June 15, 2020
I am pleased to announce that today, June 15, the VSEA Non-Management, Corrections, and Supervisory Units have reached an agreement with the State to extend the recently expired COVID-19 Side Letter until July 4, plus a clarification on the use of COVID-19 leave when required to quarantine following out of state travel. This additional provision offers clarification that employees who must quarantine following voluntary travel to an area where there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 are eligible to use up to 80 hours of the COVID-19 leave benefit if they have not already used 80 hours of COVID-19 related leave. Employees who have exhausted the 80 hours may use their accrued sick leave or any other accrued leave during the period of quarantine for this reason. By Executive Order and subsequent Addendums ordered by Governor Scott, Vermont residents are required to quarantine upon return to the state from specified areas. State employees in the Executive Branch units have leave entitlements under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act that include quarantine required by Federal, State, or Local order.
Today’s agreement to extend the terms and conditions of the Side Letter, that began on April 6, also reinstates Premium Pay for qualifying employees providing direct care and services on the frontlines of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Members are encouraged to contact their Department or Agency HR representatives for more information on remaining leave benefits available.
The extended COVID-19 Side Letter Agreement will be retroactive to June 7 and continue through July 4.
Steve Howard
VSEA Executive Director
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