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

Mark your calendars! Local 251 is excited to announce we will be holding a Family Picnic and BBQ Contest for our members and their families on June 1 at Vennelyst Park. This is a family friendly event with games and activities for everyone. Main course and drinks (including beer) will be provided. We will also feature a BBQ Contest. Members will compete to see who has the best BBQ. The winner will receive a trophy and bragging rights as the Best BBQ-er of Local 251. Local 251 will provide one meat for our contestants. If you are interested in competing please contact our office to sign up. The deadline for entry is May 1st. We have a limited number of spots available so sign up today. As we get closer to the event we will have a more detailed schedule available. If you have any questions please contact our office.
BBQ Contest Information
Family Picnic Information

The Congress adopted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. The adopted bill is an improvement upon the initial bill proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Specifically, it provides $150 billion to state and local governments to fund response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This third infusion of needed support to communities and Americans impacted by the health crisis and economic fallout from COVID-19 is important, but Congress must still address the significant unmet needs created by COVID-19, especially fiscal issues that will soon confront governments at all levels as the economic effects of the pandemic are fully realized.
Among the additional needs Congress must address include:

• Significant increases in direct federal support for states and localities straining under increased demands for public services and huge reductions in revenues.
  
• Flexibility in the use of those funds to mitigate the severe economic impact of the coronavirus response on state and local government services.
  
• Addressing the shortage of personal protective equipment and medical supplies and the absence of an OSHA temporary emergency standard for infectious disease.
  

Click here to view AFSCME legislative fact sheet for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748)