Brothers and Sisters,

The MBTA has released an updated policy regarding sick leave due to COVID-19 related issues. This policy is in regards to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that took effect April 1, 2020. This act grants sick leave for employees who are effected by COVID-19 illness or quarantine issues. As first responders, we would be exempt from the federal act as it is written.  However the MBTA has established an additional policy to provide COVID-19 related sick leave to all departments deemed “Emergency Responders”, which our department falls under. The new policy will grant sick leave up to double the weekly work hours for all “Emergency Responders”, up to 80 hours.  Our attorney has spoken with Labor Relations to ensure this time is in addition to any accrued contractual sick time you have in you sick bank. So in the event you find yourself in any of the following situations, as listed in the new policy under Section V “Additional Paid Sick Leave”:

1. The employee is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;

2. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;

3. The employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis;

4. The employee is caring for an individual who is subject to an order described in paragraph 1 or has been advised as described in paragraph 2.

The additional sick leave will apply to you. Please follow all guidelines outlined in the policy on required documentation for this leave. 

The new policy also allows an individual who finds themselves in a hardship due to childcare displacement related to COVID-19 to apply for up to 12 weeks of leave, in 2 week increments. However this leave is granted based on operational and staffing needs of the department in which the employee works. Section IV “Paternal Sick Leave” of the policy outlines the details of this leave that we are now eligible for.

Attached is the matrix the MBTA has sent to us with all sections we fall under highlighted. Further explanation of each section can be found in the accompanying policy the MBTA sent with the matrix. For any other additional questions regarding this new policy,  please contact an E-Board member.

Fraternally,

The E-Board