Alaska State Employees Association Alaska State Employees Association Alaska State Employees Association Alaska State Employees Association

ASEA Worksite Meetings - Q&As

Details

COVID-19/Families First 

What is the status of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) exemption for DHSS employees?

  • On May 7, 2020, Commissioner Adam Crum sent a message to DHSS employees that they were not eligible for leave under the FFCRA but that they would continue to be eligible for paid COVID-19 sick leave for those needing to quarantine, testing positive, or experiencing symptoms. In a letter to the Commissioner, ASEA Executive Director Jake Metcalfe described the exemption for all DHSS employees as being too broad, unnecessary, and unfair. The Administration has been unwilling to meet with ASEA around issues related to COVID-19, including this one.
  • See also:

 

COVID-19/Communications

The Administration’s messaging is that the virus is unable to travel over workstation walls and that everyone knows what 6' looks like and if you stay in your workstation you don't have to wear a mask... how can we respond to this communication and information with awareness about aerosol transmission, etc?

 

COVID-19/Employee status and benefits

On-call employees are asked to take on more than the contract asks. We come to work sick because we have to meet certain hours to move to long-term nonpermanent (LTNP) later even though we were hired for 40+ hours a week. We don't get benefits like paid time off (PTO) and many have not received training. What are some remedies or options for employees in this circumstance?

 

COVID-19/Financial challenges and assistance

Please help us understand how we move forward with financial challenges of the state and the challenges of COVID-19. The desire is to remain strong in our advocacy yet balance with the limited resources.

  • This question has several answers:
    • If taken to ask about the big picture of balancing expensive protections against the value of public services, budgetary concerns follow a fiscal cycle that is balanced between the Administration’s goals and Legislative will. The extra expense to provide programs, services and support at this time should be minimal in the long game of meeting the needs of Alaska’s industries, communities and families.
    • If you need additional financial to support yourself during this time, contact 211 for community resources
    • Anchorage Chapter members can contact the Solidarity Assistance Program here https://www.afscmelocal52.org/solidarity-assistance-program
  • Join the ASEA Political Action Committee (PAC), authorization forms here: https://www.afscmelocal52.org/pac/pac-directors

 

COVID-19/Health coverage

What health coverage and pay are available to employees who have contracted COVID-19 at the workplace?

  • Workers Compensation should apply if the employee is infected through the workplace.
  • Anyone who is eligible for coverage under the ASEA Health Trust will be covered for testing, doctor’s visits, and treatment under the regular medical plan provisions. Participants with questions should contact the trust administrator, (866) 553-8206
  • To address administrative paid leave: Check with the State to determine qualifications for paid Administrative leave as it relates to COVID-19.
  • See also:

Do employees need to prove they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace for coverage?

If we learn that someone has tested positive for COVID-19 and were recently in a workplace that I/we work in, what rights to a safe workplace are supported by our union?

 

COVID-19/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What are our options when we have been given no professional or disposable PPE for those of us working in-house?

 

COVID-19/Telework

What are the steps needed to work remotely from a different location other than our home?

  • Part of this answer depends on the requested telework location and the employee’s eligibility for telework. Members are encouraged to work with their supervisor, who in turn should be working with HR. Members are encouraged to work with your ASEA Steward or Business Agent to address any complications that arise.

What options are available to employees that are eligible to telework but not supported by their supervisors in terms of equipment accommodations, etc.?

  • There is a class action grievance that has been filed that members can join if it applies to your situation. This particular situation will be added to that class action grievance at the next level. In the meantime, members are encouraged to work with your supervisor where possible and to contact your ASEA Steward or Business Agent for assistance if your supervisor refuses to assist you.

 

COVID-19/Testing

Members in Fairbanks are concerned about cases of COVID-19 in non-state-owned buildings. Childcare licensing, DPA Fraud, etc., are in office spaces leased from private owners. Do we know if there are protocols or notice requirements if someone in a non-state office tests positive in the building? Do we have any way to control masking in the non-state-leased spaces?

  • Right now, the GGU contract does not have any language concerning masks—but there is language about safe work environments. If you feel your work environment is not safe, contact your ASEA Steward or Business Agent right away to see if another remedy is available.
  • If you are eligible to telework but are being denied, try to work with your supervisor and HR. If they refuse to work with you, contact your ASEA Steward and Business Agent to see if other arrangements can be made.
  • This may require a legislative fix to coordinate public health mandates with landlord and tenant responsibilities.

 

COVID-19/Travel

What is the current protocol for when employees can return to work who have recently traveled out of state?

  • Health Mandate 010 addresses Interstate and International Travel. The mandate states that all travelers returning from out of state with negative test (within 72 hours of travel) results must still follow strict social distancing for 14 days after arriving in Alaska.
  • The DHSS Travel Update FAQ states that those waiting for results will need to self-quarantine until your test result is returned and that you must still follow strict physical distancing for 14 days or until a second negative test is taken and received within 7-14 days of arrival.

 

COVID-19/Workplace Safety

Is there any follow up on the meeting with the legislature and the safety concerns with the safety in the office and being forced to come back into the office without safety protocols?

  • If you have a concern, share them. Involve your ASEA Steward or Business Agent when needed!
  • ASEA continues to request labor-management meetings for more regular communication with the State. The Administration continues to stall and delay these efforts. If you are in a situation that you feel is unsafe, and your supervisor will not address it, contact your ASEA Steward or Business Agent immediately!
  • ASEA members are always encouraged to contact your legislators to share concerns you might have. Make sure you do this on your personal time and on your personal devices. You are encouraged to include ASEA HQ on your emails so that ASEA is aware of them and can help you in your advocacy and effort to find a solution.

 

Administration, Budget, and Politics

What's the union's stance on the recent executive order deferring taxes? Have there been any conversations with the administration about this?

  • ASEA has not taken a position because it is our understanding that this proposal has little support from either party in congress. That’s because most Republicans and Democrats agree it isn’t going to help the economy or people. In the end, it simply sticks workers with a huge tax bill later on. Experts also say deferring taxes will also hurt programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

When is the next legislative session?

  • The First Regular Session of the 32nd Legislature begins on January 19 (the third Tuesday in January).

Often budget-cutting processes look for big sweeping cuts, but ASEA members might see where small cuts here and there add up to significant reductions without loss of services to the public or harm to ASEA members—what is the best way to share this information with legislators?

  • ASEA members can share incredibly useful information like this and are encouraged to contact your legislators and/or Finance Committee members on your personal time and on your personal devices. When you do, please consider copying This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can follow up with you and support your advocacy. Feel free to contact ASEA or legislative aides in your legislator’s office with questions related to providing testimony to legislators

How do we join/participate in the ASEA PAC?

  • All members in good standing (including retirees) are welcome to observe and become voluntary members. You must submit your interest in becoming a PAC member to a PAC Director and observe two PAC meetings before becoming a voting member of the ASEA PAC. For more information, visit our website: About the ASEA PAC.

Are Union Dues contributed to political candidates or political issues?

  • NO! You can see a breakdown of how union dues are used on our website: Where do your dues go? ASEA has a Political Action Committee (PAC). The ASEA PAC is made up of ASEA members, retirees, staff, and friends of ASEA. The ASEA PAC pools members’ voluntary contributions and donates funds to campaigns for or against state and local candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. No funds from the PAC go towards federal or out-of-state races.

There is a discussion of State Departments reorganizing in the face of the state's budget crisis. Reducing unnecessary layers of middle management would help this while preserving ASEA members who are on the front lines doing the work. Can we survey ASEA members for these suggestions?

  • ASEA members are always encouraged to contact legislators about ideas you have for state government and government funding. For more information about tips for contacting lawmakers, contact ASEA or legislative aides in your legislator’s office.
  • Please include This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in your communications so we can help you in your advocacy!
  • A survey is always a possibility and will be considered as an option.

 

Relationship with other Unions

Regarding relationships with other unions: Year after year, it seems like other unions are taking away educational opportunities away from ASEA employees. How to diplomatically address this situation?

  • ASEA is proud to have good working relationships with other unions and of the benefits ASEA and AFSCME have to offer. We are always looking to improve our member services and benefits. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if there are specific educational or training programs you wish to join.