Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
January 20, 2021
Brothers and Sisters,
For some 10 months now, we have endured the painful loss of friends and family without the opportunity to say farewell; unable to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and the milestones of accomplishment. All the while we watched as the infections spread and the death toll rose.
The New Year brought news of FDA approval for several COVID-19 vaccines that would finally bring an end to this nightmare. That was the good news. We have hope.
We also have millions of our brothers and sisters of all ages and in all stages of life who want and need to be vaccinated. And the supply cannot meet the demand. In response, the government has established guidelines for the distribution of the vaccine. Please visit your local government’s website for more information.
Examples of websites in the tri-state area are as follows:
- New York: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
- New York City: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/locations
- New Jersey: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
- Connecticut: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/covid-19%20vaccinations
- Pennsylvania: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
Officials across all branches of government have worked to expand the distribution of the vaccine. We are currently working with the state and city governments and local healthcare facilities to join in that effort and hopefully will be able to deliver the vaccine to our members at our union offices.
Nothing is definite, but we are hopeful. You will be notified if we are successful.
As always, the health and safety of our members and your families is our primary obligation.
In Solidarity,
Kuba J. Brown
FAQs
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Generally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period due to:
- the birth, adoption, or placement with you for adoption of a child;
- to provide care for a spouse, child, or parent who is seriously ill; or
- your own serious illness.
You are generally eligible for a leave under the FMLA if you:
- have worked for the same Contributing Employer for at least 12 months;
- have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months; and
- work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed by the Contributing Employer within 75 miles.
If you would like more information in regards to this please visit the FMLA section of the DOL website or contact your Business Representative.