March 23: Governor’s Stay Home Order and Leave Updates

March 23, 2020

Good Afternoon,

This morning, Governor Whitmer issued the Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives Order, directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life for the next 3 weeks.

The governor has ordered all Michiganders to stay in their homes unless:

  • They’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce
  • Engaged in an outdoor activity
  • Performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store

This is an unprecedented step and I’m sure it has created even more questions for each of you and your family.

First, as a WCRC employee, you are classified as a “critical infrastructure worker” under state and federal guidance. The tasks we do every day help sustain critical infrastructure for emergency responders, those delivering essential supplies and others responding directly to this public health emergency.

With the governor’s order, the Washtenaw County Road Commission will remain open, but we will be working differently starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Employees Working in the Field

  • Each employee has been assigned to one vehicle to work in.
  • Sharing of vehicles and equipment should be avoided whenever possible. If sharing is required, cleaning supplies are provided to disinfect before and after each use.
  • At the end of each shift, all WCRC vehicles should be parked outside of buildings whenever possible.
  • Each day, employees should report directly to their assigned vehicle. Do not congregate in your supervisor’s office or other shared space.
  • We have suspended the use of shared kiosks, effective March 23. Employees’ daily time log, inventory, etc. will be entered by your foreman.
  • Supervisors are prioritizing work assignments to reduce person-to-person interaction, they will be postponing tasks whenever possible that require multiple people.
  • Social distancing should always be practiced. We will be sending out a sign shortly that you can keep in your truck to display in your window if approached by the public while in the field.

Employees Working in the Main Yard and SESC Shop

  • In order to reduce equipment sharing for our mechanics at the main yard and SESC, we are repurposing two kiosks to be used by mechanics as needed.
  • Access to the shop for supplies continues to be restricted to supervisors only.
  • The shop is exploring options to receive critical deliveries while limiting person-to-person contact.

Office Staff

  • If you are working from home, you are expected to continue working remotely.
  • If you must come into the office, limit your visits to what is only absolutely necessary and practice social distancing if you must interact with any co-worker.

Construction Projects

  • Per state and federal guidelines, construction projects fall under “essential” services.
  • Our state and federally funded projects will continue as scheduled unless further guidance is provided by MDOT.
  • Projects funded by the Michigan Transportation Fund will continue to be scheduled per the discretion of WCRC senior management.
  • Social distancing should be practiced by everyone on a jobsite, including interactions with the public.

As tough as it is, all employees need to stop our regular “communal practices” like shared coffee pots, candy bowls, eating in lunchrooms, etc.

If you have questions about any of these changes, check-in with your supervisor.

Childcare

The governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order may result in the closure of your regular childcare facility. If this is the case, as a “critical infrastructure worker”, you are eligible to access “essential service childcare” facilities that were designated by the governor. To get connected to these facilities, fill out the survey here: www.helpmegrow-mi.org/essential

This website provides a connection to childcare providers who have openings for children ages birth through 12 years old. Fees will apply. Please allow at least 48 hours for a response.

Remember, you are also able to take advantage of our leave policies, including:

  • Annual leave – use what you have in your leave bank and/or borrow against future leave (up to 40 hours).
  • Unpaid leave – requires a written request to your supervisor, director and HR manager.

Emergency Paid Sick Leave and FMLA Expansion

In addition to state efforts, there have been developments on the federal level.

The President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law on March 18, 2020. Included in this is Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Expansion to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  We, as your employer, are required to provide both.

Here’s a summary of both provisions:

Emergency Paid Sick Leave

You will be eligible for up to 80 hours of emergency paid sick leave, if you are unable to work (including remotely) due to one or more of the following reasons:

  1. You are subject to a federal, state or local government or agency quarantine or isolation order
  2. A health care provider has advised you to quarantine
  3. You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and are seeking a medical diagnosis
  4. You are caring for an individual subject to (1) or (2)
  5. You are caring for a son or daughter due to a school or daycare provider closure or the unavailability of a childcare provider

Hourly compensation rate under this provision will depend on your employee classification and reason for absence. Please contact Nicole Peterson, HR manager, for more information.

Public Health Emergency Leave

This provision temporarily expands FMLA to include partially paid “public health emergency leave” if you are unable to work because you must care for a son or daughter under age 18 due a school or daycare provider closure or the unavailability of a childcare provider.

The closure or unavailability must be due to COVID-19. If you can work remotely while caring for a son or daughter, you are not eligible for public health emergency leave.

If you meet any of the eligibility requirements, please contact Nicole Peterson, HR manager for more details regarding eligibility and benefits.

 

In closing, I know these are extremely difficult times and I will continue to provide updates as this situation evolves. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued dedication.

Stay safe,

Sheryl