On Tuesday, March 17, Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order extending the school closure through April 28, 2020, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Her order directs public schools to continue to pay all regular employees during the closure. Knowing that we will have paychecks in this time is a tremendous relief for so many OSEA-represented employees. Our union and the labor movement have been advocating for this financial reassurance for all workers throughout the country right now. I am glad the governor recognized the need.

OSEA also represents private-sector employees who are impacted by the closure, such as First Student bus drivers and contracted-out food service employees. The state of Oregon just issued temporary unemployment guidelines which should provide some economic stability. These guidelines were also created at the urging of OSEA and other labor organizations for the benefit of all Oregon workers.

The governor’s order states that schools may require employees to report to work to assist with supplemental services and emergency management activities. This includes providing child care for first responders and health care professionals. It also continues the first order’s provision for the operation of food services. Her order makes allowances for public school employees who are in at risk categories. I encourage you to read the order for yourself.

Right now, maintenance and custodial staff are cleaning and sanitizing our schools. Nutrition service employees are providing vital meals to students. Other classified are providing key support. Unfortunately, in some districts there are still unresolved issues and concerns about working during this pandemic. We are doing our best to address these conflicts for the sake of anyone who is reporting to work at this time.

At the federal level, we are closely watching the development of worker aid and financial stimulus legislation. We have been advocating for the most direct relief possible for workers. In our state, the Oregon AFL-CIO has been an important voice for addressing the concerns of all workers. Here is a link to their resources page.

Very importantly, if you have questions about what is going on with your specific employer, contact your OSEA field representative or chapter president. You can always call the OSEA State Office at 800-252-6732.

Recently, Randi Weingarten, our national AFT president, laid out some important principles about our union work during this crisis. Though we all may be asked to step up and help out for the common good, these are good guiding principles:

• The health and safety of our members, communities and students
• The health, safety and well-being of classified who may work to assist with anything defined as supplemental services and emergency management activities
• The economic health of our country, both long- and short-term. We need to start getting money directly into the pockets of Americans struggling to put food on the table, facing job losses and worried about their families

We know that we have already made a difference for our members and communities. With local, state and federal authorities, we will continue to work toward solutions as this pandemic grows. I want to acknowledge that it is the hard work of our chapter leaders and OSEA staff, along with other labor organizations, that has helped our voice be heard. Thank you!

In unity,

Lisa Gourley
OSEA President