March 30, 2020 10:15 AM

Sisters & Brothers,

Over the past two weeks, your IBEW Local Union 21 Representatives have been having constant conversations with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office over the effects of COVID-19 with respect to worker safety and benefits enhancements.

The Mayor, her staff and IBEW Local 21 Officials appreciate and recognize the essential, hard work performed by PCOs and ACO Police Communications Operators I/II and Aviation Communications Operators in keeping the public safe.  We are proud of all of you.

The temporary City of Chicago COVID-19 benefit enhancements include additional paid COVID-19 sick-leave and leave of absence (LOA) for a parent or guardian having to attend to an underage child effected by school closures.  You can use the City's Intranet site for information on the City of Chicago Sick leave Policy Addendum, Employee Self Certification, Employee FAQ, and other important information.

We remind all of our members to act responsibly.  It’s expected the COVID-19 benefits will be used only by those for whom they were intended, those City of Chicago employees who truly need them, not those employees who just want to take advantage of the situation.  As IBEW members we must recognize that, “No unjust actions are so necessary that they are worth forfeiting our reputation and livelihoods for ourselves and our families whom depend on us.”

We understand that the Mayor and her staff are doing all they can to obtain additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  All IBEW 21 employers are facing the same strain obtaining PPE as those heroes in the medical field who are on the frontlines taking care of the victims of this pandemic.

If you have any questions or if an unreasonable situation arises contact your IBEW 21 representative. We do ask that you give them time to respond.  Your IBEW 21 Representatives are working very hard on multiple issues with multiple employers for our thousands of members who have concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and how it affects them.

IBEW Local Union 21 is doing all it can to keep our members safe and informed. You can visit www.ibew21.org for additional COVID-19 information.  Future updates will be released when necessary.

We wish you and your families well.