COVID-19 News and resources

Your NTEU leadership continues to working diligently to process the information employees share with the Union in efforts to help individual employees deal with COVID-19 related issues as they continue to arise . This page can be a useful resource as changes continue to occur in within the Federal Government. As always, please reach out to a member of the representational team with any information, needs, or concerns. We are here to help!

oho sPECIFIC INFORMATION

• September 2021 Vaccine Survey (Know Your Rights Publications)

  • Survey Update: click here.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s): click here.

general information

• The World Health Organization (WHO) coronavirus page

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Situation Summary

  • Information on hand washing, hand sanitizer, and covering coughs

OPM COVID-19 PaGe

• OPM’s guidance to federal agencies can be found here

nteu resources

• Video Update on Coronavirus from NTEU National President Tony Reardon

• NTEU Coronavirus resources launch page

• Chapter 224’s Facebook page is updated frequently as we obtain new information.

• NTEU Telework Agreement form. Guidance on how to fill this out for telework during the outbreak will be forthcoming.

SSA specific information

The Agency’s response to the outbreak has been changing on a daily basis. This is the most recent information we have.

• SSA Medical Office’s coronavirus page (accessible from SSA computers)

• On March 21, 2020, Commissioner Saul sent the following message to all SSA employees:

  • COVID-19 Telework Expansion

  • Given the evolving facts available from the CDC and state and local governments, I’ve made the decision to further expand telework across the country.  The Office of  Hearings Operations will implement an orderly shift to fulltime telework this week.  The only exception to this nationwide telework requirement will be for those employees who have been explicitly instructed by their supervisors that their physical presence is required due to the nature of their responsibilities.  Only these employees are permitted to enter our facilities.  If management determines that we do not have portable work or necessary equipment for you to telework, you will be placed on weather and safety leave until we are able to acquire additional equipment.  

  • As SSA and Federal employees, we are fortunate to be able to continue working and serving the American people during this difficult time.  Please take care of yourself and your families, look out for your neighbors, and let your supervisor know if you need anything.  If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your immediate supervisor for assistance.

  • Remember that people are counting on us.  Thank you for continuing to deliver critical services.

  • Andrew Saul, Commissioner

After successfully persuading management to authorize expanded telework for OHO employees, NTEU Chapter 224 is advocating for increased work flexibility during the day and reduced performance expectations due to increased work distractions. President Christie Saunders sent the following email to OHO bargaining unit employees on March 23, 2020:

• Brothers and Sisters,

• On Friday, I attended a conference call with SSA Office of Hearings Operations leaders from OLMER and OEOHR. AFGE and IFPTE also attended. We learned that this week the agency will roll out a new system that will allow ALJs to hold hearings telephonically from home. Some management and staff will need to be in the office (a very limited number) this week to get the system up and running. SSA plans to close all offices by next week. 

• Other highlights:

  • Telework will be mandatory all employees with portable work.

  • I pushed to reduce performance expectations because we no longer telework in an environment free from distractions.

  • I pushed a maxi-flex telework schedule that would allow employees to complete their tour anytime during the day, not just between 6:30am-6pm. The agency listened and asked me to draft a formal proposal. On Saturday, I drafted the proposal, sent it to our National Counsel for review, and submitted the proposal to SSA leadership so they would have it first thing this morning. 

  • Since NTEU National represents other federal agencies experiencing the same issues, SSA expressed interest in learning what other agencies are doing and how it is working there. NTEU will supply information to SSA in hopes of finding solutions to allow us to keep working and help SSA accomplish its mission. 

• As always, we will keep you up to date via email, Facebook, and Chapter website.

• In solidarity, Christie