As we all adapt to the realities of life as the world responds to the spread of COVID-19, we wanted to provide information about how you may be affected as a state employee, and to provide some resources to help keep yourself and your family safe.
As veteran NAPE members know, it is unlikely that state government will shut down in its entirety. It is more likely that individual worksites may shut down if it becomes unsafe to operate them. In those instances, we expect DAS State Personnel will place employees in “ready to work status” so that they will continue to be paid. We also expect any employees who can work from home to be allowed to do so.
If you or a family member becomes ill or you need to self quarantine, you will be allowed to use sick leave, vacation leave, or compensatory time for your absence. If you do not have enough accumulated leave, we have been assured by State Personnel that agencies will not discipline employees who are unable to come to work. Further, agencies will be encouraged to advance sick leave to those in need. Please contact us if you experience trouble being excused for a COVID-19 related absence.
If you are absent for three full consecutive days or longer, you may be required to supply a doctor’s note at your expense. If you are absent for less than three full consecutive days, you should not be required to supply a doctor’s note unless your agency told you in advance they suspect you are abusing sick leave or the agency pays for your doctor visit. Please contact us if your experience is inconsistent with this guidance.
If you have no symptoms and are not quarantined, your agency cannot prevent you from working nor can they require you to obtain a doctor’s release at your expense in order to work. Please contact us if you are not allowed to work and you do not have any symptoms.
We understand from our members that there are varying responses in the field about cleaning supplies, sanitation, and general safety. If you find yourself in a situation that you believe is unsafe, you should take precautions and report it to your supervisor immediately. If your supervisor is unable to resolve the situation, please contact us to see if we can help.
NAPE members are on the front lines of the response to COVID-19, and we provide vital services that the citizens of Nebraska depend on. It is possible that our members will come in contact with those infected by the virus. AFSCME has put together some online resources to help our members. You can view the resources here: https://www.afscme.org/covid-19.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance. Stay safe during this unprecedented time. We will get through this together. We are NAPE strong!