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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08.b Date: Item No. COVID-19 Leave Program and Temporary Advance Sick Leave Program Proposed Action Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve the COVID-19 leave program and temporary advance sick leave program. Overview The temporary COVID-19 leave program would provide leave for benefit earning employees that are quarantined or have contracted COVID-19. Employees would receive their base wage for regularly scheduled work hours up to 14 consecutive calendar days. The temporary advance sick leave program provides up to 80 hours of sick leave or PTO for employees that do not have available leave balance for other illnesses not related to COVID-19. The two temporary programs will sunset after the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved. The proposed policies have been reviewed by the Personnel Committee. Primary Issues to Consider • Approving the COVID-19 leave program and temporary advance sick leave program will provide a safe work environment for employees. Supporting Information • COVID-19 Program and Temporary Advance Sick Leave Program Financial Impact: $ Budgeted: Y☐ N☐ Source: Related Documents: (CIP, ERP, etc.): Envision Lakeville Community Values: Good Value for Public Services Report Completed by: Tammy Schutta, Human Resources Manager March 16, 2020 City of Lakeville COVID-19 Program for Employees City of Lakeville benefit earning employees who are quarantined or have contracted COVID-19 will receive COVID-19 leave. The benefit is 100% of the employee’s regular base wage (does not include overtime, supplemental pay, equipment pay, longevity and/or other additional pay) for regularly scheduled work hours up to 14 consecutive calendar days unless otherwise determined by a medical professional. For the purpose of this benefit, holidays will be counted as a holiday and will be included in the 14-day count. Employer benefit contribution and leave accrual will continue during paid COVID- 19 leave. Medical certification may be required. Employee reporting process: • If you are exposed to an individual who has contracted COVID-19 or if you feel ill, stay home and inform your supervisor immediately. Employees must use available accrued leave for this type of circumstance. • Employee is to seek medical advice to determine next steps for your situation from your medical provider. If a medical professional recommends you must be quarantined due to COVID-19 or confirms that you have contracted COVID-19, you are eligible for COVID-19 pay as described above. • You must follow treatment recommendations and return to work information must be forwarded to Lakeville’s Human Resources division. Employees must stay home until they are free of fever (100.4 F/28oC or higher) and other symptoms, such as frequent and severe coughing for at least 24-hours without the use of medicines (e.g. aspirin/ibuprofen and cough suppressants). Source www.CDC.gov. • No return to the workplace can occur until you are allowed by your supervisor. A medical certification by a medical professional may be required. This temporary program is approved by the City of Lakeville City Council and is subject to change based on business needs. This program will sunset after the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved. Temporary Advance Sick Leave Program Where employees need to use sick leave or PTO, but run out of available time, the City will advance up to 80 hours of sick leave or PTO. In the case of a negative leave balance, any leave taken beyond the 80 hours will be unpaid until the leave balance has been brought out of the negative. The negative leave balance will be restored with accrued leave earned each pay period (i.e. sick leave earned per pay period is 3.69 hours). If employment is terminated and the leave balance is in the negative, the employee agrees to reimburse the City of Lakeville for the cost of the sick leave or PTO advance. This temporary program is approved by the City of Lakeville City Council and is subject to change based on business needs. This program will sunset after the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved.