17, 2020 12:01am and continues through April 7, 2020 11:59pm.  Read the order in its entirety here.  If you have questions regarding the order, call San Mateo County Health at 211.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The following are excerpts from the the March 16, 2020 San Mateo County “Shelter in Place” order that may apply to Local 467 office staff and members.  The same order was issued by all other San Francisco Bay Area counties:

10. Definitions and Exemptions.
10.a. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.”  But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.

10.c. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.

10.f. For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;

10.g. For the purposes of this Order, “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations;

10.g.i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions.

10.g.ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.

10.j. For purposes of this Order, “Social Distancing Requirements” includes maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.

Many Local 467 members’ work and jobs are exempt.  However, construction workers who choose not to work due to COVID-19 will not be punished for doing so.  Furthermore, construction customers and construction employers may choose to stop certain construction activities.

COVID-19 TESTING
You don't need to be tested for COVID-19 if you aren't showing symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and dry cough.  If you are concerned that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider first before going in, as you need an appointment to get tested. COVID-19 tests are only available by a doctor's order for high-risk patients who meet specific criteria.  If your doctor determines a COVID-19 test is needed, there will be no costs related to screening or testing.

HEALTH PLAN PHONE NUMBERS

Kaiser Permanente HMO
(866) 454-8855

Anthem Blue Cross PPO
(866) 670-1565

LOCAL 467 SERVICES PHONE NUMBERS

Membership
(650) 692-4730

Apprenticeship & Training
(650) 692-4730

Health Insurance
(408) 288-4455

Retirement
(408) 288-4557

COVID-19 is uncharted waters for Local 467, but I have no doubt we'll face the challenges ahead and come out at the other end, better and stronger.  I hope you and your family stays safe and follows health and social distancing guidelines.  Please stay in contact with your union brothers and sisters and help them out when needed, especially our retirees.  Most importantly, stay strong for your loved ones and keep them safe through these challenging times.

Best wishes for good health and continued resilience.

In solidarity,


Mark Burri
Business Manager

Show All News Headlines