COVID-19 Update #4: Feeling Symptomatic? Stay Home!
We wanted to let our members know that there have been confirmed cases of workplace exposure to COVID-19 within our bargaining unit (at Marquam Hill). The cause is being thoroughly investigated, however this highlights that it is an absolute necessity that you stay home if you are having any respiratory symptoms and let your supervisor know. It will be determined if you need to be tested for COVID-19 and whether you have the option to work from home.
From a public-health standpoint, it’s beyond reckless to come to work if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. There’s also zero financial incentive to come to work if you’re symptomatic – if you’re staying home due to COVID-19 symptoms, you’re getting paid.
That’s because, under the CARES Act, as of March 30, if you miss work because of COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be paid for up to 14 days. If you have time in your sick bank, it won’t be touched until after these 14 days have been used.
In these trying times, it has never been clearer that OHSU works because we do. Much of that work is powered by the bravery shown every day by our peers on the front lines of health care, whether as a food service worker or room-service associate who makes sure patients get their needed nutrition, as an EVS employee who keeps rooms clean and safe for patients or as one of our many employees providing hands-on patient care — respiratory therapists, physical therapists, MAs, CNAs and so many more. We salute you and thank you. Our thanks extend to our represented employees who are working from home to help keep OHSU running.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. It brings not only worries about our health of that of families, but significant financial anxiety and what is likely a new level of workplace stress. As such, there are a few things we want to make sure you’re aware of.
We want to stress the importance of self-care and highlight resources that are available. OHSU has posted a wealth of information, which can be found here. We strongly agree with Dr. Jacobs that utilizing counseling when needed is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. Due to a 2019 decision of the Employee Benefits Council, copays for counseling are only $10 per session. This is in addition to the three free sessions offered by OHSU’s employee-assistance program; OHSU’s partners at Cascade Centers are able to set you up with a counselor who’s doing telehealth appointments, so there’s no reason to wait if you need to talk with someone. You may call Moda Health EAP services for assistance at (800) 826-9231.
AFSCME Local 328 represents more than 7,000 workers (in 300 different job classifications), including many who don’t speak English as a first language and many who don’t use a computer in a typical work day. Please help us share the word. If you have a coworker who has questions and would like to speak with our union via a translator, please contact us — we’re happy to set that up.
We’re going to get through this, and we’re going to get through it together. Please check out our page of COVID-19 resources. If you have any workplace concerns, have a true financial hardship that requires financial assistance, or have any other questions related to COVID-19, please call our AFSCME SMART Center at (844) 758-6466.