News

AFSCME supports bill that would further expand and improve loan forgiveness program

Thanks to efforts by the Biden administration and AFSCME, many public service workers, 

AFSCME supports legislative proposal to study mental health in the workplace

Many AFSCME members work in high-stress fields such as public safety, health care, emergency medical services and firefighting.

COVID -19 LEAVE OPTIONS

See leave chart for more information: https://hcconnect.hennepin.us/COVID19/employee-leave-chart.aspx

Questions: Email HR Service Center [email protected]  or call  612-348-7855 

Tips for Safer Working During COVID-19

Like a few other library workers, I have been working a reassignment for Hennepin County Public Health doing COVID-19 Case Investigation. This means that I call people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to make sure they have information about isolation and ask them questions about any potential exposures. I talk to a lot of people about their worksites, so I was asked to write something up that might be helpful for 2822 members working onsite. But before I get going on my list of things to do, my first piece of advice is for us all to be kind to ourselves.

Get tested for COVID-19- It’s free!

Email from Sue Hoel, Benefits Manager at Hennepin County

The coverage we have is no out-of-pocket cost for the test or related office visit, regardless if the provider doing the testing is in their network or not.

The three that I have heard are doing the most testing are HCMC, HealthPartners or M Health Fairview.

No Co-pays for Mental Health Services

We are in extremely difficult times and many of us are struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. That’s why we are encouraging folks to take advantage of our mental health services provided through our health insurance. ALL MENTAL HEALTH CO-PAYS ARE FREE. Click here to sign into you preferred one account and find a mental health provider in your network. https://www.preferredone.com/hc/coverage-and-benefits/ If you have questions, call Preferred One Customer Service at 1-800-847-4477.

WE NEED JUNETEENTH AS A REAL PAID HOLIDAY

Over the past few months AFSCME unions at HC have been advocating for the addition of Juneteenth as a paid county holiday.

A Brief Discussion on Layoffs

With the disappointing budget news, more and more people are talking about layoffs. While every department is working to find ways besides layoffs to close holes in their budget, it’s possible that those efforts might not be enough. While no final decisions on layoffs have been approved yet, the subject is on everyone’s mind. I know it’s on mine. So, I wanted to review the contract and provide a brief summary of our contract rights when it comes to layoffs.

The contract gives us the following rights when it comes to layoffs:

Open Letter to Michael Rossman, Director of HR and Ali Fuhrman President of AFSCME 2822

Hi Ali & Michael,

I have some real major concerns about working from home. I know that I should be thankful that I still have a job but all of my household bills are increasing because I work from home. I understand everyone’s health concerns but I don’t think as a collective we realize that HC is demanding more from us than they are willing to give to their employees.

Letter to Union

I know you are meeting with the board about medical and I was the one that has incurred over $500 of outstanding medical expenses due to Be Well closed. Due to working at home in a non-ergonomic setting 40 hours a week I’m having lower back, hip, neck and shoulder pains. I was going 4-6 weeks as preventative care at Be Well now I’m being seen by a local chiropractor several times a month to ease the pain I’m feeling. It should be noted last week I did receive an email stating certain clinics I can now be seen for chiropractor services with no co-payment.