Work sites like this one in New York, captured by Local 3 member Vladimir Dotsenko, are now subject to the NECA/IBEW National Emergency Disease Response Agreement. Members should familiarize themselves with its contents
and contact their local unions with any questions.
The uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been deeply unsettling to nearly every industry, and the IBEW and its partners at the National Electrical Contractors Association have signed an emergency agreement to help construction workers and contractors navigate these turbulent times.
Effective March 16, the NECA/IBEW National Disease Emergency Response Agreement provides for the following:
The employer shall be permitted to remove the employee from the jobsite and require the employee to obtain a doctor’s release certifying the employee is able to return to work;
“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty all of our members and contractors are feeling right now, and we hope this agreement provides a measure of stability as we face this new reality,” said International President Lonnie R. Stephenson.
“Beating any public health emergency like COVID-19 requires all of us to make sacrifices, but being a part of a union means we make these tough decisions with our employers and don’t have them forced on us,” he said. “We’ll reevaluate this agreement every 30 days and keep you updated as we move forward.
“In the meantime, follow CDC guidelines, take your safety and the safety of your families and co-workers seriously, and know that we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side.”
The National Disease Emergency Reponse Agreement applies to U.S. construction locals and firms who have signed a Letter of Assent to be bound to a construction agreement between any chapter of NECA and any local union of the IBEW.
IBEW members in Canada should continue to follow guidance from their local unions and provincial governments.
