Village of Milford Essential Employees
Business Agent Thomas K. Funke drafted a letter to the Village of Milford regarding the new modifications happening amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full letter below or download a copy for yourself.
Letter for Essential Employees
April 9, 2020
Dear Chief and Village Manager,
Gentlemen, due to the recent events, it has caused all of us to make a significant modification to our daily behavior. As you are aware of Governor Whitmer’s “shelter in place” order has caused all non-essential employees to be required to stay home without loss of pay until presumably to the end of April 2020. The federal “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” while quite generous in most regards, provides all public employees working for a public employer, regardless of the total number hired employees, are eligible for coverage under the FFCRA, subject to a critical exemption.
“An employer of an employee who is a health care provider or an emergency responder may elect to exclude such employee from the application of the provisions in the amendments made under section 3102 of this Act.”
As in evidence, the FFRCA does not grant protection to a highly significant portion of the workforce that serve in the capacity of an emergency provider. While our members understand and accept the duties of this job, we have families and children out of school, just like the “non-essential.” Some employers have offered additional paid time off. Others are paying a “hazard pay,” either in a lump sum or stipends or overtime for all hours worked. The State of Michigan recently approved a $750.00 biweekly pay premium for state workers.
Please consider the need of these loyal employees who accept the responsibilities or work as first responders (Police) for the Village of Milford. Make the proposal as temporary as you feel comfortable, but simply do not ignore this request that I am making on behalf of your employees. We do accept a higher standard we are held to. Like you, we are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters just like everyone else.
We would appreciate your time and would like your considerations, regarding this issue.
Feel free to reach out to me at 313 506-7763, if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Respectfully,
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Thomas K. Funke
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