The Mayor has announced via press conference that staff will start to return to work in May. The Mayoral Agencies were asked to submit their return-to-work plans by April 5th. DC37's Executive Director and Senior staff are in discussions with the Mayor's Office, and we have been notified that DC37 Research and Negotiations will be meeting with the NYC Office of Labor Relations. The DEP OLR&D has also scheduled labor/management meetings with the unions including Local 3599.
The union will stress the necessity to have safe work locations while the pandemic continues. We believe that teleworking and alternative work schedules will be required while all the facilities try to meet the NYC DCAS guidelines. Current challenges exist trying to keep up with the ever changing way things are being rolled out. The return-to-work plans are being prepared by the various units, divisions, and directorates from all our Bureaus in DEP. The plans all need to meet the current DCAS guidelines.
The Agency has made a presentation available through the unions regarding Return to Office plans, which can be viewed HERE.
Please note that various benefits are in place for members: Reasonable Accommodations, Paid Family Leave (PFL), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), labor/management discussions when hardships are realized. Many of our schools are opening at the same time, but not all the supporting business are, creating a challenge for our workforce to balance family life with work. The City has shown they are willing to work with members on a case-by-case basis. Please let your Local know what your concerns/issues/questions are by contacting Local3599@outlook.com
