As more state workers and those under our care die from coronavirus, TSEU calls on Governor Abbott and lawmakers to do more to protect everyone.
Over the past few months, the Texas State Employees Union along with other labor organizations and Legislators have reached out to Governor Abbott’s office demanding additional precautions be put in place, and that workers be compensated for putting their lives on the line to protect Texans.
Specifically, TSEU members and our allies are calling on Gov. Abbott to mandate:
- No further openings of State Offices or Universities should occur until the CDC recommended “Downward trajectory (or near-zero incidence) of documented cases over a 14-day period” is achieved. · All workers deemed VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to work from home and keep sheltering in place. This work from home directive should be extended to state employees with members of households that are deemed to be vulnerable residents. Texas should be aware that by forcing a return to work they are responsible for the possibility of workers carrying the virus back home.
- State offices should be deep-cleaned and disinfected daily. Following protocols set in place by the CDC, social distancing and masks should be required in all state offices without exception.
- Every state office must post signs at the facility advising staff and visitors to check-in with the front desk to be assessed for symptoms prior to entry. Visitors and staff must be screened daily for fever (T≥100.0 F), and access should be denied to anyone with fever, symptoms, or known exposure. This protocol must be written and presented to all employees.
- State facilities should assign at least one individual with training in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to provide training, answer questions, and administer on-site management of their COVID-19 prevention and response activities.
- The State of Texas must make public the number of infections, and deaths of state employees broken down by region, agency/university, and location: to assess risk.
- Proper PPE should be provided at no cost to state employees including masks, soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies.
- Official guidelines need to be established for quarantine of state workers after exposure to individuals with COVID. Guidelines also need to be established to close infected offices for 24 hours to properly disinfect after confirmed case of COVID. These guidelines should be public and posted in facilities and Universities.
- Hazard duty pay must be given to every state employee while COVID protocols are in place to stabilize the workforce and prevent added turnover (read more on Hazard Pay).