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IBEW 569 – COVID-19 Updates

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Exposed to COVID? Know Your Rights!

12/22/2020 IBEW 569 COVID UPDATE: On December 14, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued guidance related to the quarantine timeline for individuals who may have been exposed to someone with COVID. Specifically, the new guidance states: All asymptomatic close contacts (within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) may discontinue quarantine after Day 10 from the date of last exposure with or without testing.

As it stands, it appears the return-to-work exclusion has been lowered to 10 days for asymptomatic possible exposures, and the employer still must cover up to 14 days-80 hours if an employee misses work for COVID-19 related issues.

If you have a COVID exposure at your worksite and are excluded from work for up to 14 days, the contractor is required to pay and maintain benefits for any employees excluded due to the COVID exposure.

IBEW 569 members – If you have questions about your job – you have representation with IBEW 569 – give us a call and ask to speak with a Business Agent (William Stedham and Jennifer Wilson). Our agents have been responding to member calls on COVID exposures and helping to get wages and benefits paid.

 

12/10/20 IBEW 569 COVID UPDATE: If you have a COVID exposure at your worksite and are excluded from work for up to 14 days, the contractor is required to pay and maintain benefits for any employees excluded due to the COVID exposure.

Cal-OSHA recently adopted revisions to Emergency and Training Standards (ETS) which impose new requirements on employers, including excluding workers for 14 days who had with a workplace exposure to COVID and adopting a testing regiment. This took effect on November 30, 2020.

The new Cal-OSHA regulations require the employer to keep the employee whole for wages and benefits for up to 14 days.

Here is the ETS that Cal-OSHA adopted, and here is a link to an FAQ about it: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/COVID19FAQs.html

  • Section 3205(b) defines “COVID-19 exposure” as: “being within six feet of a COVID-19 case for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or greater in any 24-hour period within or overlapping with the ‘high-risk exposure period’ defined by this section. This definition applies regardless of the use of face coverings.”
  • Section 3205(c)(10)(B) states that: “Employers shall exclude employees with COVID-19 exposure from the workplace for 14 days after the last known COVID-19 exposure to a COVID-19 case.”
  • Section 3205(c)(10)(C) states that: “For employees excluded from work under subsection (c)(10) and otherwise able and available to work, employers shall continue and maintain an employee’s earnings, seniority, and all other employee rights and benefits, including the employee’s right to their former job status, as if the employee had not been removed from their job. Employers may use employer-provided employee sick leave benefits for this purpose and consider benefit payments from public sources in determining how to maintain earnings, rights and benefits, where permitted by law and when not covered by workers’ compensation.” (emphasis added).

IBEW 569 members – If you have questions about your job – you have representation with IBEW 569 – give us a call and ask to speak with a Business Agent (William Stedham and Jennifer Wilson). Our agents have been responding to member calls on COVID exposures and helping to get wages and benefits paid.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Imperial County and Stay-At-Home Order

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Gavin Newsom recommended Imperial County reinstate a stay-home order due to surging cases of coronavirus and increased hospitalizations – positive COVID-19 test rates have averaged 23% compared to the statewide average of 5.7%.

Governor Newsom said Imperial County leaders are permitted to decide how to proceed, but if they don’t agree to act “I am committed to intervening.”

Hundreds of IBEW 569 members are residents and continue to work in Imperial County as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” – please stay safe and practice social distancing and wear masks. 

IBEW 569 and construction parters have been strong advocates of implementing safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to build critical infrastructure in the region. Please refer to these best practices when on construction sites: Construction Industry COVID-19 Safety Plan.  Your health must be protected and respected. If your jobsite is unsanitary or unsafe, please immediately notify IBEW 569.

 #StaySafe

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Updated Construction Industry COVID-19 Safety Plan

Based on recent guidance changes from the California Department of Public Health, Cal OSHA, and the County of San Diego, the Construction Industry COVID-19 Safety Plan has been revised to reflect those changes (highlighted in yellow).

Construction continues to operate during this crisis as an essential industry, and contractors have been effective in implementing safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to build critical infrastructure in the region. The Construction Industry COVID-19 Safety Plan is a consolidation of those Best Practices based on direction from health experts and boots-on-the-ground experiences from construction safety professionals.

Friday, May 1, 2020 – 11:15am

San Diego County Renter and Homeowner Assistance

Update from Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez

For many of us, another month in this public health crisis has forced us to spread our budgets even thinner. May rent will soon be due and despite California’s freeze on most evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, some landlords are continuing to send eviction notices to their tenants. 

Please be aware that these eviction notices are not enforceable right now and your landlord cannot remove you from your home during this difficult time. On April 6, California’s courts suspended eviction and foreclosure proceedings statewide until 90 days after the coronavirus state of emergency has been lifted. 

Today, I’m reaching out to provide you with the latest information on renter and homeowner assistance in San Diego County. 

Renter and Eviction Relief

The following local cities have passed the following rules on renter and eviction relief:

City of San Diego:

  • Renters must notify their landlord in writing on or before the day rent is due that they are unable to pay the full amount of rent, and must provide documentation within one week of notifying the landlord.
  • Renters are required to provide proof to their landlord within 7 days that they have lost substantial income OR substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses as a result of a COVID-19 related issue.
  • Qualifying renters still need to repay the full amount of rent and have six months (from March 25, 2020) to pay any and all unpaid rent. 
  • Landlords cannot charge late fees for any unpaid rent related to COVID-19.

Chula Vista:

  • You must inform your landlord in writing that you are unable to pay the rent as a result of a COVID-19 related issue, and provide supporting documentation within 30 days of your rent being due.
  • Renters still need to repay the full amount of rent and have six months from the date City Council terminates the Emergency Ordinance to repay the rent.
  • Landlords may not charge or collect a late fee for rent delayed as a result of a COVID-19.

National City:

On March 27th, Governor Newsom issued an order that established a statewide halt on evictions for renters affected by COVID-19, lasting until May 31st. Under this order: 

  • Renters who are not able to pay the full amount of rent must notify their landlord in writing no more than 7 days after rent is due. 
  • Renters must have proof that shows they are unable to pay as a result of a COVID-19 related reason. 
  • Renters are obligated to pay the full amount of the rent in a timely manner and could still face eviction actions after the order is lifted. 

Unincorporated San Diego County:

  • Renters must inform their landlord in writing on or by the day the rent is due that they are unable to pay the rent due to a COVID-19 related issue and provide supporting documentation within 7 days of providing notice.
  • An eligible tenant has three months from June 1, 2020 to repay any rent owed before the landlord may seek eviction actions. If the tenant remains unable to pay rent due to COVID-19, the tenant may provide the landlord with another notice and documentation pursuant to extend payment date by one additional month.
  •  Landlords cannot charge late fees for any unpaid rent related to COVID-19.

If you need any legal assistance to help clarify your situation, you can contact the Legal Aid Society of San Diego at 877-534-2524 or via their online form. The Legal Aid Society is still providing intake and legal assistance remotely. Their specialists are available Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Homeowner Mortgage and Eviction Relief

State Actions

On March 25th, Governor Newsom announced that various financial institutions have agreed to provide mortgage relief for individuals dealing with financial challenges due to COVID-19. Four large banks, including Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, US Bank, and Wells Fargo, along with nearly 200 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and servicers have agreed to the following:

  • Provide borrowers with mortgage payment delays for up to 90 days for COVID-19 related hardship, which is supported by available proof;
  • No negative credit reporting for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19 relief;
  • Institutions will not initiate foreclosures or evictions for at least 60 days; 
  • Waive any late payment fees or penalties for at least 90 days.

To learn about and apply for available mortgage relief, you should contact and work directly with your mortgage servicer. Please note that financial institutions and their servicers are experiencing high volumes of inquiries.

If your mortgage provider is not responsive or cooperative, you can file a complaint with the Department of Business Oversight (DBO):

Federal Actions – Foreclosure and Evictions

On March 18th, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced they were suspending foreclosures and evictions for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for 60 days. This order halts all new foreclosure actions and suspends ongoing foreclosure actions in process.

Additionally, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) to suspend foreclosure and eviction actions for at least 60 days. This foreclosure and eviction order applies to homeowners with an Enterprise-backed single family mortgage.

Federal Actions – Loan payment delays

FHFA announced that homeowners with Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed mortgages will have the option to claim hardship forbearance if they are facing financial hardship as a result of a COVID-19 related is

sue. Mortgage relief options include:

  • Mortgage payment relied by providing forbearance for up to 12 months;
  • Waiving penalties and late fees;
  • Suspending reporting to credit bureaus of past due payment for borrowers in a forbearance plan.

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments or believe you may fall behind on your payments soon, contact your loan servicer now. 

More information for homeowners with a Freddie Mac-backed mortgage.

More information for homeowners with a Fannie Mae-backed mortgage.

Landlord Mortgage Relief

On March 23rd, the FHFA announced that Multifamily property owners (properties with 5 or more units) with Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed mortgages will have the opportunity to claim loan payment delays for up to 90 days with the condition that they suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent due to the impact of COVID-19.

Property owners should contact and work directly with their mortgage servicers to learn about and apply for available mortgage relief.

My office remains open to serve constituents of Mid-City and South San Diego County and provide updates on important resources. To speak to someone over the phone, contact my District Office during regular business hours, Monday-Friday: (619) 338-8090. To reach someone by email, contact Assemblymember.Gonzalez@assembly.ca.gov 

You can find the latest information on a variety of available local and state resources on my website.

Stay safe. We will get through this together.

 

Friday, April 17, 2020 – 4:00pm

Suspension of Drug-Testing Program (Excluding Post-Accident) Until Futher Notice.

For the safety of the Drug-Free Workforce Program Participants and due to the difficulty of finding test locations available during COVID-19, the Board of Trustees of the NECA/IBEW Drug Free Workforce program has approved suspending the the Drug-Testing program (excluding Post-Accident) until further notice. 

Please click here for more details and to review the memo. 

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 – 4:00pm

DMV Extends All Expiring Driver Licenses

Customers eligible to renew license online encouraged to do so; Commercial licenses extended through June 30; drivers under 70 extended through May 31; Drivers can request an optional paper extension online; Drivers 70 and older will automatically receive temporary paper extension valid for 120 days. Click here to learn more.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020 – 9:45am

Auto Insurance Relief For (At Least) March and April

The office of Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez is working to provide her residents with the latest information on the impact the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is having on our community.

California’s “stay at home” order has resulted in most of us driving a lot less than we normally would. Recognizing this and the unprecedented challenges facing California’s residents, State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has ordered insurance companies to provide consumers with relief from the cost of premiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can expect a temporary reduction in your auto insurance for at least the months of March and April, and maybe for May if the shelter-in-place order is extended.

Commissioner Lara ordered auto insurance companies to provide premium credits, reductions or adjustments for customers to reflect the fact that people are not driving now and the risk of accidents is much lower. Many insurance carries voluntarily provided reductions over the last two weeks, but this directive ensures voluntary actions will not discriminate against any groups of drivers.

Here’s a list of what some larger companies have proposed to give back to customers on personal auto insurance policies, subject to review and approval from the Insurance Commissioner:

  • AAA: Customers with an active policy as of April 30 will receive a 20 percent refund for two months of auto premiums
  • Allstate: 15 percent debit or credit payback on April and May premiums
  • American Family: $50 per vehicle insured
  • Amica: 20 percent credit on April and May premiums
  • Farmers/21st Century: 25 percent reduction in April premium
  • Geico: 15 percent credit on renewal between April 8 and Oct. 7; pausing cancellations for non-payment through April
  • The Hartford: 15 percent credit on April and May premiums
  • Liberty Mutual: 15 percent refund on two months of premiums
  • Mercury Insurance: 15 percent credit on April and May premiums
  • Nationwide: $50 refund per policy
  • Next: 25 percent reduction to its policyholders’ April general liability, and commercial auto premiums
  • Progressive: 20 percent credit on April and May premiums
  • Safeco: 15 percent refund on two months of premiums
  • State Farm: 25 percent credit on premiums from March 20 through May 31
  • Travelers: 15 percent credit
  • USAA: 20 percent credit on two months of premiums

The Insurance Commissioner has also requested that all auto insurance carriers provide a 60-day grace period for late payments. If you are unable to pay your insurance premium, contact your provider and ask them to honor the Insurance Commissioner’s request to provide a 60-day grace period.

For a contact list of California auto insurance providers, please visit this page on the Department of Insurance website.

Monday, April 6, 2020 – 3:30pm

IBEW 569 is working around the clock to serve our members during these difficult and tumultuous times. If you or your loved ones have been impacted by COVID-19, you are not alone. There is help for you and your families. Here is a list of resources you can access.

Our IBEW 569 Union remains open to serve our members and staff is available to help you. Please contact us at 858-569-8900 if we can answer any questions.

Additionally, if you feel sick, or have any symptoms, or you feel unsafe going to work, please stay home. The International Office of IBEW signed an agreement with NECA ensuring that no adverse actions would be taken against members that feel unsafe and do not wish to go to a jobsite – your request for unemployment will be honored. Here is the Agreement: https://bit.ly/2UL7lWM.

We thank our members that are still working as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” – but your health must be protected and respected. See our memo demanding COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites: https://bit.ly/2w47a0m. If your jobsite is unsanitary or unsafe, please immediately notify IBEW 569.

In these uncertain times, let us all be united in treating each other – all brothers and sisters – with kindness and respect. We will get through this together – stay safe and keep each other safe, and thank you for keeping our union strong!

In Solidarity,

Jeremy Abrams

Business Manager, IBEW 569 Card # A129528 | 858-569-8900 | jabrams@ibew569.org

Click here for a copy of IBEW 569 COVID-19 Resources.

For all situations below, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call your medical provider for health guidance, including the latest quarantine recommendations.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS AND SEEKING DIAGNOSIS OR YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER HAS ADVISED YOU TO SELF-QUARANTINE OR YOU ARE SUBJECT TO A PUBLIC COVID-19 RELATED QUARANTINE OR ISOLATION ORDER:

  • PAID SICK LEAVE: Depending on the size of your employer, you may qualify for 14 days of paid sick time under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). For info visit: https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/. In addition, you can use up to three (3) days of accrued sick leave you have earned with your employer (this cap is increased to five (5) days for employees who worked at least two (2) hours in any one week within the San Diego city limits). For info, visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/minimum-wage-program

 

  • UNEMPLOYMENT: Under the new federal worker unemployment assistance law, workers who are unable to work due to COVID-19 symptoms, or due to a related quarantine or isolation order qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits and will receive $600 extra per week for four months (through July 31). For more info, visit https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/ To apply for PUA, visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm

 

  • HEALTHCARE: IBEW 569 has worked with NECA and the Trust Office to ensure members currently enrolled in our plan will retain healthcare coverage through May 2020. Any Bargaining member who had coverage in March 2020 will maintain coverage through May 2020. This will be achieved through a combination of Hours Worked, Reserve Hours and the Trust crediting hours as necessary to maintain coverage. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact the Trust office for more details.

 

  • MORTGAGE, RENT AND EVICTION RELIEF: You may qualify for 90-day relief from mortgage payments, forbearance, or additional programs like those related to rent relief and credit reporting. Contact your mortgage lender directly to find out. You may also fall under new rules preventing evictions. For a list of cities who have passed eviction moratoriums, visit https://caanet.org/coronavirus-resources-for-navigating-the-outbreak/. For more information on rent relief and landlord notification, visit: http://www.ibew569.org/news/covid-19-mortgage-rent-eviction-relief
  •  
  • FOOD: You may be able to apply for assistance through CalFresh. Visit https://www.getcalfresh.org/ for info. In addition, if you need groceries or food assistance, please call our Hall (858-569-8900) and share with us your name, member number, phone number, and the number of members in your household. We will follow-up with you to provide some help.

 

  • UTILITIES: SDG&E has announced that until further notice, they will not shut off service due to inability to pay. Cities and water districts are also announcing similar measures to prevent water shutoffs. Internet, phone and other types of mobile providers have announced special considerations for customers. Contact your provider directly to learn more.

 

  • Please note, you must use your paid sick leave prior to applying for unemployment benefits.

 

IF YOU ARE CARING FOR YOUR CHILD WHOSE SCHOOL OR CHILD CARE IS CLOSED (OR CHILD CARE PROVIDER IS UNAVAILABLE) DUE TO COVID-19:

  • PAID SICK LEAVE: Depending on the size of your employer, you may qualify under the FFCRA for 14 days of sick time at 2/3 of your regular wages. For info visit: https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/. In addition, you can use up to 12 hours days of accrued sick leave you have earned with your employer (this cap is increased to 20 hours for employees who worked at least two (2) hours in any one week within the San Diego city limits). For info, visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/minimum-wage-program

 

  • PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE: Depending on the size of your employer, you may qualify under the FFCRA for 12 weeks of paid time off to care for them at 2/3 of your regular wages. For info visit, https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/

 

  • ADDITIONAL LEAVE: Depending on the size of your employer, you may also qualify for up to eight hours per month (and a maximum of 40 hours per year) of additional leave to care for a child whose school or child care is unavailable. For info, see California Labor Code section 230.8.

 

  • UNEMPLOYMENT: Under the new federal worker unemployment assistance law, workers who are unable to work due to their child ‘s school or child case being unavailable also qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits and will receive $600 extra per week for four months (through July 31). For more info, visit https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/ To apply for PUA, visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm

 

  • See above for other resources regarding mortgage, rent and eviction relief, food assistance and utility services.

 

  • Please note, you must use your paid sick leave or paid FMLA leave prior to applying for unemployment benefits.

IF YOU ARE LAID OFF DUE TO YOUR JOB SITESHUTTING DOWN:

  • UNEMPLOYMENT: Under new federal worker assistance for workers who qualify for regular Unemployment benefits you will receive $600 extra per week for four months (through July 31). For workers who would not typically qualify for regular Unemployment, there are new provisions expanding access. For more info, visit https://nabtu.org/covid-19-resources/ For info on how to apply for Unemployment, visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm

 

STIMULUS CHECK, WHO QUALIFIES AND HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE?

 

Q&A

  1. If I am not working, how will I maintain my healthcare coverage? IBEW 569 has worked with NECA and the Trust Office to ensure members currently enrolled in our plan will retain healthcare coverage through May 2020. Any Bargaining member who had coverage in March 2020 will maintain coverage through May 2020. This will be achieved through a combination of Hours Worked, Reserve Hours and the Trust crediting hours as necessary to maintain coverage. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact the Trust office for more details.

 

  1. I am not sure if I’ve been exposed or someone who lives in my household has been exposed, what should I do? Call your medical provider.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

PLEASE NOTE t that the information in this flyer is the best information we have available at the time. Given the nature of the pandemic, and the various governmental responses to it, this information is subject to change. If you have any questions about your particular circumstances, please contact our Hall (858-569-8900) for assistance.

 

Jeremy Abrams
Business Manager | 619-957-6569 cell | jabrams@ibew569.org

Joe Page
Assistant Business Manager | 619-957-6569 cell | jpage@ibew569.org

Daniel Machain
Assistant Business Manager | 619-957-8569 cell | dmachain@ibew569.org

William Stedham
Business Agent | 619-957-2354 cell | wstedham@ibew569.org

Jennifer Wilson
Business Agent | 619-832-9757 cell | jwilson@ibew569.org

Nick Guth
Organizer | 619-962-5402 cell | nguth@ibew569.org

Lynn Minor
Compliance Officer | 619-869-5569 cell | lminor@ibew569.org

Hector Murrieta
Organizer | 619-957-4569 cell | hmurrieta@ibew569.org

Micah Mitrosky
Environmental Organizer | 619-957-2596 cell | mmitrosky@ibew569.org

Gretchen Newsom
Political Director / Organizer | 619-208-4853 cell | gnewsom@ibew569.org

Sunday, April 5, 2020 – 4:20pm

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Starting tomorrow, face masks are required at all job sites in the City of San Diego. IBEW 569 views face masks as PPE, and as such, face masks should be provided by your contractors and construction employers. #StaySafe

Friday, April 3, 2020 – 1:45pm

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Attention IBEW 569 Members:

IBEW 569 has worked with NECA and the Trust Office to ensure members currently enrolled in our plan will retain healthcare coverage through May 2020. The Board could vote to extend this coverage depending on facts and circumstances as they unfold going forward.

  • Any Bargaining member who had coverage in March 2020 will maintain coverage through May 2020. This will be achieved through a combination of Hours Worked, Reserve Hours and the Trust crediting hours as necessary to maintain coverage.
  • Retirees will continue to maintain coverage under the current system.
  • Non-Bargaining employees furloughed during March 2020 with the expectation of being re-hired will maintain coverage through May 2020. Upon re-hire, the Contractor will pay all back hours for any full months missed to continue the Non-Bargaining Employee’s coverage.

Click here to read the details from our IBEW 569 Health and Welfare Trust. 

Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 3:30pm

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Attention IBEW 569 Members:

Our IBEW 569 Union remains open to serve our members.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to please conduct business with us online or by telephone.

Henceforth, the $5 service fee to pay dues online will be waived. #StaySafe

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – 4:15pm

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Attention IBEW 569 Members –

If you need groceries or food assistance, please call our Hall (858-569-8900) and share with us:

  • Your name
  • Member number
  • Phone number, and
  • The number of members in your household.

We will follow-up with you to provide some help.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – 1:00pm

COVID-19 Toolbox Talk & Memo on Construction Industry United in Fight Against COVID-19 While Delivering Critical Infrastructure

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Construction workers are deemed “essential,” so our job sites are still open and work is ongoing. That said, it’s critically important that we are all practicing safety and health precautions to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

This morning, construction sites throughout the state of California paused to share “COVID-19 Toolbox Talks” to ensure every worker and contractor knows and understands the importance of practicing social distancing at work as well as other health and safety practices.

Here is our joint memo with AGC San Diego and other industry and labor associations with our united efforts to fight against COVID-19 while delivering critical infrastructure. #StaySafe #EssentialWorkers #COVID19 #BTfamily #1u

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 3:45pm

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If you feel sick, or have any symptoms, or you feel unsafe going to work, please stay home.

The International Office of IBEW signed an agreement with NECA ensuring that no adverse actions would be taken against members that feel unsafe and do not wish to go to a jobsite – your request for unemployment will be honored.

Here is the Agreement: https://bit.ly/2UL7lWM. Key provisions:

“There shall be no adverse action taken against an employee who refuses to be present at the jobsite so long as the employee genuinely believes there is imminent danger and a reasonable person would agree there is a real danger of contracting coronavirus at the jobsite, nor shall any adverse action be taken against an employee who has been quarantined, or advised to self-quarantine, due to possible exposure to coronavirus.”

“The employer shall not contest any unemployment claims filed by employees temporarily furloughed as a result of a restricted or closed jobsite due to the coronavirus or similar disease, or who have refused to be present at the jobsite out of a genuine belief that being present would place them in imminent danger of contracting coronavirus, or who have been quarantined, or advised to self-quarantine, due to possible exposure to coronavirus.”

We thank our members that are still working as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” – but your health must be protected and respected. See our previous memo demanding COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites: https://bit.ly/2w47a0m. If your jobsite is unsanitary or unsafe, please immediately notify IBEW 569 by calling the below contacts.

In these uncertain times, let us all be united in treating each other – all brothers and sisters – with kindness and respect.  We will get through this together – stay safe and keep each other safe.

In Solidarity,
Jeremy Abrams
Business Manager, IBEW 569 Card # A129528 | 858-569-8900 | jabrams@ibew569.org

—

Jeremy Abrams
Business Manager | 619-957-6569 cell | jabrams@ibew569.org

Joe Page
Assistant Business Manager | 619-957-6569 cell | jpage@ibew569.org

William Stedham
Business Agent | 619-957-2354 cell | wstedham@ibew569.org

Jennifer Wilson
Business Agent | 619-832-9757 cell | jwilson@ibew569.org

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 11:30am

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Our IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson has shared this summary of benefits afforded to IBEW members from the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Click here to read it.

Monday, March 30, 2020 – 4:30pm

COVID-19 Resource Update – MORTGAGE, RENT AND EVICTION RELIEF

You may qualify for 90-day relief from mortgage payments, forbearance or additional programs like those related to rent relief and credit reporting. Contact your mortgage lender directly to find out.

You may also fall under new rules preventing evictions. For a list of cities who have passed eviction moratoriums, visit https://caanet.org/coronavirus-resources-for-navigating-the-outbreak/

To apply for mortgage, rent, or utlity assistance, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WAIappenglish and get more details here: https://uwsd.org/covid19/.

For rent relief, here is some information on tenants’ rights from the Community Law Project. However, it is important to first note: none of these policies permanently waive rental payments. 

In response to the widespread economic and public health impact of COVID-19, San Diego County and a number of cities within the County have passed “eviction moratoriums”.  The moratoriums provide important legal protections from eviction for tenants who are unable to pay their monthly rent because of COVID-19 related financial hardship. 

A tenant who has experienced a substantial decrease in household income or unanticipated medical expenses due to the economic impact of COVID-19, who as a result is unable to pay full rent, is required to notify his/her landlord / property manager of the inability to pay.  The notice must be in writing and the landlord/ property manager must be notified on or before the date rent becomes due.  A tenant must also provide the landlord/ property manager with supplemental documentation of the financial hardship within 7 days of the date rent becomes due.  Documentation may include letters, text messages or emails in communication with an employer, financial statements, business records, physician’s letter, social worker or service provider’s letter, verifiable personal statement, medical bills, and/or a combination thereof. 

This is extremely time-sensitive given that the first of the month is rapidly approaching.  If eligible tenants do not give notification and provide documentation, they will likely lose protections under the moratoriums.  While the requirements to notify and provide documentation may vary slightly among the cities in the County, it is strongly recommended that ALL eligible tenants in San Diego County follow the protocol outlined above. Please refer to this NOTICE TEMPLATE as a resource for notifying your landlord/property manager of your inability to pay.

For more information about San Diego’s eviction moratoriums, please follow these links:

1.       https://www.sdhc.org/about-us/coronavirus-covid-19/citys-eviction-ban/

2.       https://www.lassd.org 

Monday, March 30, 2020 – 10:30am

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Last week Congress passed a massive stimulus bill to help deal with the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Here’s what it means for #IBEW members: https://bit.ly/3bxBJdG

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020 – 7:00pm

Here’s some information to answer your questions about the Individual COVID-19 Stimulus Checks:

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 | 5:00pm

Congress passed and President Trump signed the FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT – the Department of Labor (DOL) is tasked with developing program regulations and policies by April 2nd.  Until then, please review this helpful summary from NABTU (National Building Trades Unions) regarding Employee Protection Provisions within this legislation, including Paid Family Sick Leave, expansions to Family and Medical Leave, and emergency Unemployment. 

Click here for a copy of the NABTU overview of the FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT.

March 23, 2020 – 5:45pm

Attention IBEW 569 Members – Are you unemployed or experienced a lay-off recently? We are here to help you get employment and benefits! Click here for a copy of our Resource Flyer. 

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Assemblymember Miguel Santiago also compiled this use information pertaining to filing for unemployment and COVID-19:

Below is some information regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims from the Economic Development Department (EDD).

What can I do if I can’t work because I’m sick or quarantined because of COVID-19?

What kind of sick leave is available to me?

Sick leave varies by employee. For details see Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.

What if my employer does not have paid sick leave?

For those not able to secure paid leave, state (California Family Rights Act) and federal laws (Family and Medical Leave Act) may qualify you for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year.

Do I need a note or certificate from a medical provider to file for unemployment?

No, a medical certificate is not required. Here is more information on who is eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI).

What if I can’t work because I’m taking care of someone who’s sick or quarantined? 

What can I do if my work hours are reduced because of COVID-19? 

You can file an Unemployment Insurance claim.

What can I do if I miss work because of school closures? 

March 22, 2020 – 10:15am

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Click here for a copy of the memo from IBEW 569 and NECA San Diego re: COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites.

DATE: Sunday, March 22, 2020

FROM: Jeremy Abrams, Business Manager, IBEW 569 and Andy Berg, Executive Manager, NECA San Diego

TO: All Contractors and Construction Employers

RE: COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites

On March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20(1) directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Californians.

In accordance with this order, the State Public Health Officer has designated a list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to help state, local, tribal, and industry partners as they work to protect communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.

Construction workers, including, IBEW 569 members, have been designated as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.”(2)

We thank the IBEW 569 members and NECA contractors that are going to work, keeping the lights on, and building stronger communities with critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and renewable energy.

To all contractors and construction employers – it is imperative that you respect construction workers by taking action to protect their safety.

Per the updated bulletin of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California on COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites (3):

Contractors and jobsite safety personnel should take specific steps to increase hygiene on the jobsite, such as:

  1. Adding sanitary facilities (toilet and hand washing stations with soap and hand sanitizer provided). Workers should both wash their hands with soap for twenty seconds and use hand sanitizer often.

  2. Performing deep cleaning on jobsites including disinfecting handrails, doorknobs, equipment handles and tools on an accelerated basis.

  3. Instead of having group safety meetings, and to keep the suggested social distance, they should have smaller individual safety meetings at the jobsite maintaining social distancing guidelines.

  4. Keep separation of at least 6 feet as feasible while on the job and always during rest and break periods and lunches; there should be no group gatherings and limit the number of persons in a single occupied space (such as elevators).

  5. Workers should consider bringing a lunch made at home and stay away from congested lunch trucks and coffee shops. Go directly from work to home and vice versa with as little contact with the general public as possible.

  6. Workers should wear and utilize all safety equipment available on the jobsite. Contractors should provide all protective equipment as available.

Social distancing should be encouraged by having smaller construction crews and, if possible, staggering shifts.

If these guidelines cannot be met and a project is in tight quarters, or in contact with the general public, consideration should be given to shutting the construction project down until safer conditions exist.

See also these COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines from the National Building
Trades: http://www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/20Daily/2003/200318_COVID-19.

The safety of our construction workers is paramount.

We are directing all IBEW members to be in solidarity of practicing COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites, including the following guidelines of NABTU (North America’s Building Trades Unions) and the CPWR (Center for Construction Research and Training) guidelines:(4)

  1. If you are sick, stay home and don’t show up to work.

  2. Don’t shake hands when greeting others.

  3. Try to stay three to six feet away from others.

  4. Avoid sick people.

  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

  6. Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol; soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

We are also asking members to be in solidarity to prevent the theft or hoarding of construction job site bathroom, hygiene, and sanitation materials. If one sees something awry, say something. Members are directed to report theft of any sanitizers, wipes, and/or cleaning products to their contractors. Just as these items are hard to find in retail shops, they are in short supply for the contractors and must be used to keep the construction sites safe and clean.

Finally, the International Office of IBEW and National NECA recently signed an agreement(5) ensuring that no adverse actions would be taken against IBEW members that feel unsafe and do not wish to go to a job site – a member’s request for a layoff and unemployment will be honored.

This agreement also instructs employers and contractors as follows:

• If an employee is confirmed to have coronavirus or similar disease, the employer shall notify all employees who were believed to be in contact with this individual and take actions consistent with appropriate protocols to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Again, the safety of our construction workforce and contractors is paramount – thank you for taking action to protect these hardworking members during most uncertain times.

In Solidarity,

Jeremy Abrams
Business Manager, IBEW 569 | Card # A129528
858-569-8900 office | 619-957-6569 cell | jabrams@ibew569.org

Andy Berg
Executive Director, NECA San Diego
858-571-6322 office | 619-203-0790 cell | aberg@necasandiego.org

(1) See Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-33-20: https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf

(2) See Page 11 of California State Public Health Officer’s memo on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers dated March 20, 2020: https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf

(3) https://cabuildingtrades.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BTCCOVID19update3.20.pdf

(4) https://cabuildingtrades.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BTCCOVID19update3.20.pdf

(5) http://www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/20Daily/2003/200317_IBEW_NECA_Sign

March 21, 2020 – 11:30am

On March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Californians.

In accordance with this order, the State Public Health Officer has designated a list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to help state, local, tribal, and industry partners as they work to protect communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.

IBEW 569 members appear to be designated as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.”

On Page 11, under OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, the following workers are designated as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers:”

  • Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)

  • Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of construction sites and construction projects (including those that support such projects to ensure the availability of needed facilities, transportation, energy and communications; and support to ensure the effective removal, storage, and disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste)

March 20, 2020 – 3:05pm

State Building and Construction Trades Council of California: “All Members, in the event that your project continues to operate, please be advised of the attached updated guidelines regarding work continuation during the COVID19 pandemic. Stay safe, keep your families safe, and if possible work hard to keep California moving during this state, national and global emergency. Remember, protecting yourself, protects the family members you come home to.” Click here to read the Building Trades UPDATED Bulletin on COVID-19 Safety Measures on Construction Sites. 

March 20, 2020 – 12:00pm

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THANK YOU IBEW 569 members for going to work, keeping the lights on, and building stronger communities with critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and renewable energy. You are essential employees to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and we commend you on digging in to protect our neighbors.

To all contractors and construction employers – it is imperative that you respect construction workers by taking action to protect their safety.  All job sites should have clean bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer should be readily available, and social distancing should be encouraged by having smaller construction crews, staggering shifts, and limiting the number of persons in a single occupied space (such as elevators). See these COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines from the National Building Trades: http://www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/20Daily/2003/200318_COVID-19. Members – please call the Hall with all job site issues – job site safety is paramount.

IBEW 569 members – if you feel sick, or have any symptoms, or you feel unsafe going to work, then please stay home. The International Office of IBEW recently signed an agreement ensuring that no adverse actions would be taken against members that feel unsafe and do not wish to go to a job site – your request for unemployment will be honored. See the EDD website for how to file for unemployment: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm.

Our IBEW 569 Hall remains open and staff is available to help you – please give us a call to discuss any questions you might have.

Please be safe and thank you for keeping our union strong!

In Solidarity,

Jeremy Abrams

Business Manager, IBEW 569 Card # A129528 | 858-569-8900 | jabrams@ibew569.org

March 19, 2020 – 11:22pm

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“The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.“

 

See: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/

 

March 19, 2020 – 8:00pm

Tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order (click here to review the Order) for all residents to ‘stay at home’ amid the coronavirus / COVID-19 outbreak. “Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. If you go out, keep at least 6 feet of distance.”

Further, “The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.”

This is the list of federal critical infrastructure sectors that is referred to in the governor’s order: https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors.

This last provision – “except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors” – is of particular interest to IBEW 569 as much, if not most of our work, fits into one of these critical infrastructure sectors, including, but not limited to, Energy, Commercial Facilities, Communications, Transportation Systems, Information Technology, etc.

Therefore, until your contractor notifies you that they are shutting a job site down, please report to work and practice social distancing and hand-washing. If your job site is shut down, please contact a Business Rep or Agent at the Hall (858-569-8900) so that we can continue to monitor the situation. Also, the International Office of IBEW recently signed an agreement ensuring that no adverse actions would be take against members that feel unsafe and do not wish to go to a job site – their request for unemployment will be honored.

We will continue to monitor this situation – for more information on the Governor’s order, please go to: https://covid19.ca.gov/

IBEW 569 is working around the clock to serve our members during these difficult and tumultuous times.

We have reached out to our contractors and shared the North America’s Building Trades Unions specific advice for construction industry employers to protect IBEW members and other construction professionals from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, we have implemented a Temporary Dispatching procedure to allow members to call-in and sign our books.

IBEW 569 is working with the Labor Council to create resources of food and utility coverage for members in need. We also successfully advocated for the City of San Diego to have a moratorium on evictions and utility shutoffs. We have also collected and shared information on how to file for unemployment should you be laid-off.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, we encourage you to please take effort to conduct business with us online or by telephone. Rotations and dispatch will continue as regularly scheduled.

Our IBEW 569 Hall remains open and staff is available to help you – please give us a call to discuss any questions you might have.

March 19, 2020 

IBEW 569 sent the following letter to County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher:

—

Honorable Supervisor Nathan Fletcher

San Diego County Board of Supervisors

1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

SUBJECT:         Shelter in Place Ordinance

Dear Supervisor Fletcher,

Thank you for your strong leadership in addressing the COVID-19 outbreak with ample focus on protecting our communities and working families, including our vulnerable neighbors – the homeless and senior citizens.

As we may be moving toward taking additional measures to curb the spread of the virus, and the County consider adoption of a “Shelter in Place Ordinance” as our counterparts in Northern California have done, IBEW 569 and our 3,400 unionized electricians and power professionals advocate the following provisions be considered and incorporated into such an Ordinance within the County of San Diego:

Exceptions to the Shelter in Place Ordinance shall include the following provisions as adopted by the Counties of Santa Clara and Alameda[1]:

 

  1. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
  2. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.

We feel strongly that exceptions to Essential Infrastructure should be added for electricians and individuals working on or for hospitals, clinics, medical facilities, and biopharma facilities and structures – especially given the need to increase hospital beds, acute medical care, and develop medicines and vaccines to combat COVID-19.

Our members are at the forefront of ensuring public safety is maintained by building, renovating and maintaining essential public infrastructure and buildings. As the nation enters a severe recession, we stand committed to building stronger communities with the best skilled and trained electrical workforce of the region.  We hope the County will recognize our efforts and ensure the construction industry and our working families are not put on the streets.

If the County is to consider taking such action with “Shelter In Place,” IBEW 569 hopes you can adopt the above language and sentiment for San Diego County.

Again, thank you for your consideration and leadership.

In Solidarity,

Jeremy Abrams

Business Manager, IBEW 569

[1] See: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/order-health-officer-031620.aspx

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Documents/FAQ-Shelter-in-Place-03-16-20.pdf

http://acphd.org/media/559658/health-officer-order-shelter-in-place-20200316.pdf

 

March 18, 2020

Although our Trust offices are closed to the public until April 6th, our IBEW 569 Hall remains open and staff is available to help you – please give us a call to discuss any questions you might have: 858-569-8900.

Due to COVID-19 The Trust Office will be closed to walk-ins until April 6, 2020. You can contact us by calling (858) 569-6322, ex. 310 or, for claims related issues, ex. 702. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

If you wish to turn in the Annual Participant Update form, you can either mail it in or go online to complete and submit your form. To complete the form online the Trust website is www.569trusts.org. Any other forms can be scanned and emailed. For the proper email address, please contact our office. We also have a drop box outside our front door for securely dropping off any documents. 

Please do not drop any documents off at the IBEW 569 Office. They have been instructed to not accept any Trust documents. 

Drug Testing – for the month of March 2020 and until further notice, the only drug testing required to be performed will be post-accident.  All Birthday tests are postponed until further notice.

Questions? Call our San Diego Electrical Industry Trusts: 858-569-6322.

For resources on Coronavirus, see this recent news item.

March 18, 2020

IBEW: COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for Construction Trades

North America’s Building Trades Unions issued specific advice for construction industry employers to protect IBEW members and other construction professionals from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

March 17, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

In an abundance of caution and in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, IBEW 569 is taking proactive measures that ensure the safety of our Brothers and Sisters. The new temporary dispatch procedures will allow members to check back in over the phone after a layoff until further notice, provided a term slip is emailed to the Hall while the member is checking back in. Term slips can be emailed to broach@ibew569.org or epage@ibew569.org.

Temporary Dispatching Effective 3-18-2020

(b) When laid off from a job in San Diego or Imperial County, you must register on the Available for Work book in person or by PHONE, any industry workday between 8:00am – 4:30pm at the San Diego or Imperial Valley Office, no later than the next industry workday after the layoff.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, we encourage you to please take effort to conduct business with us online or by telephone. Rotations and dispatch will continue as regularly scheduled.

Our IBEW 569 Hall remains open and staff is available to help you – please give us a call to discuss any questions you might have.

Please be safe and thank you for keeping our union strong!

In Solidarity,

Jeremy Abrams

Business Manager, IBEW 569 Card # A129528 | 858-569-8900 | jabrams@ibew569.org

March 17, 2020

IBEW, NECA Sign National Agreement in Response to COVID-19

March 13, 2020

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been classified as a pandemic and a national emergency. Per the California Employment Development Department, ‘while investigations to learn more about the virus are ongoing, workers and employers should review their health and safety procedures to help prevent exposure to the virus.” Please find below various updates and resources for IBEW 569 members.

IBEW 569

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone some events in light of the developing situation with COVID-19.  In the meantime, please practice all recommended precautions—wash your hands regularly, avoid unnecessary group activities, and stay healthy and safe. Protect yourselves and each other.

Office Hours

Our offices are still open during regular business hours. To help prevent the spread of the virus, we encourage you to please take effort to conduct business with us online or by telephone. Rotations and dispatch will continue as regular.

            IBEW 569 Group Meetings and Events

Postpone all IBEW 569 group meetings and events held at IBEW 569 until at least April 6th – this includes events hosted by EWMC, the United Sparkies, the Retirees Club, RENEW, and ALIANZA, partner public meetings scheduled to be held at IBEW 569 until at least April 6th.

 

Partner Public Meetings Held at IBEW 569

Postpone any partner public meetings scheduled to be held at IBEW 569 until at least April 6th.

Electrical Training Institute / Our Apprenticeship Program

The Electrical Training Institute (ETI) Board of Trustees have been closely monitoring the evolving situation of COVID-19. For continued preparedness, the Board of Trustees have made the following decision effective March 13th, 2020:

 

Apprenticeship Classes

Postpone all apprentice classes until April 6th and resume classes on a condensed schedule in efforts to resume our normally scheduled Summer semester. The Trustees and ETI staff will reassess the situation on a daily basis and send out notice on April 2nd if it is decided that further postponement is required. If we are required to continue postponement, we will adjust the condensed schedule and also implement a condensed schedule for the Summer semester so we can resume our normal schedule in the Fall.

 

Dispatching & Rotations

Dispatch and rotations will continue as long as the union hall continues to remain open.

 

Apprentice/ET Make-up Classes

All scheduled makeup classes will be cancelled. If an apprentice requires a makeup class for the purpose of receiving their rerate on time, they will need to contact Ken Collier, Cristina Marquez, and/or the ETI to assess if any options are available.

 

Journeyman Classes

Cancel the remaining March and April Journeyman classes.

 

Electrician Trainee Classes

Electrician Trainee classes will resume online via Moodle as they close out mid-April.

 

Contractor Classes/Meetings Held at ETI

Postpone any contractor or public meetings scheduled to be held at ETI until further notice.

 

Applications

Applications will not be taken on Wednesdays until we have reopened the building and resume classes.

 

Our offices will be closed to the general public but ETI staff are available by phone and email. The health authorities tell us that to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, we must:

  • Wash hands frequently

  • Heighten cleaning practices,

  • Avoid contact with sick people

  • Stay away from work when ill, and

  • Do not travel to areas with high infection rates

All of our actions are focused on these areas. In addition, gatherings, including classrooms, should be avoided if possible.

 

ETI will continue to monitor Health Services and continue to adjust solutions and actions as we learn more. If you have any questions, be sure to contact ETI: (858) 569-6633.

Unemployment and Worker Benefits

In the face of the coronavirus, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) wants to keep workers, employers, co-workers, and families safe. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. We are trying to make it easier and spread awareness through this centralized source of info. Use the guidance below to determine what is best for you, your family, and your workplace. And check out their webpage for more details: https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/

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Also, California has waived the 1 week waiting period for those unemployed or disabled because of COVID-19. If a medical professional says you’re unable to work, if your hours have been reduced, or your employer has shut down — you can file a claim. See the EDD website for more details: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

● Online: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

● By-phone: Representatives are available at the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific time except on state holidays.

● English 1-800-300-5616

● Spanish 1-800-326-8937

● Cantonese 1-800-547-3506

● Mandarin 1-866-303-0706

● Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058

● TTY 1-800-815-9387

● By Mail or by Fax: File your UI claim by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For faster and secure processing, fax the completed application to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.

● How to Apply for UI Benefits (File a Claim) (YouTube) English | Spanish | Cantonese | Vietnamese | Mandarin (Information from San Diego Workforce Partnership)

NABTU

In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, NABTU (the National Building Trades) encourages the following steps:

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IBEW Local 569
San Diego County

  • 4545 Viewridge Ave, Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92123
  • (858) 569-8900

IBEW Local 569
Imperial County

  • 2420 Imperial Business Park Dr. Imperial, CA 92251
  • (760) 355-3000
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