Holyoke Council On Aging: The unit is returning to work on a limited basis preparing meals for curbside pick up. The shuttle buses are being fit with Plexiglas and they will be doing one person pick ups for medical appointments. Everyone is to continue with distancing and masks. All staff are still being paid in full.It is not clear what the new fiscal year will bring because the Federal government has yet to fund the States.
As of today (5/14/20) the Union sent a singed Agreement back to LPVEC to get drivers paid for the remainder of the 180 school days. This would allow drivers to get paid, the same way they have been getting paid, through the end of the school year. LPVEC proposed doing away completely with the end of the year attendance bonus of $200 for those with 5 or more sick days in the bank. The Union disagreed as a good portion of the school year had been attended as of March. The Union was successful in securing $100 of the $200 for the end of year bonus for those with 5 or more sick days in the bank. The rest of the contract is in full effect for the remainder of the year.
We met in a zoom Labor/Management meeting 5/13 and had a very frank discussion of maintaining operations while ensuring safety during this pandemic. We will commence Inters Based Bargaining, June 22/23 and hope to get an initial zoom bargaining session in before the July 4 break followed by more sessions in July.
NRSD: There will be no layoffs through the end of the school year. There is discussion of possible layoffs for the Fall as the budget is uncertain. There is discussion of trying to zoom bargain a conclusion to a new contract.
GM Custodial: In light of MA DOL loosening guidelines, the unit is returning to full working mode within the remaining COVID restrictions on masks, distancing, gloves, and gatherings.
GM Cafe: In light of the MA DOL loosening guidelines, more hours and shifts are being scheduled. Everyone is being paid.