October 28, 2020 – Members of IBEW 1837 are required to adhere to safety measures that our represented companies have put in place to protect their employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although the safety protocols including mandatory use of face masks vary from one employer to the next, and not all of our members support them or believe that they are necessary or effective, they must be followed nonetheless.
COVID-19 is a nationwide and worldwide pandemic that is expected to continue well into next year – even with the most optimistic vaccine distribution forecasts. Employees and their family members have been affected by this disease and all employers have a responsibility to try to maintain a safe workplace.
IBEW 1837 has asked our legal representation to advise us about the masking, testing and other safety protocols being instituted where our members work throughout Maine and New Hampshire. While we will continue to follow and monitor these measures, our legal counsel has said that we will not be successful in trying to avoid or file a grievance on these measures, if a Company is erring on the side of caution.
Of course, the safety of our members is of the utmost importance to us. It is important to follow the guidelines of our represented employers for that reason alone.
We understand that some of the companies are going to be cracking down and possibly disciplining those who fail to follow the safety measures they have put in place. Please be aware that failure to follow these protocols could lead to disciplinary action.
If you have any questions, please contact your Steward or the Union Office for more information. More information on COVID-19 may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.