Brothers & Sisters,
This week has been unprecedented for our District. All four states with members under our representation now have “stay-at-home” orders.
After conference calls with each affiliated Local Lodge, it holds that the vast majority of our members are classified “essential,” and continue to return to work.
Our staff has served all employers with information requests and notification of your right to bargain over the changes in working conditions due to COVID-19. Many employers were proactive in implementing safety policies regarding COVID-19. After our communications, we saw an immediate transition from employers who had nothing in place, to supplying hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, etc., and introducing new policies.
For our members impacted by “non-essential” short closures, we are monitoring the situation and in contact with your employers.
Below you will find resources for the IAM Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Union Plus, and information regarding Ohio and West Virginia Primary Election Voting Information and Legislative Updates.
Wishing you and your family safety and good health.
In Solidarity,
T. Dean Wright, Jr.
President & Directing Business Representative
There are resources available to you during this time:
“The IAM recognizes this is a stressful time for many IAM members, staff and family members due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The IAM Employee Assistance and Addiction Services Program stands ready to assist members, staff and their families during this tough period.
As with any large scale event such as this we face many challenges. In conjunction with this occurrence we face the familiar list of continuing problems associated with, but not limited to; substance abuse and addictions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, financial hardship and socioeconomic issues. All of these are serious matters that can cause problems by worsening the situation and negatively impacting the quality of life for many of our members.”
IAM EAP Services can be accessed by emailing iameap@iamaw.org or by calling 301-335-0735.
IAM Addiction Services can be reached by calling 1-888-250-4IAM (4426).
Union Plus offers Hardship Help benefits. That’s financial, homeowner and healthcare assistance for union members and families.
Check it out here: https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/union-plus-hardship-help-benefits
OHIO PRIMARY ELECTION & HOW TO VOTE:
The Ohio General Assembly has put in place a plan that will allow Ohioans to continue voting until April 28.
Voting will be conducted by absentee mail-in ballots.
To request your ballot:
1) Call your county board of elections
OR
2) Fill out your form online at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-ballot/
After you fill out the request online, you have to put the completed form in an envelope with correct postage and mail it to your county board of elections.
Request a Vote-By-Mail Absentee Ballot here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-ballot/
County Board of Elections Information: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-officials/county-boards-of-elections-directory/
Ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on April 28, or postmarked on or before April 27 and received by May 8 to count.
Voters with disabilities and those who are unable to receive mail may cast ballots in person at their county voting center on April 28.
Don’t lose your voice! Vote!
WEST VIRGINIA PRIMARY ELECTION DATES:
April 21, 2020 – Deadline to register to vote
April 29 – May 9, 2020 – Early Voting at the county courthouse, annex or designated community voting location during normal business hours and Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
May 6, 2020 – Deadline to request an absentee ballot for all voters.
May 5, 2020 – May 11, 2020 – Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot published in local newspapers throughout the state (publication dates will vary by county).
May 11, 2020 – Deadline to hand-deliver Absentee Ballot to County Clerk’s office.
May 12, 2020 – Primary Election Day
May 13, 2020 – Absentee Ballots without postmark accepted.
May 18, 2020 – (Canvass) – Absentee Ballot postmarked by Election Day accepted if received by start of Canvass.
WV Voter information can be found here: https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/GoVoteWV.aspx
Legislative Update:
EMERGENCY PAID SICK LEAVE ACT:
Effective April 1, 2020, the Federal Government authorized paid sick leave in certain circumstances. The Department of Labor will be issuing regulations which will give further clarity to what the law requires and Congress is considering additional relief packages which may supplement this new law.
Find attached a link to the International’s summary of what the law requires as of March 20, 2020: https://www.goiam.org/news/emergency-paid-sick-leave-act/
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act:
Effective April 1, 2020, the Federal Government amended the FMLA to provide for increased coverage for certain employees. The government also separately authorized paid sick leave; however, when it comes to FMLA, the pay component is actually limited to childcare responsibilities caused by Covid-19. Further, it is anticipated that the Department of Labor will be issuing regulations which will give further clarity to what the law requires and Congress is considering additional relief packages which may supplement this new law.
Find attached a link to the International’s summary of what the law requires as of March 20, 2020: https://www.goiam.org/news/emergency-family-and-medical-leave-expansion-act/
