Team,
As we continue to manage life with COVID-19 (coronavirus), there are many changes taking place daily. We are doing our best to communicate and answer your questions, so you are fully informed with current information. At the forefront of any decision made is the health and safety of the people we support and the staff who support them.
We are committed to continuing to pay you during this uncertain time and are working with our state, county, and foundation funders to secure the funds needed. Last week, we shared that we would keep all staff "whole" for the most recent pay period ending, March 29, 2020. We are now prepared to share that we will do this for the next pay period ending April 12, 2020. We will continue to evaluate this on a bi-weekly basis moving forward and will keep you up to date.
We are also working to redeploy staff whose worksite has suspended programs. If we cannot find a similar alternative assignment for you, we will place you on "recall notice" for future responsibilities.
It remains critical that we continue to work together during this challenge. Every member of the Easterseals team is considered an essential health worker - this includes supervisors, managers, and directors from all areas of the organization. Each of you may be called to, recalled, or reassigned to work direct support shifts when applicable.
We have launched a special COVID pay differential of $3.00 per hour for all those who work direct support shifts in a Community Living program. This differential began on Monday, March 30, 2020. If a staff member receives a recall notice to support this program, they, too, will receive this differential.
Our staffing patterns may fluctuate during this uncertain time, and to support the individuals counting on us, we may need to redeploy staff regularly. Although I can't imagine any staff declining redeployment, it is vital to share that if someone does, they will be put on unpaid leave or separated.
As a reminder, If you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, instructed to quarantine, test positive, or have been in contact with someone who has, please report this immediately to your supervisor and darryl.kimble@esmw.org - 314-394-7061. You should not report to work until you have discussed your situation with Darryl or someone in Human Resources.
Each of you is amazing! I am proud to partner with you in our shared commitment to deliver on our mission. Equally, I, along with our board of directors, and the full leadership team, are committed to you. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you frequently. Please remember to take care of yourself, and if there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Wendy Sullivan
Chief Executive Officer