Winter is not coming. It’s already here.
Due to the high volume of COVID-19 exposure in several government agencies, our union has compiled a list of actions to be taken by locals in the event of a COVID-19 exposure on the worksite.
Here are 13 steps you can take to put pressure on your employer to protect the workforce:
- File an OSHA complaint at the Federal level at https://www.osha.gov/contactus/bystate. It can be done anonymously.
- File a CDC complaint with a request for a CDC team inspection at https://www.cdc.gov/contact/index.htm or call 800-232-4636 and advise them of the confirmed case at your location. Get their name, title, and what action they will be taking.
- Call the governor’s office and inform them of the agency’s negligence. Request that their office get involved and explain that the potential spread of COVID-19 is running high in the community. Contact your state governor at https://www.usa.gov/state-governor.
- Notify your Council and NVP/NR
- Set up a conference call with all the affected employees. The call would advise the employees on how to proceed with their Workers Compensation Cases and safety. Loop in your NR.
- Demand the agency begin contact tracing, and notify exposed employees, vendors, contractor, and members of the public.
- Demand to bargain as a COVID-19 outbreak has a substantial impact on conditions of employment. Bargaining guidance may be found here.
- Call congressional representatives and the senators in your state to inform them of the failure the agency has made in containing the virus. Contact your elected officials at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.
- Pressure the facility to provide sufficient PPE at the facility. Guidance may be found here.
- Engage in best practices as a potential whistleblower, including following guidance and enlisting assistance from AFGE General Counsel. Contact the General Counsel Office at (202) 639-6415.
- Rally for community support. Guidance may be found here.
- Everyone who is exposed and infected should call OSHA, CDC, and congressional leadership and seek a workers comp claim if it is work related.
- Call your state Health Department and advise them that you have a case in your agency.
For additional AFGE guidance on COVID-19, click here.
