Dear ASEA Member,
The Governor recently issued a new return-to-worksite policy with some general guidelines. The Administration's announcement came as a surprise to ASEA as this new policy was developed separate from the months of discussion and collaboration between ASEA and the State to ensure member concerns and workplace issues were addressed.
ASEA had been working with the Division of Labor Relations and was under the impression the union would be allowed to submit proposals for the State to consider for the anticipated Return to Office (RTO) policy. That did not happen. Consequently ASEA informed the State that conditions of workplace health and safety are mandatory subjects of bargaining and has backed that up with a Demand to Bargain letter (see below).
Despite the announcement, it is our understanding that the RTO policy will not go into effect until June, so there is time for adjustment. We will keep you informed as things unfold. In the meantime, as always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with ASEA with any questions you might have about this policy or its implementation.
Jake Metcalfe
Executive Director
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52