FIRST IMPACT BARGAINING UPDATE

SEIU Local 500 has been engaged in closed door negotiations with the leaders of Montgomery County Public Schools to secure the pay, benefits, and protections you deserve during this unprecedented crisis. We're proud to say that our negotiations resulted in concrete guarantees for your working conditions and compensation.

DURING THE CURRENT STAY-AT-HOME ORDER

During the "Stay at Home" order issued by Governor Hogan beginning March 30, 2020, SEIU members employed at MCPS will not be required to work on-site, except in the case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance.

In cases where employees are needed to perform operational, non-emergency work on-site, MCPS will ask employees to volunteer. Those employees who volunteer to report to work on-site in such an event will be paid time-and- a-half for all such hours worked, regardless of whether you are overtime-eligible.

If there is an emergency or highly unusual circumstance beyond the control of MCPS that requires employees to perform work on-site, those employees will receive double pay for all time spent performing that work. Again, bargaining unit members will receive the additional pay, regardless of whether you are overtime-eligible.

SEIU Local 500 represented employees who do not volunteer for on-site work assignments will continue to receive their regular pay while MCPS operates for remote learning, either while teleworking or just remaining at home.

This is just the beginning of our efforts to win you further protections and improvements as we navigate this crisis. MCPS continues to operate in these trying times because of your commitment and dedication to the students and to our communities. We hope to report additional agreements with the school system as they are achieved. You, as members, are and will always be our top priority. We are here for you because we are you. We Are In This Together.

Please feel free to check back at seiu500.org for additional information on the agreements reached with MCPS. Also do not forget to like and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/SEIULocal500 where you can receive updates even faster than over the phone. Finally, know that while our staff is working remotely, we are still here for all of you by email and phone Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

Thank you all again for your dedication to our children and our communities. You are truly heroes in this crisis!


With appreciation,
Pia Morrison
President, SEIU Local 500