Today the Executive Board met to discuss, among many important issues, the COVID 19 virus which will greatly impact our members. Just after we met the Governor, Mayor of Chicago and the Cook County Board President held a press conference. It was outlined at that press conference what actions the county was taking at this time in connection with this crisis. These actions will change over time as the situation is analyzed going forward. However, none of todays’ statements by the Board President addressed the criminal courts in general or the specific issues that we face. Later we received an email from Council 31 that they are working to set up a meeting with us, President’s office and the Office of the Public Defender as soon as possible to discuss the issues that we have presented.
The executive board has communicated to management our members’ urgent desire to have many questions answered relating to COVID 19 and our job and discuss guidance on jail visits, out-of-custody client appointments, plans for court dates going forward, sanitation in our offices and court buildings and use of sick time. It is our understanding that management is also meeting currently with other stakeholders in the Cook County criminal justice system to work on joint solutions going forward.
We want our membership to know that we are fully aware that this virus will likely have a huge impact on our work, our personal and family wellbeing, and also our clients’ wellbeing, both in and out of custody.
We want you to know that if any of our members have questions, first and foremost, Executive Board Members are available to hear your concerns. We will address whatever solutions management rolls out as soon as we are aware of them.
In the meantime, Local 3315 encourages members to stay home if you feel sick. Please notify your supervisors (and Local 3315 Board Members) if soap and paper towels are not present in your work site’s restrooms.
The Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration does have an online form to report health and safety hazards present in your workplace – https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/safety/Pages/Hazards.aspx.
At the moment, we are eagerly awaiting guidance on our next steps for getting our jobs done while protecting our own and our families’ health. We will be back in touch with our members when we hear of our management’s plan.
Executive Board of AFSCME Local 3315
Kevin Ochalla
President
Local 3315