Brothers and Sisters:  I hope this message finds you well.  First, I ask that we all take a moment of reflection and prayer for those that have been harmed or devastated by this terrible virus.  Second, I want to recognize and thank our members that are currently working in harm’s way to ensure that others are able to be safe, fed, and secure.  Finally, I want to send a message of gratitude and prayer for those medical personnel and first responders that are on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic.  Many of these workers are family members and union sisters and brothers of ours and they are putting their lives on the line to ensure for the health, care, and wellness of those in need of care.  Be safe out there.

I wanted to provide you a brief update on the status and impact of Covid-19 on Local 302: 

• AK: Is currently under a 14-day self-quarantine when you travel into the state.
  More Info Here
   
• ID: Stay At Home Order is currently in place.
  More Info Here
   
• WA: Stay At Home Order is currently in place.
  More Info Here

Our primary concern is for your safety so if there are any issues or concerns I ask that you please reach out to your Field Rep for assistance.  Also, as many have heard in the news there are a number of stimulus related benefits that are coming from the Federal government and more information to come.  As I have said in prior posts there are numerous folks that are currently being laid off because of shutdowns.  This qualifies as “lack of work” conditions under unemployment and we advise members to be sure to get on the out-of-work list regardless of whether you were told that you were on Standby status.  Given the potential high volume of folks checking in, we’d ask that you email your Out-of-Work List requests to your dispatcher and be patient with us as we do our best to getting everybody signed in on the list.  We would also like to say thank you to those employers that are keeping their workers and our members on the payroll during this crisis, which is a truly appreciated gesture from our employer partners. 

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 

WA Construction Update: 
 

Brothers and Sisters:  We were recently informed that Governor Inslee intended for a narrower interpretation of his Executive Order as it relates to construction activities.  Under the new, more restrictive interpretation: “In general, commercial and residential construction is not covered under the proclamation because construction is not considered an essential activity.”  The interpretation goes on to allow for some limited exceptions relating to “essential activities” like transportation and discretion for local public entities to authorize continued construction work.  This could include: schools, necessary transportation projects, transit, and other projects deemed essential to public infrastructure.  The Governor’s office also established an exception/waiver process that project owners and contractors can submit for approval.  However, several of our contractors already made the decision today to shutdown their jobs in anticipation of this announcement.  While the Governor’s Order requires a 2-week shutdown beginning today at 5 pm, we fully expect many of the jobs affected will likely not restart on Wednesday, April 8^th but will remain down until at least Monday, April 13^th.  Communications with your general foreman, contractor, and field rep will be necessary to determine if your job is still an allowed project and/or its status if a waiver was requested.   
 

If you are laid off, this qualifies as “lack of work” conditions under unemployment and we advise members to be sure to get on the out-of-work list regardless if your employer says they are putting you on Standby status.  Given the potential high volume of folks checking in, we’d ask that you email your Out-of-Work List requests to your dispatcher and be patient with us as we do our best to getting everybody taken care of.  We have also heard that some employers are keeping their workers on the payroll during this shutdown, which is a truly appreciated gesture from our contractor partners.  Depending on the length of this shutdown, you may also be eligible for the new Federal Families First Corona Response Act benefits which are currently being implemented.  These benefits include up to 2 weeks of paid leave for covered situations, which many of the details of this new Federal law are being worked out and we don’t expect clearer guidance until early April.  You also may be eligible for Paid Time Off or Sick Leave Benefits depending on if they have been accrued and as allowed under your employer’s policies.
 

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  In the meantime, I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 
 

Daren Konopaski, 
Business Manager

Posted at 8:44 pm, 3/25/2020

Brothers and Sisters:  The fight continues with the Covid-19 pandemic.  In WA, Governor Inslee announced a two week “Stay at Home” order for all “nonessential services” as well as further limitations on group gatherings and state park closures.  The order takes effect Wednesday, March 25th.  A general list was provided outlining activities considered to be “essential critical infrastructure workers”, which provided clarity for many of our Stationary operations but was less clear on the impact to general Construction activities.

There are a number of references to infrastructure-based support for transportation, healthcare, energy, pipeline, housing, refineries, etc., so we assume that construction operations are intended to be designated essential.  It specifically states: “Construction workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction) for all essential facilities, services and projects included in this document, and for residential construction related to emergency repairs and projects that ensure structural integrity.”  This interpretation is consistent with federal guidelines.  That said, we are in the process of getting additional clarity from the Governor’s Office.  We expect that some projects may be shutdown temporarily and that all projects will have additional safety protocols implemented in order to continue operations.  So unless you hear otherwise from your contractor, employer, or field representative you are able to continue working. 

I want to reinforce that our primary focus is for your safety and if you have any concerns about exposure or your worksite safety conditions we ask that you alert your employer and your field representative immediately.  If you are facing or considering job separation, whether initiated by your employer or you, make certain the reason for the separation is clear to both parties and mutually understood. This will aid in sorting out the variety of economic protections and assistance available in your circumstance.

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  In the meantime, I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 

Daren Konopaski, 
Business Manager

Brothers and Sisters:  The fight continues with the Covid-19 pandemic.  We met with the AGC of Western WA today about the ground zero concerns in WA.  They shared the guidance they are providing contractors and we discussed the efforts and safety protocols that WSDOT and Sound Transit are implementing. 

We recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we are doing are best to provide the members with any and all information at our disposal.  It is important that we all remain as calm as we can under the circumstances, do not report or share any information that you are not sure is fact, and be safe and cautious about exposure.  There are a lot of rumors out there that only adds to the stress and anxiety of everyone about the state of affairs.  We will get through this and it is important that members get as prepared as they can, limit exposure, and follow the guidance we’ve posted and are being shared by various sources.   

Our primary focus is for your safety and if you have any concerns about exposure or your worksite safety conditions we ask that you alert your employer and your field representative immediately.  If you are facing or considering job separation, whether initiated by your employer or you, make certain the reason for the separation is clear to both parties and mutually understood. This will aid in sorting out the variety of economic protections and assistance available in your circumstance. 

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager

OSA COVID-19 Communications – 010

N.S. Health Screening

North Slope Health Screening & Travel Update

As previously announced, all workers travelling to Prudhoe Bay from Anchorage or Fairbanks will undergo a pre-travel health screening at the airport. You will be issued proof of screening (wristband or pocket card), which you will be required to present when you transit between North Slope operation areas. The screening will require additional time at the airport, so please plan accordingly.

Additionally, effective immediately, all workers who are currently on the North Slope, including truck drivers and other service providers who travel between Oil Search North Slope operation area and other operation areas, will need to be screened as well. Anyone currently in Deadhorse, or just arriving into Deadhorse, should be screened at the Deadhorse Aviation Center (DAC):

·         Located on the west end of the Deadhorse Airport, 500 First Street

·         Park on the gravel pad on the west side of the building; do not park in the main thoroughfare (First Street)

·         Enter through the main entrance and take an immediate right into the Fairweather Clinic

·         Call the clinic directly if you have questions - 907-685-1777

If you are currently within an OSA operations area, but your role takes you to other parts of the North Slope, you will need to be screened at any of the following locations:

There will be medical screening staff at the clinics to confirm your eligibility to proceed between Oil Search and other operation areas. You will be asked a few basic questions concerning your health and have your temperature taken. Please note, you will NOT be allowed access under the following circumstances:

• You have traveled in the last 14 days to any Center of Disease Control (CDC) high risk location
• You have had contact with a person known to have COVID-19
• You are experiencing fever along withcough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or nasal congestion

Upon passing the screening, personnel will be given proof of screening that may be requested at any of the field guard shacks, including Milne Point, 1B, CPF1, ENI and Prudhoe Bay. If personnel arrive at a guard shack without proof of screening, access may be denied.

Experiencing Symptoms?

Any worker currently on the North Slope who is experiencing symptoms of illness (including fever combined cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or nasal congestion) should self-quarantine in their room immediately. Notify your supervisor and contact the clinic closest to you. The clinic will make arrangements to conduct a safe assessment and determine the best path forward to help ensure your health and comfort, as well as the health and wellness of your colleagues.

Key Links - COVID-19 Updates

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

World Health Organization (WHO)

State of Alaska

Municipality of Anchorage

Important Union Meetings Update

Attention all Members:  With the COVID-19 pandemic we are making some adjustments to our scheduled meetings.  The Executive Board met this morning and until May 1^st, all union meetings, pension health and welfare information sessions, and any other general membership related meetings are cancelled.  The Executive Board will be meeting on or before May 1^st again to reassess the situation.  While we are not closing offices I would ask that you limit any office visits to only things that you are unable to do over the phone, email, etc.  For members working in the field if you have any jobsite/workplace questions please direct them to your Field Rep. 

We are doing our best to be responsible to our members and the general public in combating this virus.  If you have any concerns with our course of action you can certainly contact me.  Be safe out there.

In solidarity,

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager & General Vice President
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302

To All Local 302 Participants

**As of 3/16/2020, these meetings have all been cancelled, please see the above post for more information.**

The Trustees would like to invite you and your spouse to attend Benefit Meetings to be held in months of March and April in different cities close to you. The purpose of these meetings is to share information with you about the operation of the Health & Welfare and Retirement Plans.

There will be presentations on both plans and personnel will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding your medical coverage or your reitrement plan. We look forward to sharing this information with you and having the opportunity to answer your questions at the following meetings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs from SwiftMD

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is beginning to take hold in some communities across the U.S., we would like you to know what SwiftMD can do for you in the event you develop symptoms of the virus.

SwiftMD doctors can provide consults for members who are suffering from symptoms of upper respiratory illness that occur with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. To schedule a consult log in at SwiftMD.com, or call 833-SWIFTMD (833-794-3863).

SwiftMD doctors can provide supportive care to relieve symptoms, and answer questions about COVID-19 and help a member assess their risk factors, such as whether they have traveled to a high-risk area or been exposed to anyone who has traveled to a high-risk area or tested positive for COVID-19. Most cases are mild, and affected patients can isolate themselves at home to recover. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for COVID-19.

For a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19, members should contact their PCP’s office to arrange for the necessary testing through the state Department of Health, or LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics. If symptoms become severe, members should seek care in person at an ER.

You should not panic about COVID-19, but do be prepared. It’s not too soon to begin thoughtful social distancing. Avoid large crowds, big meetings and food-sharing. Air travel poses risks of exposure to large numbers of people, so avoid flying if you can. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and follow good cough and sneeze etiquette. If you are sick, stay home so as not to expose others. The U.S. healthcare system may soon be overwhelmed by the pandemic. All of us have the opportunity to help stave off the virus and conserve scarce healthcare resources for those who need it the most.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

More Information Provided by the CDC

More Information Provided by WHO (World Health Organization)

Washington Local 302 Members, please refer to the Washington State Employment Security Department's "COVID-19 Scenarios and the Benefits" chart for important information here. More information specific for King County can be here.

Alaska Local 302 Memberse, please refer to the following webpages for important information here and here. More informatin specific for the Municipality of Anchorage can be found here.

Idaho Local 302 Members, please refer to the following webspage for important information here.

Local 302 Members: As the novel coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19, outbreak continues to expand, so have all of our concerns. 

The total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed or presumed positive in the United States is still low -- just north of 200 total cases. Of these, there have been a growing number of fatalities, with many of these concentrated in a single nursing home in Washington, as health authorities have emphasized that the fatality rate is higher among the elderly and those with underlying health problems. 

It is likely that the number of cases will increase so it is important to plan for a variety of scenarios. At this early stage of the outbreak in this country the best thing to do is stay informed and be prepared to alter plans when needed.  Local 302 is committed to doing what we can to keep our members safe by requesting that our employers institute workplace policies and guidance to reduce the risk of infection. We expect a workplace where employees feel free to communicate their health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal or negative impacts on pay or employment. 

We are vigilantly evaluating the situation daily and will continue to discuss contingency plans to be able to continue the work of the union without jeopardizing the health of our employees. We will issue new instructions or recommendations as the conditions change and will communicate the information to you. 

Steps you can take to prevent the flu and the common cold will also help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If that’s not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

If you have symptoms and were exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient, call both your health care provider. You can also call the state coronavirus hotline at 800-525-0127.  If you have symptoms but don’t know if you were exposed, don’t head straight to the emergency room or urgent care, where you might infect others. Call your doctor about whether, when and where you should be evaluated.

Alaska AGC MLA Update

Dear Brothers & Sisters, we are happy to announce that the Alaska AGC MLA has been voted and approved by the membership of Alaska as of 3/4/2020.

Available Medical Resources

Dear Brothers & Sisters, with the flu season and the latest news of the spread of the Novel Coronavirus in our region, now is a great time to consider use of our member telemedicine service, Swift MD.

Many of our members can attest to how quick and easy it is to speak directly with a doctor over the phone if you are feeling sick and may be in need of antibiotics or other care. Take advantage of this member service available to you!

Local 302 Oral History

Dear Brothers and Sisters, if you have the time to watch and listen at your leisure, please take a look at our newest addition to our website, oral history videos from Local 302 members and retirees. These can be found on the left hand side under the column options, "Watch Local 302 Member and Retiree Oral History Videos".

Take the time the learn the history of our Local so that we may never forget it.

Alaska AGC Tentative Agreement

Please see the attached document for our Tentative Agreement with the Alaska AGC.

2020-2022 AK AGC CBA Final wTrack Changes.pdf