A message from AFSCME Florida President Vicki Hall

During this unprecedented state of emergency, AFSCME Florida members are on the front lines fighting to keep our communities safe. For that and ALL you do each and every day, we THANK YOU!

We urge all of our members to, first and foremost, protect your health and the health of your family members. This means limiting all social contact, washing your hands regularly, and if you begin to feel sick or that your health is compromised, stay home and self isolate.  

We are committed to the safety and well being of our AFSCME family and are working diligently to address issues that are arising in the workplace statewide as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. If you have a situation in your workplace, we first recommend calling your supervisor to report your situation. If you need to contact your union representative at this time, we have set up a central phone number to report issues: 1-800-541-0584.

As always, you can email us at afscme.florida@gmail.com to report any issues. Please include your employer, city, phone number, and email address. We want to know what the situation is like in your workplace.

Use your best judgement in limiting social interaction and keeping your workplace sanitized. Wearing gloves does seem to be beneficial and you should have no issue doing so if you are working at this time. If you are told otherwise or disciplined for such, please contact us.

The Department of Health recommends avoiding hugging, handshakes, large gatherings, and close quarters. As always, remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day. If you have general COVID-19 questions, you can contact the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at (866) 779-6121. You can also reach out to the CDC Hotline at 1-800-232-4636 and press 8.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is legal to take workers temperatures in the event of a pandemic, as the virus could pose a “direct threat” to the health of others. There are additional guidelines HERE.

For a better understanding of COVID-19 and how it spreads, click HERE.

Additional AFSCME resources on COVID-19 with links to state and local health departments are available HERE. 

AFSCME is agressively lobbying our elected officials to ensure resources are available to our public service workers during this time of crisis. We are also pushing hard for longer term policies that our families need to endure this emergency. If you have a moment, please contact your senator HERE to let them know to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. We want to reinforce that:

• OSHA Regulations should apply to all healthcare workers.
• Tthat your medical plan should cover COVID-19 treatment at no additional cost.
• That children who get free or reduced-price meals at school won’t go hungry because their schools are closed.
• That unemployment insurance is strengthened and provides paid leave, including at workplaces with more than 500 employees like many hospitals. If you have to self-quarantine, or if you have to take care of a child who is home because of school closures, you should not be forced to miss paychecks and jeopardize your family’s economic security.

Stay Healthy. Your Union is here for you during this crisis. We will get through this together. 

-Vicki Hall

President, AFSCME Florida Council 79