Is the campus closed?

Yes. The Mt. SAC campus closed to students and the public. With prior approval from their manager, only “essential” workers are permitted on campus. Your manager will let you know if you need to come to campus.

Is the campus safe?

As far as humanly possible. The District is following all the guidelines and suggestions of the medical professionals, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County Health Department.

What should I do if I am sick?

STAY HOME! Call your primary care physician for advice. If you think you have been exposed or exhibit symptoms of the coronavirus, self-isolate and get a recommendation from your doctor. If you are advised to stay home, get that recommendation from your doctor and forward it to Human Resources at hraccommodations@mtsac.edu. They will advise you about what you should do.

If I get the coronavirus, can I claim workers’ compensation?

That depends. If you become infected while at home, probably not. If you return to campus to perform work and become infected while at work performing your assigned duties, then you may be able to file a worker’s comp claim. It is a case-by-case basis. You should contact Risk Management or Human Resources to discuss your case to determine whether you are eligible for worker’s comp.

Do I have to telecommute?

Yes. At the moment, all classified professionals in Unit A are in paid status as per the telecommuting agreement. You may, however, request from your manager time off using your floating holidays or vacation days.

Do I need to sign the Telecommuting Agreement?

No. Your manager should be contacting you and asking for your contact information, and your acceptance of an assignment is agreement.

Do I need to come back to campus after March 28?

No. Mt. San Antonio College is currently closed to the public. There are some employees who have been called to work on campus because they are needed to perform an essential duty. Remember that you are not to come to campus unless specifically instructed to do so by your manager. If you need to come to pick up something from your office, then notify your manager and get approval. Do not come on your own. If your manager approves, then come to campus, but please remember to notify Campus Safety at 909.274.4555 that you will be on campus and give the time and location of where you will be. When you are done, leave immediately and go back home.

Do I need to check e-mail and voicemail while telecommuting?

Yes. While you are telecommuting (working from home), it is recommended you leave Outlook open to monitor incoming e-mails and to call your voicemail box to check your voicemail at least every 15 minutes. If you receive an e-mail or voicemail that requires an answer that you cannot give because you cannot be on campus, contact your manager for instructions what to do.

What if I don’t hear from my manager?

Continue monitoring your e-mail and voicemail. Your manager may send you an assignment at any time. It is also suggested you check in with your manager at least once a day unless your manager has asked you not to do that.

If I am not asked to come to campus, do I get paid?

Yes. All classified professionals are in paid status. CSEA Chapter 262 and the District negotiated a “telecommuting agreement,” which permits you to work remotely. You are “on duty” from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You should be monitoring your e-mail and checking your voicemail regularly (suggested every 15 minutes).

Will I be given “hazard pay” if asked to work on campus?

Technically, no, it is not “hazard” pay. Your Chapter 262 negotiating team did negotiate with the District and the District agreed to pay classified professionals the “call back” rate of 1.5 times the unit member’s salary to those who are called back to campus to perform essential work.

Will my shift change during these special circumstances?

Maybe. The official telecommute schedule is Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch break and two 15-minute breaks. However, you can arrange with your manager an alternate schedule as per the contract Article 10.01.4.2 except that the 7-day notification period is waived during the COVID-19 telecommuting agreement.

Can I work other hours?

Yes, if your immediate manager approves. You can work alternate hours by arrangement with your immediate manager. The District shall provide the unit member and CSEA with a thirty (30) day written notice of changes in the unit member’s permanent schedule. The District shall provide the unit member with a seven (7) day written notice of temporary changes in the unit member’s schedule. The advance notice can be waived if both the manager and the unit member mutually agree.

Do I have to telecommute if I am caring for small children?

Probably not. Contact Human Resources and ask if you are eligible for leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This will allow you use paid leave time to care for your children or elderly or yourself if you are sick. You may have other options as well. Please contact HR or your Chief Steward Liz Jauregui.

Can I travel during telecommuting?

Yes. Telecommuting (or working remotely) does not mean you have to stay at home. As long as you are checking e-mail, checking voicemail, and completing the assignments given to you by your manager on time to meet your deadlines, you can travel. Technically. However, as per the Governor’s orders, you should stay home and self-isolate until this health crisis is over. Nonessential travel is strongly discouraged, and hotels, motels, and restaurants are mostly closed anyway, so travel could be difficult.

If I have a vacation scheduled, should I cancel it?

That is up to you. If you are on vacation, you do not have to return to work until your vacation is scheduled to end. If you cancel your vacation, you must notify your immediate manager and be prepared to be "on-duty" from 8am to 4:30pm to telecommute.

Will student workers, hourly, and professional experts be working?

Unless they are asked specifically to come to campus or given a specific assignment by their managers, then no. They will not be working and not receive pay. Direct them to their immediate manager for clarification.

Is there a potential for classified layoffs?

Highly unlikely. While there is technically always a “potential” for layoffs, your CSEA Chapter 262 leadership will vigorously defend against layoffs. Since the Governor’s executive order ensures the 2019-20 budget will be fully paid to all K–12 and community colleges, layoffs are not likely due to lack of funds. Since education must continue, there is little likelihood of lack of work. Layoffs are only permitted due to lack of funds or lack of work, so, no, layoffs are unlikely.

Can I use vacation or floating holiday hours under these circumstances?

Yes. All leaves are available to you just as they would be during “normal” operations. The bargaining agreement is still in full effect. However, remember that vacation or floating holidays must be approved by your manager. That has not changed either. Submit your requests through Workforce as always.