This evening the Scarsdale School District announced that it will be closed for at least one week after a faculty member tested positive for COVID-19. This step was taken out of an abundance of caution, after consultation with the NYS Department of Health.
As school districts and other employers begin to contemplate emergency plans in anticipation of a Coronavirus emergency, I want you to know that NYSUT is convening a statewide COVID workgroup to examine the situation and develop recommendations, guidance and resources for all locals.
The workgroup will have its first meeting on Monday in headquarters. In the meantime, we recommend the following for all locals awaiting the statewide guidance:
- Review your contract to identify any contract language that is relevant to this situation. Also check what your district’s emergency plan has to say.
- Follow the normal health procedures and precautions that would be used in any infectious disease outbreak.
- Meet with the superintendent and be clear that the union expects to be included in any discussions and a party to any decisions made.
- Make clear to the superintendent that, UNLESS MANDATED BY STATE LAW OR EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY, ANY TEMPORARY ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY THE DISTRICT THAT IMPACT CONTRACTUAL WORKING CONDITIONS MUST BE NEGOTIATED WITH THE UNION AND SET FORTH IN AN MOA THAT SHALL NOT CONSITUTE A PRECEDENT IN ANY FUTURE SITUATIONS AND SHALL BE SPECIFIC AS TO WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN, TO WHOM THEY WILL APPLY, AND WHEN SUCH MEASURES WILL SUNSET.
- Convene your local’s Health & Safety Committee (if you don’t have one, this is a good time to create one).
- Coordinate with other bargaining units even if they are not NYSUT affiliates.
- Immediately inform your LRS of any actions contemplated, proposed or planned by your district/employer.
We will continue to provide you with updates as the situation unfolds.
