4/9/2020
Corona Virus Update
Company Hotline for COVID 19 is 877 342 3908
The Union and the Company met yesterday at 2pm as scheduled. Once again, there were no additional exposures to the Virus reported today, the employees that have been out on self-quarantine with pay should be returning to work early next week once they clear through the Company medical staff.
The manufacture of medical equipment in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale will begin soon, the bargaining unit members have been identified who will be performing this work, it was also reported that face shields will be manufactured in building 182. The union will continue to monitor this effort with the company.
The Union stressed the importance of better disclosure with regards to locations in the plant where possible exposures occurred. Labor Relations and legal will review, we are still waiting for their response.
It was reported that hand sanitizers and masks have arrived, check with your management about the masks, especially if the 6ft distance cannot be maintained. In the meantime, it is advisable to use a personal cloth mask as was written here earlier in the week.
Management has also been briefed on communicating the same message and including changes to company policy that occur as we all learn more. The Company stated that the intentions are to have a safe environment at work – your safety comes first.
The monthly safety meeting was held earlier today and some of the specific issues of concern were discussed; the efficacy of the chemicals being used. The disinfectants are being changed to an Isopropyl Alcohol based cleaner/disinfectant, the union requested data sheets to review. The Safety Committee will follow up with the company after reviewing the new data, both chemicals kill the COVID-19 virus. There has been concern about the air showers which contain heppa filtration – they will be turned off.
The committee expressed your concerns for added compensation; the company is not considering it at this time. There have also been rumors about the Union shutting down the facility – there is no truth to these rumors – if you hear them, we want to know about it.
Remember the following:
- If you feel sick, stay home and call the hotline number above
- Social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between you and others when possible including lunch & breaks
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Try not to touch your face or your eyes
- For those who are not sick and don’t feel comfortable at work, discuss this with your manager and take time off – Unpaid or using Paid Absence Leave or Vacation, if approved
The process for those who don’t feel well is to call the Hotline and discuss how you feel. If you are directed to self-quarantine, a notice will be sent to your manager and your labor relations business partner.
Your input has been valuable; please continue to pass it on to your stewards, Dimas Resendez, David Johnson, Kimberlee Hamilton Alarcon, Brian Babcock and Rod Thole. Bulletins will also be posted on LL2228 website www.iamll2228.org
All these actions and more are how we are going to keep the locations safe and healthy. We will keep generating these bulletins to keep you all informed.
Fraternally,
Kevin Lee
klee@iam725.org
408 829 4563
