COVID-19 information and resources
PROTEC17 is committed to providing updates and information to you about COVID-19, especially in regard to what we are doing to make your workplaces as safe as possible. Below you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions, reputable resources on COVID-19, as well as our communications to members and employers on the subject.
If you are concerned about your rights or benefits related to COVID-19 during this time (telecommuting, sick leave use, etc.), please reach out to your Union Representative. PROTEC17 staff are working hard (remotely) to help members during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How serious is COVID-19?
A: The majority of reported illnesses are mild, with fever and cough, but a smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. People have died of this illness, so it’s important to try and stop it from spreading as best we can by staying home whenever possible. Because this is a new virus, scientists and public health experts are still studying it. Those at higher risk include people: over 60 years of age; with underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; with weakened immune systems; who are pregnant.
Q: If I feel sick, what should I do?
A: If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, you should call your health care provider. In Washington, you can also call this hotline at 1-800-525-0127 (open 6am to 10pm, seven days a week). In King County, Washington, you can reach the county’s call center from 8am to 7pm at (206) 477-3977. Call your health care provider before you go in to see them so they can prepare their staff and stay safe while they treat you. You should also stay home from work and away from public places.
Q: What if I’m out of paid sick time?
A: We are working with employers to keep everyone safe and healthy. Many of our employers are following the CDC’s best practices, which encourages people to stay home when they are sick, and are being flexible with employees who have depleted leave banks. If you have specific questions about using your leave benefits, please reach out to your Union Rep.
Q: Can I work from home/telecommute?
A: We are working with employers to arrange alternative working schedules for non-essential personnel wherever possible. Many of our employers have already allowed for telecommuting, and/or are being flexible with the use of leave time. Please contact your Union Representative if you are having difficulty making an alternative arrangement.
Q: Will I get paid and keep my benefits if I am quarantined due to COVID-19?
A: Washington State has made an emergency ruling that health care workers and first responders have access to workers compensation benefits if they are quarantined. We are currently working with our employers to ensure everyone has access to paid leave and benefits if they are quarantined. We are also monitoring federal law for emergency benefit legislation. If you have a question about your benefits, contact your Union Representative.
Q: Is my job considered essential?
A: Based on federal and state guidelines, many government jobs fall under the essential category — but this does not necessarily mean that you need to be working at your office if your work can be done remotely for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Please contact your Union Representative if you have questions about whether your work is essential or you are having trouble making a telecommuting arrangement.
Q: Will there be layoffs?
A: We are talking with employers daily and keeping tabs on federal and state mandates with regard to temporary layoffs so that we may address any impacts to our members. As for the long-term, it is too soon to determine what the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis will be on employers moving forward. But one of the many benefits of being in a union is that the process for potential layoff scenarios is explicitly defined in your contract. Should we reach that point, we will work with employers to minimize the impacts on our members as much as possible.
Q: Am I eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Washington and Oregon are now rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine in phases, with frontline healthcare workers and our most vulnerable populations going first. To learn about the phases and to find out if you are eligible, please visit https://form.findyourphasewa.org/ in Washington, and https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov in Oregon.
Vaccination Resources
Informational Resources/Links
Federal Resources:
Federal Emergency Sick Leave Law
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Guidance on Essential Workforce, U.S. DHS
Washington State:
Washington State Department of Health
Dept. of Health COVID info by phone: 800-525-0127 or text: 211-211
UW Institute for Health Metrics
Employment Security Department of Washington State
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
Essential Workforce, Office of Gov. Inslee
WA L&I Workers’ Rights and COVID-19
To report a workplace violation (COVID-19 related) to WA L&I: 1-800-4-BE-SAFE
Oregon:
Working People and Coronavirus in Oregon
Multnomah County COVID-19 Info
Oregon AFL-CIO COVID-19 Resources
Oregon AFL-CIO Unemployment Claim Workshop
King County:
King County COVID-19 Factsheet
Public Health — Seattle & King County
Other Health Departments:
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Whatcom County Health Department
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Grays Harbor Public Health & Social Services
Jefferson County Public Health
Cowlitz County Health & Human Services
San Juan County Health & Community Services
Other Resources:
Proper use of a cloth face mask
Tips and tricks for wearing cloth face coverings
We have a limited number of PROTEC17 barrier masks (NOT N95). If you are working on the front lines and would like one, please email your Union Representative.
Communications, Memos and Agreements
All Members:
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – May 12
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – April 23
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – April 3
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – March 24
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – March 17
Email to ALL PROTEC17 Members – March 3
King County:
MOA – Emergency Childcare Reimbursement
MOA – COVID leave extension – Jan. 2021
MOA – King County COVID site staffing – April 27
Email to King County members re: COVID-19 MOA – April 8
MOA: King County Coalition of Unions – COVID-19 paid leave – April 6
Email to KC Transit Chiefs and Sups – March 27
Email to KC Members – March 20
Email to KC Public Health Members – March 19
Email to King County Members – March 6
City of Seattle:
MEMO: reduced parking costs for City of Seattle employees – March 24
Email to City of Seattle Members – March 20
Email to Seattle Public Utilities Members – March 17
Email to City of Seattle Members – March 11
City of Portland:
Advanced Leave LOA – Dec. 2020
Email to City of Portland members – June 4
FAQ: Portland LOA – COVID-19 Impacts
LOA: COVID-19 Economic Impacts
Email to City of Portland members – May 1
Email to Portland members re: COVID-19 impacts – April 14
LOA: Summary of Portland COVID-19 Emergency Benefits – March 25
Email to City of Portland Members – March 25
Email to Portland Members – March 16
State of Washington:
Email to State DOL Members – April 1
Email to State Members – March 20
Other Members:
Email to Clark County Members – March 26
Other Resources and Ways to Help
Protecting yourself from unemployment fraud
MoveOn Coronavirus Resource Hub
Free online mental health resources for frontline workers
Resources for undocumented people seeking medical care
One America: COVID-19 Resources
Send masks to healthcare workers
Foundation for Working Families
Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Washington Listens: 833-681-0211 (live person to listen and support you)