Aug 12, 2020

Demand to Bargain Filed for Exec Branch

Last week, NAGE filed a Demand to Bargain with the Administration on the new rules and regulations regarding the Telework Policy and Travel Order. 

A bargaining session was held on Monday to open negotiations.  We will keep you updated as bargaining progresses. 

Telework Policy
We have clarified that there is no restriction on dependent care while telecommuting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closures of schools and daycare. We continue to advocate for ongoing telecommuting and the equipment required to keep our members safely and effectively working form home. 

Travel Order
The Executive Order on travel applies to all citizens of MA, not just Commonwealth employees. NAGE supports the safety protocol to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We have demanded to bargain over the following issues:

• Whether the employee should be charged their own time in order to quarantine;
• Whether the employee must notify the employer of their vacation destination;
• Whether the employee can be denied vacation to a high-risk destination and;
• Whether the employee can be disciplined if a COVID-19 test has not been scheduled prior to vacation. 

If an employee must be tested as a result of their travel, there are 17 free testing sites available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread.  

We will keep you updated as negotiations move forward.