PPEs Needed For Front-line Workers!Across our country, we are hearing the same thing: caregivers and other workers on the

front-lines of the COVID-19 crisis care not getting the protection they need. Th e shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE ) places front-line workers especially healthcare workers in danger of sickness and death, and in turn, could make healthcare short-staffi ng even worse just as more patients arrive in need of care. What’s more, these shortages make it likely that front-line workers including caregivers will inadvertently spread COVID-19 amongst their patients and their own family members.Unions across Pennsylvania are reaching out to all members in search of PPE that can be

shared with front-line workers concentrating disbursement of collected PPEs at worksites where there is the greatest need. A few days ago, a member of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council was able to fi nd over a thousand N-95 masks! You can help by asking fellow union members and the employers or contractors you work

with if they have the kind of PPE we’re looking for.WHAT TYPES OF PPE ARE NEEDED BY FRONT-LINE/HEALTHCARE WORKERS

NOW:� N95 type masks designed to protect the nose and mouth from particulate matter� Goggles, face masks, and eye shields designed to protect the eyes from particulate

matter� Surgical type of gloves� Alcohol-based hand sanitizer and hand wipe products� Sealed alcohol-based cleaning products� FDA regulated disposable coveralls� Th ermometersPlease join in the search and contact Rosann Barker/Dwayne Heisler at 814-360-8336/ 570-

317-6214 or just send an email to nwpaalf@gmail.com to let us know what you have found. We’ll coordinate with union healthcare and other front-line workers to make sure the PPE supplies are put to good use.Our own health depends on the health of the person next to us, and the person next to

them. We are all in this together and together we can prevail.

When we work together in Solidarity, share our vast knowledge about our worksites, the skills and capabilities of our members, we can prevail in meeting the needs of our union brothers and sisters on the front-line. (Th ese members/employees answer the phones or help people in person in spaces like shops, banks, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, jails and prisons, clinics, doctors’ offi ces, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and hospitals. Th ey are also police offi cers, fi refi ghters, government workers, public servants, transit workers, farmworkers, workers in the food industry, transit workers, workers in the trades providing the power, utilities, and the essentials to maintain our quality of life.)

We are reaching out to our employers for stock we can use or talk to them about the possibility of retooling to make PPEs. Can we count on your knowledge and help?

Our hope is that when this healthcare crisis is over we can all look back and say, “We did what was best and our dedication to the front-line workers everywhere was exemplary”.

NWPA ALF News April 2020 Edition

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

The NWPA ALF’s jurisdiction covers 19 Pennsylvania Counties: Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfi eld, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jeff erson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren and Westmoreland. We produce this newsletter for the members of our affi liates.

Any comments or questions about this newsletters or its contents should be sent to the NWPA ALF is located at 1276 Liberty St. Ste. 2 in Franklin, PA 16323 or e-mailed to nwpaalf@gmail.com.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Meetings, in NWPA ALF ........... Page 2

Hold Th ese Dates,......................... Page 2

General Guidance Resource....... Page 2

Layoff s, W/C And Th e Paandemic ............................................................... Page 3

Coronavirus: Recieve W/C or UC Benefi ts ........................................... Page 4

Helpful Pandemic Information Page 5

Th e family First Coronavirus Responce Act (FFCRA)................................. Page 6

COVID Business Resources.... Page 6

COVID-19 Resources in PA.... Page 7

Layoff Due To Coronavirus...... Page 8

PA Unions Doing their Part in Retooling, PA AFL-CIO Reports Page 8

NWPA ALF MEETING Meeting 7:00 PM date TBD

Meetings will be held electronically and notices will be send bia snail mail.

Our E-Board Meets at 6:00 PM AFSCME DC 85 HALL

1276 LIBERTY ST. FRANKLIN, PA 16323 Special speakers: TBD

RSVP to 814-360-8336 or nwpaalf@gmail.com

___________________________________________

CLC Meetings in NWPA ALF:

Beaver-Lawrence CLC:Meeting 7:30 PM on TBDIBEW 712 Hall217 Sassafras Lane Beaver 15009For more information call 724-971-7473.

Butler County CLC:Meeting 7:30 PM on TBDUAW 3303 Hall 112 Hollywood Rd. Butler, PA 16003For more information call 724-285-4883 ext. 233

Clearfi eld-Elk-Cameron-Jeff erson CLCMeeting 7:30 PM on TBDIBEW LU51400 Leonard Rd. Clearfi eld 16830For more information call 814-937-2208.

Erie-Crawford CLC:Meeting 7:30 PM on TBDUSW 3199 Hall703 French St. Erie 16501For more information call 814-823-9940.

Greater Westmoreland CLC:Meeting 7:00 PM on TBDFire House #2,421 Th ornton Rd. Greensburg 15601For more information call 724-600-6266.

Indiana-Armstrong CLC:Meeting 7:30 PM on TBDUMWA 1412 51 Eleventh St., Lucernemines 15754For more information call 724-479-0923.

McKean-Potter CLC:Meeting 7:00 PM on Monday, TBDFox’s Pizza Den 51 N Main St. Port Allegany, PAFor info email jbarnett85@gmail.com.

Mercer County CLC:Meeting 7:30 PM on Th ursday, Jan. 16th USW 1660 Hall, 1028 Roemer Blvd. Farrell 16121For more information call 724-854-0605.

Venango-Clarion Chapter:Meeting 6:30 PM on TBDIAM 1842 Hall24 Front St. Franklin 16323For more information call 814-671-4420.

Warren-Forest CLC: Meeting 6:00 PM on TBD IUOE 95 Hall,116 Dobson Ave. Warren 16365For more information call 814-730-7558

GENERAL GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

CDC: Prevention and TreatmentCDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020CDC: COVID-19 Information for TravelersCDC: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersCDC: What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19

DOL: COVID-19 and the Workplace

OSHA: Protecting Workers During a Pandemic fact sheetOSHA: Information for Workers and Employers About the Coronavirus OutbreakOSHA: COVID-19 Control and PreventionOSHA: Interim Guidance for Business Travelers

WHO: Information and Guidance Regarding the Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Government of Canada: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease

DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS

AFL-CIO: Coronavirus: COVID-19 fl yerRespirators and Face Protection 101Seattle Times: Facts About Novel Coronavirus and How to Prevent COVID-19

HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF FUNDS

Participants in the Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance. Visit Union Plus Hardship Help for eligibility requirements.

HOLD THESE DATES

FLAG DAY EVENT

SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH

1:30-2:30 PM .PERRY SQUARE .

NWPA ALF LABOR DAY PARADE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH10:00 AMERIE, PA

10TH ANNUAL NWPA ALF GOLF OUTING

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25THWHISPERING WOODS

ERIE, PA

Many individuals in “non-Many individuals in “non-essential” businesses have been essential” businesses have been faced with lay-off s due to the faced with lay-off s due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the fi rst individuals to be laid the fi rst individuals to be laid off in “essential” businesses are off in “essential” businesses are those with restrictions, working those with restrictions, working modifi ed duty. Many people modifi ed duty. Many people are being told to sign up for are being told to sign up for unemployment. For those who unemployment. For those who do not have work injury related do not have work injury related restrictions, that is the alternative. restrictions, that is the alternative. However, those on workers’ However, those on workers’ compensation should be entitled compensation should be entitled to be reinstated to workers’ to be reinstated to workers’ compensation, although not all compensation, although not all employers are of that belief.employers are of that belief.When an injured worker’s When an injured worker’s

earnings are again aff ected by the earnings are again aff ected by the work injury through no fault of work injury through no fault of his/her own, and the disability his/her own, and the disability that gives rise to the injury that gives rise to the injury continues (s/he still has work continues (s/he still has work restrictions due to the injury), restrictions due to the injury), disability due to the work injury disability due to the work injury is presumed and benefi ts should is presumed and benefi ts should be reinstated. Th is is well-be reinstated. Th is is well-settled Pennsylvania workers’ settled Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law. Th is holds compensation law. Th is holds true whether the injured employee true whether the injured employee returned to his/her regular duty returned to his/her regular duty job, but still had restrictions, or job, but still had restrictions, or whether the injured worker was whether the injured worker was working modifi ed or light duty working modifi ed or light duty work due to the restrictions. Any work due to the restrictions. Any employees who have restrictions employees who have restrictions on their work duties should on their work duties should be automatically reinstated to be automatically reinstated to workers’ compensation benefi ts at workers’ compensation benefi ts at the time of layoff . Th is is because the time of layoff . Th is is because the employer was previously the employer was previously accommodating the employee’s accommodating the employee’s restrictions and the employer can restrictions and the employer can no longer do so.no longer do so.Employees who have returned Employees who have returned

to their regular duty job, albeit to their regular duty job, albeit with restrictions have a slightly with restrictions have a slightly more diffi cult road, although more diffi cult road, although under the case law they should under the case law they should not. However, the fact that not. However, the fact that

they were performing their they were performing their “regular duty job” because “regular duty job” because their restrictions may not have their restrictions may not have eliminated a signifi cant part of eliminated a signifi cant part of their duties, or they had assistance their duties, or they had assistance in performing their duties, in performing their duties, may meet some hesitancy to may meet some hesitancy to reinstate on behalf of an adjuster reinstate on behalf of an adjuster or if litigation is necessary, a or if litigation is necessary, a Judge because of the “regular Judge because of the “regular duty” nature of their position. duty” nature of their position. Th erefore, the injured worker Th erefore, the injured worker should try to stay as current as should try to stay as current as possible with restrictions, having possible with restrictions, having them updated by the doctor at them updated by the doctor at any visit; this is hindsight to a any visit; this is hindsight to a certain extent now, but perhaps certain extent now, but perhaps a telemedicine appointment and a telemedicine appointment and an updated restrictions slip would an updated restrictions slip would be of benefi t if the employee faces be of benefi t if the employee faces obstacles.obstacles.No injured worker with No injured worker with

restrictions should be required to restrictions should be required to turn to unemployment benefi ts, turn to unemployment benefi ts, which are taxable and have a which are taxable and have a limited duration; however, this is limited duration; however, this is the advice that many employers/the advice that many employers/human resource departments and human resource departments and in fact, workers’ compensation in fact, workers’ compensation adjusters are giving injured adjusters are giving injured workers whose positions have workers whose positions have been eliminated because of been eliminated because of business closures or signifi cant business closures or signifi cant downturns. Th ere are many downturns. Th ere are many employer and insurance carrier employer and insurance carrier counsel who are advising their counsel who are advising their clients not to automatically clients not to automatically reinstate individuals to workers’ reinstate individuals to workers’ compensation benefi ts under the compensation benefi ts under the current pandemic scenario. Th ere current pandemic scenario. Th ere is case law that indicates that is case law that indicates that some individuals—particularly some individuals—particularly those performing “regular duty” those performing “regular duty” at the time of the layoff —may at the time of the layoff —may not be entitled to a presumption not be entitled to a presumption that disability continues. Th e that disability continues. Th e argument is that their job loss is argument is that their job loss is due to an economic downturn. In due to an economic downturn. In the current situation, where the the current situation, where the Governor of Pennsylvania has Governor of Pennsylvania has

ordered that businesses close, ordered that businesses close, employers believe that overrides employers believe that overrides any duty they may have to any duty they may have to reinstate an individual to workers’ reinstate an individual to workers’ compensation benefi ts, and that compensation benefi ts, and that unemployment compensation is unemployment compensation is the appropriate option. Th is is the appropriate option. Th is is going to be a source of litigation going to be a source of litigation going forward, particularly for going forward, particularly for those who are off more than a those who are off more than a couple of weeks or who are not couple of weeks or who are not called back as soon (or at all?) called back as soon (or at all?) aft er the pandemic restrictions are aft er the pandemic restrictions are lift ed.lift ed.Th ose individuals who were Th ose individuals who were

performing light duty or performing light duty or modifi ed duty, particularly those modifi ed duty, particularly those receiving a partial due to an receiving a partial due to an acknowledged wage loss, should acknowledged wage loss, should be reinstated immediately. If be reinstated immediately. If they have been in contact with they have been in contact with their adjuster throughout, and their adjuster throughout, and are unrepresented, they should are unrepresented, they should contact the adjuster immediately, contact the adjuster immediately, or contact counsel. Any or contact counsel. Any injured worker who has been injured worker who has been represented by an attorney and represented by an attorney and faces this issue should contact faces this issue should contact counsel immediately upon the counsel immediately upon the change in work circumstances. change in work circumstances. Th ere may not be voluntary Th ere may not be voluntary reinstatements and so, while reinstatements and so, while the injured worker MAY want the injured worker MAY want to apply for unemployment to to apply for unemployment to make ends meet, they may be make ends meet, they may be entitled to much more. Injured entitled to much more. Injured workers must contact an attorney workers must contact an attorney to be certain that this pandemic to be certain that this pandemic does not give the employers and does not give the employers and compensation carriers more compensation carriers more “rights” than they may have!!!!“rights” than they may have!!!!

LAYOFFS, WC AND THE PANDEMICby Barb Holmes, Blaufeld, Schiller & Holmes LLP

Coronavirus: Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Coronavirus: Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Compensation Benefits If I Am Laid Off Or if I Cannot Work?Compensation Benefits If I Am Laid Off Or if I Cannot Work?

By CAROSELLI BEACHLER & COLEMAN, LLCBy CAROSELLI BEACHLER & COLEMAN, LLCTh e coronavirus with its imminent danger and unpredictability is causing an unprecedented disruption in the American economy. If you or someone you know has a job that has been impacted by the coronavirus, the Department of Labor and Industry for Pennsylvania has announced that those workers may be eligible for unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefi ts.

Th ose eligible for unemployment would include:• workers whose employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of the coronavirus• workers who have been told not to work because their employer feels they might get or spread the virus• workers who have been told to quarantine or self-isolate by their employer

Th ose eligible for Workers Compensation benefi ts include:• workers who are laid off aft er a work-related injury but at a time when they are working on a modifi ed duty basis or working with restrictions can be eligible for a reinstatement of total disability benefi ts • workers who are laid off aft er having sustained a work related injury but before the injury has been recognized may have the right to fi le a claim for benefi ts

If you have a work-related injury that has already been accepted and you are receiving total disability benefi ts, a lay off or a closing of your place of employment will not aff ect your benefi ts. Th e attorneys at Caroselli Beachler & Coleman are available to discuss any questions regarding

an existing or potential workers’ compensative case.

Another question that has yet to be answered is whether a worker who comes down with coronavirus at work will be able to fi le for workers’ compensation benefi ts? Pennsylvania law suggests that if an employee can prove the source of their infection was a workplace exposure within the scope of their employment then the eff ects of the resulting disease are compensable. Th e attorneys and staff at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman have been helping our Union friends with workers’ compensation claims, asbestos related mesothelioma and cancers cases, automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries, product liability injuries and social security claims and cases since 1972.

Th e last few weeks have brought about profound changes in all of our daily lives as we all take precautions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Th e attorneys at Caroselli Beachler are still available to discuss and assist our Union friends and their families with any personal injury, workers’ compensation or disability claims. We are conducting business over the phone and by email so please continue to reach out to us at 1-800-222-8816 or visit our website at www.cbmclaw.com to contact our fi rm and attorneys by email. Stay safe and healthy. CAROSELLI BEACHLER & COLEMAN, LLC

REPRESENTING INJURED PERSON AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT

WESTERN PA SINCE 1972.

NO FEES UNLESS DAMAGES ARE RECOVERED.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.412-391-9860

1-800-222-8816www.cbmclaw.com

Th e unprecedented situation with the Corona Virus or Covid-19 creates many issues that Americans may not be prepared to handle. Th e fi rst and most important action that we can all take is to remain calm and follow the extensive handwashing and social distancing guidelines per the CDC.If you are in a situation where you must work in environments around many people, such as in health-care or other essential industry, it is important that you keep your contacts with others to a minimum and follow the protocols.From a legal perspective, if you contract the virus due to your work you may be able to claim workers’ compensation benefi ts. As with any claim, you will need proof as to the origin of the virus or evidence of direct contact with an infected individual at work. Th is is all a very fl uid situation and the ability to prove an exposure solely at work may become more diffi cult.

Work Comp and Lay Off If you or a family member were working under a medical restric-tion due to a work injury and have been laid off as a result of the virus

concerns, you should be reinstated to full Workers’ Compensation benefi ts.

Stimulus Package - CARE Act$1200 - Checks for Adult Ameri-cans$350 Billion Forgivable Loans to Small Business$500 Billion to Back Loans and Assist Big Business$250 Billion for Unemployment Insurance$600 a week for Laid Off Workers

Changes to paid sick leave and paid FMLA leave from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActSource: U.S. Chamber of Com-merce

Th e CARES Act makes small changes to the Families First Coro-navirus Response Act (FFCRA) in regard to paid sick leave, paid FMLA and more.Th ese changes include:• Paid family and medical leave (FMLA) under the FFCRA is capped at $200 per day and $10,000 total per employee.• Paid sick leave under the FFCRA is capped at $511 per day and $5,110 total per employee. Th is

amount drops to $200 per day and $2000 total for sick leave taken by an employee in order to care for a family member in quarantine or care for a child whose school has closed.• Workers that were laid off aft er March 1, 2020, but then rehired, are eligible for paid FMLA leave provisions described in the FFCRA immediately instead of needing to be an employee for 30 days.• Businesses can keep money that they would have deposited for pay-roll taxes in anticipation of refunds from the Treasury Department for paid sick leave and paid FMLA leave outlined by the FFCRA, including amounts that would have been refunded later.

Rudberg Law Offi ces, LLC is open for business. Although, our phys-ical offi ce is closed per the order of Governor Wolf, we are working remotely and are able and available to assist you with any questions that you may have.We will get through this together! Please contact us with any ques-tions, we are here to help! Please call 412-877-6688 or email info@rudberglaw.com. Stay safe.

Helpful Pandemic InformationPrepared by Rudberg Law Offi ce, LLC

Know Your Rights!___________________________________________________________________________ Protect Your Rights!

2107 Sidney Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203

1.866.306.2667 – 412.488.6000www.rudberglaw.com

So far, the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) has been a disaster. Many banks weren’t accepting applications. Some started accepting, then stopped. No loan applications are actually being processed yet.

Th is pause gives us a good opportunity to think through what has happened over the past few weeks, and not lose sight of all of the recent developments. It also allows us to thinking about what we should do next. I'll tell you that at the end of this email.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

First, Th e Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) became law. Th is law expanded FMLA coverage to companies of all sizes, and created paid sick leave for employees aff ected by COVID-19 in various ways. Th ere will be exemptions available for companies that will be aff ected by those changes, and we will provide updates as they become available. Th e FFCRA also created tax credits for employers, and pushed out the tax deadline.

Th e FFCRA seems like ancient history as so much conversation recently has revolved around the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the possible $10,000 grant/loan forgiveness, as well as the new PPP program. Many people applied for the EIDL program too early, and had to re-apply aft er the new application came out Monday evening. I am not aware of anyone who has received this money yet, and most people haven’t heard anything from the SBA. If you receive these funds, let us know right away, as there are restrictions on how the money can be spent.

Payroll Protection Program

Which brings us to the PPP. Th e “Interim Final Rules” that are intended to help implement the program came out Th ursday night. When the banks

were supposed to start accepting applications on Friday, few people had any idea what was going on.

Th e banks still see a lot of risk for themselves in this program, and many larger banks do not want to take on that risk. At this point, our advice continues to be to “hold.” We will let you know when it’s time to make your move.

So what can you do right now to be ready?

It's going to be a mad house. Th e PPP is going to provide more cheap and/or free money to businesses, so when it's time, buckle up. For now:

1. Find your income tax returns, payroll reports, and make a copy of your driver’s license. If you don’t have these documents available electronically, try to get them scanned. 2. Review SBA Form 2483 to see

what kinds of questions they ask. It’s not a very complex form, but you want to be prepared. 3. If you have the documents

showing how your company is structured and what the ownership looks like, fi nd those too.

When the banks are ready to receive, and actually process, your application, we will work with you to get it completed as quickly as possible. We are working with a small group of lenders to get you through this process as quickly as possible, or you can apply where you already have a banking relationship.

But don’t forget: once you get the loan proceeds, your work is FAR from fi nished. Our fi rm will work with you to make sure that you spend the proceeds on the proper items to obtain forgiveness, and not get you into additional trouble. For most businesses, this is the most important part of this process. Th e law spells out, not very clearly, how you can spend the proceeds. Th is is where we have been spending most of our time researching and preparing.

Once banks are actually accepting and reviewing applications, it’s going to be chaos. We are starting to prepare for this. You can schedule a free call with a member of our team to fi nd out whether we can help. If we can, you’ll be directed to a consultation with one of our attorneys, and we will let you know how to get your documents to us. Th at will get the process moving as far as possible for now.

Williams & JordenAttorneys at Law

425 W 10th StErie, PA 16502-3327

814-315-9255www.WilliamsAndJorden.com

Th e Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) by Adam Williams of Williams & Jorden Attorney at Law

COVID BUSINESS RESOURCES

Here is a list of some resources, based on information from the U.S. SBA and PA DCED, that may further assist businesses:US SBA link for local assistance: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/fi nd/DCED Resources: https://dced.pa.gov/resources/PA Business One Stop: https://dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/small-business-assistance/Certifi ed Economic Development Organizations: https://dced.pa.gov/cedo/Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance: https://dced.pa.gov/local-business-assistance/SCORE: https://www.score.org/fi nd-mentorChambers of Commerce: https://www.offi cialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/pennsylvania.html

Th is information provided by Rep. Harkins

COVID-19 Resources in PennsylvaniaProvided by Rep. Pat Harkins

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic aff ecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead.

State Services and Resources

Th e Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/For individuals: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividualsFor families: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamiliesFor businesses: https://dced.pa.gov/resources  

COVID Support for PA Businesses:

Th e following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://pahouse.com/News/?id=113388  https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities   

Th e following link provides you with information on what steps Pennsylvania utilities have taken to assist customers, including a moratorium on shutoff s for all regulated utilities: https://pahouse.com/News/?id=113134

Sign Up for PA Alerts

Sign up for emergency and weather alerts, health notifi cations, building alerts and other updates from state and federal agencies: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF5CCF5B2AB3

Regional Resources

Residents can access these links for resources and assistance and can also sign up for alerts that can be sent to their phone or email.

WEST

Allegheny County: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19.aspxBeaver County: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCounty911/   Fayette County: https://www.fayettecountypa.org/Greene County: https://www.co.greene.pa.us/coronavirusWashington County: https://www.co.washington.pa.us/153/Human-Services  

SOUTHEAST

Chester County: https://www.chesco.org/4376/Coronavirus-COVID-19  Montgomery County: https://data-montcopa.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/  

NORTHEAST

Lackawanna County: https://www.lackawannacounty.org/Lehigh County: https://www.lehighcounty.orgLuzerne County: https://www.luzernecounty.orgMonroe County: http://www.monroecountypa.gov/Dept/Commissioners/Pages/CoronaVirus.aspxNorthampton County: https://www.northamptoncounty.org/Pages/default.aspxSchuylkill County: https://scema.org

NORTHWEST

Erie County: https://eriecountypa.gov/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19/

LAID OFF DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS? YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS.by Darren K Parr Law Firmby Darren K Parr Law Firm

Pennsylvania Unions Doing Th eir Part in Voluntary Retooling,

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO ReportsMarch 30, 2020 | Filed under: Community Services, Top News Stories, Uncategorized and tagged with: COVID19, Majestic, Manufacturing, SEIU, Workers UnitedMajestic, Manufacturing, SEIU, Workers United

(HARRISBURG) Pennsylvania faces major shortages in our healthcare system response. Pennsylvania workers are ready to do their part. Now, unions are working with companies, to ensure a successful and swift transition in manufacturing to produce the personal protective equipment and ventilators in short supply.

Th e offi cers of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO are proud of the work unions and their members are doing in response to the COVID-19 crisis. President Rick Bloomingdale and Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder made the following joint statement:

“Workers on the frontlines across Pennsylvania are facing an extraordinary crisis in the oncoming days and weeks. Healthcare workers and fi rst responders are desperately lacking the personal protective equipment they need in order for them to do their jobs and keep

people safe. Unions are stepping up to do their part in response.

“SEIU Workers United Joint Board, which represents the workers of Fanatic/Majestics in northeast Pennsylvania, has exemplifi ed what can be achieved when unions and management work together in a positive labor-employer relationship. Majestic and the union worked together to secure the needed specifi cations to turn the manufacturer from the supplier of MLB uniforms into a producer of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. In the next week, they will begin producing much needed protective gear such as masks and gowns. Labor unions across Pennsylvania and the State Federation are doing our part to ensure we do everything we can as a community to mitigate this public health crisis. Th e Pennsylvania AFL-CIO was proud help facilitate their connection with the Department of Community and Economic Development.”

###

If you have been injured at work but then laid off due to the unfortunate eff ects of COVID-19, you may want to read this before you apply for unemployment compensation benefi ts. Instead, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefi ts.

Since 1990 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has discussed the issue of whether an injured worker is entitled to a reinstatement of worker’s compensation benefi ts when the injured worker’s decreased earning power is through no fault of their own. See Pieper v. Ametek 526 Pa. 25(Pa. 1990). In other words, the Court has considered whether an injured worker, who is later laid off for economic reasons, is entitled to have their worker’s compensation benefi ts reinstated since the layoff is of no fault of the injured worker.

Although the Courts have consistently quarreled over this issue over the years, the Courts have consistently concluded that if the following criteria are satisfi ed, then an injured worker’s benefi ts are to be reinstated. Th at criteria are as follows: 1) Th ere must be an accepted worker injury which is generally shown through the receipt of worker’s compensation benefi ts; 2) Th e injured worker then returns to work with work restrictions (even if they return to their pre-injury position at their same rate of pay); 3) Th e injured worker’s compensation benefi ts are suspended; and 4) Th e injured worker is then laid off through no fault of their own.

Under these rules, the injured worker is entitled to have their worker’s

compensation benefi ts reinstated.

Based on these rules, upon being laid off because of COVID-19, before applying for unemployment compensation you should instead contact your attorney or the worker’s compensation insurance adjuster directly. In each case, simply ask that your worker’s compensation benefi ts be reinstated which they must do per the Supreme Court’s rules!

Please stay safe and healthy!

NWPA ALF First Name Last Name OFFICERS:Chair Andrew HarkulichS_T Philip LaskyV-chair Julie BarnettV-chair J David HendersonV-chair Gary Bittnerv-chair Richard GalianoV-chair/Trustee Frank TeleszEXECUTIVE BOARD:Rep GMP/Trustee Anthony Modaff areRep GWCLC/trustee Walter (Pat)GeigerRep AFSCME Shane ClarkRep APSCUF Andrea WymanRep ATU Pattie DemicheleRep B&CTC Darrell NiemenskiRep HFI&AW 2 James CassidyRep IBEW Jim NuberRep IUOE Rich BarrettRep IUPAT Giles GrinkoRep OPEIU Jeff rey HapkeRep PA JBWU Linda GomaaRep PSEA Mike KalpichRep Roofers Jack Lee Jr.Rep SEIU Mike ButlerRep UA Dennis PryRep UFCW Daryl BuschRep USW George BryanRep B-L CLC Kerrianne Th euerlB CLC Rep Jim SaelerRep CECJ CLC Jeff MillerRep EC CLC Rosanne GangemiRep I-A CLC Jerry ShullRep M CLC/ ubc Lonnie McfallRep V-C Chapter C.J. Pete KluckRep W-F CLC Archie GrahamEMPLOYEE:Director Rosann Barker