Date: May 14, 2020
To: Local 251 Members 
From: Tony Burkhalter, President 
Re: Vacant Officer Position
As many of you may know, our current Vice-President, Kelcy Johnson, has submitted her resignation of office effective May 25th, 2020. At this time the Executive Board is seeking a replacement in order to fill the position for the remainder of the term ending September 2021.
Consequently, in Accordance with Local 251’s Constitution, specifically, Article VI, Section 6, “Vacancies in office shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by vote of the executive board,” interviews of prospective members will be conducted by the Executive Board.
Anyone interested in either of the vacant positions must notify the Union office on or before May 28th, with their desire to do so and provide current contact information in order to schedule an interview. Interviews will be conducted by the Executive Board.
Also, in an effort to increase membership awareness, we are in the process of compiling email addresses for members who would like to receive information, updates and/or notices via email. If you are interested in being added to our email list, please email the office secretary at patty@local251.org requesting to be added.
Local 251 contact information is as follows:
Nebraska Public Employees, Local 251
6910 Pacific Street, Suite 450
(402) 346-4011
local251@local251.org
www.Local251.org

Message of Good Will to Outgoing Vice President Kelcy Johnson
I would like to take this time to congratulate Vice President Kelcy Johnson who has become a champion in the fight of the labor movement. Kelcy Johnson has been involved with Local 251 as former Treasurer and holds the current position of Vice President. Vice President Kelcy has been instrumental in creating new safety training for the City of Omaha, introducing Local 251 to social media with the creation of a website and actively recruiting new members. All of your hard work in meeting politicians and forming partnerships with other unions has been invaluable for our membership. As you step down and branch out to fight as the new National Organizer for the American Federal Government Employees we would like to say thank you for all that you have done. As you embark on this new chapter in your life you will always have the support of Local 251.
In Solidarity
President Tony Burkhalter
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Local 251 has planned to re-open the Union office on May 11. At that time, we will continue to assess the COVID-19 situation and plan accordingly. Everyone’s patience and support during this time of uncertainty has been greatly appreciated.
In consideration of the safety of the Union staff, we request that everyone visiting the office utilize a mask and wash their hands upon entry. Please be diligent in self-care and thing of others when visiting and/or attending meetings.

CLICK HERE to view this months Safety Spot for the Public Works department. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the safety personnel in your division.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and out of a abundance of caution for the health of our membership, Local 251 has canceled this months meeting. If you have any questions or concerns you can reach us at, tony@local251.org, kelcy@local251.org or patty@local251.org

CLICK HERE to view a list of candidates endorsed by the Nebraska State ALF-CIO.Registered voters can request that an Early Voting ballot be mailed directly to them. Visit you county election commission website to request a ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is May 1st.

To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.
A potential exposure means being a household contact or having close contact within 6 feet of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The time frame for having contact with an individual includes the period of time of 48 hours before the individual became symptomatic.
Critical Infrastructure workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to and during their work shift
CLICK HERE TO VIEW GUIDELINES

Click here to view a letter regarding the Administrative Leave currently implemented regarding COVID 19. Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call or email the union office.
(402) 346-4011
tony@local251.org
kelcy@local251.org
patty@local251.org

Attached please find updated forms for both Emergency Sick Leave and Emergency Child Care.  Both forms require additional information to be submitted per updates posted on the Federal Department of Labor website over the weekend.
The updated forms can also be found on our website https://hr.cityofomaha.org/public-documents/forms/personnel-actions
 If you have questions, please contact your supervisor or email benefits@cityofomaha.org or call 402-444-5300.
Emergency Sick Leave Form Emergency Child Care Form

From Deb Sander Human Resources Director for the City of Omaha
On March 18, 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides two specific types of leave provision for most employees.  Please see attached documents explaining the Act and how to utilize this new leave.
If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor or email benefits@cityofomaha.org or call 402-444-5300.
Stay Safe,
Human Resources 
Emergency Sick Leave Emergency Child Care Leave Form Emergency Paid Sick Leave Form Emergency Child Care Sample