Dear AAUP-BHSNJ Members,

We wanted to let you know that we have been advocating on your behalf during this difficult time. A couple of days ago, the Rutgers Union Coalition wrote President Barchi and called upon him to do the following:

• Immediately add to the membership of University Task Force on COVID-19 to include representatives of all AAUP and AFT locals; URA, HPAE, PTLFC, AAUP-AFT and AAUP- BHSNJ
• Share with us the current task force membership and organizational chart along with any protocols for decision making
• Provide the University’s safety protocols and training that are currently followed
• Provide the specific safety measures that prevent infection at work and protocols for employees at higher risk of complications due to infection
• Provide the additional cleaning protocols that have been shared with facilities staff
• Provide the symptom and exposure reporting protocol that is in place
• Expand telecommuting options to all staff regardless of FLSA status
• Cancel all non-essential in person staff meetings/events or move them to tele/video- conference
• Assure all employees that they will be paid in event of a voluntary/involuntary quarantine
• Assure all employees that they will be paid in event of a shutdown
• Proactively create emergency scheduling with our unions to reduce uncertainty and continue operations
• Provide infection control supplies such as tissues, disposable face shields, surface disinfectants and hand sanitizer to all departments immediately
• Provide the proper PPE to all workers, including N95 masks and other equipment for healthcare workers
• Identify quarantine locations and plans on who will service those quarantined
• Provide immediate access to Rutgers health clinics and free testing and treatment to all employees regardless of health insurance status

In the wake of our letter, we are pleased the the University is taking some measures to expand telecommuting and has revised some its paid time off policies. You can read those here. There also has been many arbitrary rules created. For example, we also do not understand why RBHS classes or meetings with less than 15 students are expected to go on as scheduled. We believe all non-clinical classes should be moved online, provided the faculty member thinks practicable. Equally, there has been confusion concerning how various directives apply to RBHS students. If you or a student need guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we will try to be of assistance.

Take action now: Tell your representative to support H.R. 6139 - the Covid-19 Health Care Worker Protection Act.

Sincerely,

Diomedes Tsitouras

AAUP-BHSNJ

Executive Director

(914) 907-5895 (cell)