What We're Doing to Organize Against COVID-19

The leadership of AFSCME Council 57 issued the following statement today sharing what our union is doing to keep members and their families healthy and safe:

"We know that you are currently working through a difficult time and that these last few weeks have been very stressful and intense.

"We want to thank you for the work that you are continuing to do despite the challenging, unprecedented situation. The number of increased incidents and continued spread of COVID-19 has impacted us in all aspects of our daily life.

"Our thoughts are with you and your fellow siblings.

"As a union, we have a responsibility to show leadership. It is important that, as a union, we ensure the following:

  • that our members maintain their health and safety
  • that our members have a right to use their leave should they so choose without repercussions
  • that our members are compensated fully with paid leave and benefits if there is a closure or quarantine
  • that we postpone large gatherings and non-essential travel

"It is also vitally important that we maintain the protection of the public.

"Decisions that are made have wide-reaching repercussions, and we continue to meet with employers, striving to make sure decisions are precautionary and sensible, and we are urging them to place priorities on everyone’s health and safety.

"Here at AFSCME Council 57, we made the decision today to close all of our offices, starting Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20.

"During the closure, all of our staff will work remotely. Correspondence will continue, emails will be responded to, phone messages returned, and work will continue as normal albeit now as telework.

"While we realize that this is inconvenient, we believe that it is critical to do our part and maintain maximum precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

"Please check our Take Action page on the Council 57 website for links to resources and updates.

"We also believe that at this time it is important we do the right thing: we need to show responsibility, solidarity, compassion and take collective action.

"This is something that affects all of us and we are in it together."