Message from IFPE Local 4408 President Matt Emigholz on Developing COVID-19 Situation and Impact on

Dear IFPE Local 4408 member,

On March 13th, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that all public and private schools will be closed March 17th through Marched 30th. This unprecedented step is being taken to try and contain the further spread of the Corona/ COVID-19 Virus. This outbreak has been labeled by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic. Please rest assured that IFPE Local 4408 is working with the Governor’s office, the IFT and the AFT to ensure the safety of all public employees.

To that end the Department of Central Management Services has sent out a Memorandum. (Please see the separate post containing the Memorandum.) For clarification purposes this Memorandum pertains only to the bargaining units under the Governor’s Office which include RC-29, RC-45 and RC-56. All employees are being urged with the utmost of importance to stay home if feeling ill. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of the Corona/COVID-19 virus, please seek medical attention. I’m quite sure there will be further communications regarding possible work at home scenarios but as of yet the Local has not had any direction given to us regarding this. If at any time you do not feel safe at work, speak to your supervisor about your concerns and seek Union representation if needed.

We, as a local, will continue to send out communications regarding this subject as we get them. These are unprecedented times and unchartered waters. Know that we will endeavor to be as transparent as possible.

In Solidarity,

Matt Emigholz

IFPE Local 4408

President

IFT/AFT

AFL-CIO