March 25, 2020

Dear Local 76 Sisters and Brothers,

I know there is a lot of misinformation out there about what jobs are or are not ESSENTIAL. We are working with the State Building Trades and the Governors office to get these answers as soon as possible. There is no valid special ID approved to drive to work, as is being reported now. This is coming from General contractors who are hoping all their jobs are deemed ESSENTIAL.

I ask any of you, not to feel pressured to report to work if you feel unsafe and the site conditions are not following proper safety guidelines for the Covid 19 Virus. The Washington State Department of L&I has guidelines that the Employers must follow as related to the Covid 19 Virus.

Our main concern is to get all the correct information to our members as soon as we receive it. I expect to have something from the Governors office by this afternoon. We will then send it out via E-Mail and post it on the Local website promptly.

We will do everything in our power to make sure you are all covered by unemployment if you chose to leave the job because of the Covid 19 Virus. The health of you and your families comes first. If you are laid off or furloughed during this time, please contact the hall so we can help in making sure you qualify for unemployment.

I have been asked why I can’t shut jobs down; I do not have the authority to declare which jobs need to shut down and which ones need to stay open. That is for our Government to decide. So, for now please follow all precautions necessary to protect you and your families.

Fraternally,

Timothy K. O’Donnell Sr.

Business Manager

Tims Covid-19 Letter 3-25-20.pdf