Revised CalOSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS)
The Local has recently received the information concerning the revised CalOSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) below; this should clarify a lot of questions members have concerning the new relaxation of COVID rules for the workplace in California. We should pay particular attention to the vaccination status when considering what will be the requisites in the workplace. Most importantly to notice is that in order to allow employees to go without a mask indoors, the employer must document their vaccination status. Therefore, the employer is permitted to ask one’s vaccination status for the purpose of allowing that person to go without a mask indoors. From the information that courts around California are sending to the local, most are indicating that if a person has not been vaccinated, or does not respond to self-identify as vaccinated or not, those persons will be required to wear masks indoors at the workplace.
We encourage members to directly contact our local, or even the CalOSHA links in this communication for further information. We will update as we become aware of any changes that may impact you in the courts. Still to be determined is if the courts will allow the public in without masks en masse, or only those who can show they have been fully vaccinated. For the time being all custodial entities are continuing with the previous set of protocols.
Again, if you feel that you are in a situation or setting that is unsafe or unhealthy, remember that you have a health and safety clause in your MOU. Immediately inform your supervisor or interpreter office of the unhealthy or unsafe condition, request that it be rectified, and keep yourself safe (but in contact with your supervisor) indicating that you are ready and willing to continue working once the situation has been made safe. Be sure to advise us at the local ([email protected]) and cc us on any communications you may have with management concerning health and safety issues …
In unity,
Michael Ferreira
President
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Release Number: 2021-62
Date: June 17, 2021
Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board Votes to Adopt Revised COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards
Revisions Account for Rising Vaccination Rates, Offer Guidance to Help Businesses Reopen while Maintaining Strong Worker Protections
Revised Emergency Temporary Standards Effective Today
Sacramento—The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board today adopted revisions to the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards that account for recent guidance from the California Department of Public Health based on increases in the number of people vaccinated. Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order enabling the revisions to take effect without the normal 10-day review period by the Office of Administrative Law—providing clarity and consistency for employers and employees as California fully reopens its economy. The revised standards took effect today.
The revisions include the following:
- Fully vaccinated employees do not need to be offered testing or excluded from work after close contact unless they have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated employees do not need to wear face coverings except for certain situations during outbreaks and in settings where CDPH requires all persons to wear them. Employers must document the vaccination status of fully vaccinated employees if they do not wear face coverings indoors.
- Employees are not required to wear face coverings when outdoors regardless of vaccination status except for certain employees during outbreaks.
- Employees are explicitly allowed to wear a face covering without fear of retaliation from employers.
- Physical distancing requirements have been eliminated except where an employer determines there is a hazard and for certain employees during major outbreaks.
- Employees who are not fully vaccinated may request respirators for voluntary use from their employers at no cost and without fear of retaliation from their employers.
- Employees who are not fully vaccinated and exhibit COVID-19 symptoms must be offered testing by their employer.
- Employer-provided housing and transportation are exempt from the regulations where all employees are fully vaccinated.
- Employers must review the Interim guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in Indoor Environments.
- Employers must evaluate ventilation systems to maximize outdoor air and increase filtration efficiency, and evaluate the use of additional air cleaning systems.
Cal/OSHA is updating its resources to assist employers with understanding their obligations required by the revised emergency standards. The webpage contains an updated fact sheet and Frequently Asked Questions about proposed revisions to the emergency temporary standards. In addition, Cal/OSHA is currently updating its model COVID-19 Prevention Program in English and Spanish and information on planned webinars hosted by its Consultation Services Branch.
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, a seven-member body appointed by the Governor, is the standards-setting agency within the Cal/OSHA program. The Standards Board's objective is to adopt reasonable and enforceable standards at least as effective as federal standards. The Standards Board also has the responsibility to grant or deny applications for permanent variances from adopted standards and respond to petitions for new or revised standards.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is the division within the Department of Industrial Relations that helps protect California’s workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
Media Contact: [email protected], (510) 286-1161
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact:[email protected], or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office
Stakeholders Who Wish to Comment on the Rulemaking Process May Contact: [email protected]
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Go fund Me for Myrna Marks
The Local has been approached by some members from the Los Angeles Superior Court with a request to share this Go Fund Me page for our dear colleague, Myrna Marks. As some may already know, Myrna and her family are facing a very difficult time both financially and in terms of Myrna’s physical and emotional recovery from injuries sustained while a pedestrian in a traffic accident this month. Although there are positive signs in her condition, this is a long haul and the well-being of her family and her ability to fully return to work are difficult to ascertain at this moment. There will no doubt be co-pays and other expenses, as well as the possibility of the extended sick leave compensation coverage (100%, 65%, and 50%) running out, should this take longer than her accruals can support.
We encourage everyone to contribute as best they can. In the words of labor leader David Coates: An injury to one is an injury to all.
Make a donation! |
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In Memoriam Mary Elliot
When I started court interpreting about 30 years ago, Mary Elliott was one of a few exemplary interpreters whom I admired.
She was such a natural-born interpreter that her flawless renditions on the witness stand made her the most requested CCB interpreter for important trials by prosecutors and defense attorneys alike.
Even though she seemed approachable, I was afraid that there might be a hidden diva quality to her that would rear its ugly head around a young pipsqueak like me. I was mistaken. Mary was authentically warm, funny and unpretentious. When she warmed up to me, she would whisper things to me like, "You don't say things like that around that crowd." Or she would exclaim in true Mary-style, "Don't be a ding-dong!" She became a guru to me. With time, I am proud to say that I thought of her as a friend as well.
Uri Yaval, Mary and I had a bond as like-minded activists for the profession and we were faithful to our weekly lunches at the now-closed Colima Restaurant on the corner of then-Sunset and Broadway. We were joined by other friends such as Joaquin Chan-Sanchez and Eric Valdez later on. There, Mary taught us to squeeze fresh lemons on our tortilla chips to enhance their flavor, something I still do today.
Mary was a beautiful, intelligent and classy lady. There was a soft elegance to her that became more apparent to me when she married Charlie. I remember her always beaming with joy and blinding us with the flashes of light reflecting off of her enormous wedding ring. We made many jokes about it. This is how I want to remember her. She was so happy living in her beach house with Charlie, traveling with him, and enjoying all the friendships that Charlie and she had with attorneys, judges and interpreters. She was fulfilled.
She was a guiding light to many people. She, along with Sara Krauthamer, whom I must mention here, laid the groundwork for us finally to force the County to recognize us as employees. Both Sara and Mary taught many of us the art of interpreting as instructors as well.
I am grateful for how Mary enriched my life and I know she also made many of you better people. May You Rest In Peace, Dear Mary.
Roxana Cardenas
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Dearest Colleagues,
It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our profession’s most outstanding and beloved colleagues, Mary Elliott. Although the local was waiting for a commemorative or obituary from colleagues who knew her best and longest, we feel it is important to get out the information concerning funeral services as soon as possible for people to plan ahead, if they wish to attend.
On a personal note, I will miss Mary and always remember all of her key contributions to California Federation of Interpreters, our local, and her lifetime of promoting our profession as teacher, mentor, and exemplary wordsmith. Mary Elliott, Anne McGinn, Yuri Yaval, Sarah Krauthammer and I were in the basement of the Metropolitan Courthouse when during our transition out of GLAC Yuri came up with the name of California Federation of Interpreters … Mary was the first to second the idea, and she was an energetic and supportive founding member of what was later to become who we are today. Peace be upon Mary and solace to her family’s bereaved hearts.
If there is any person or group of people who would like to submit an obituary, or commemorative for publication on our webpage, please send it to [email protected].
In solidarity,
Michael Ferreira
President
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CWAers Build Skills to Fight For Gender Justice and Equity
Last week CWAers in District 9 participated in our union's first ever pilot training on Fighting for Gender Justice & Equity. This training is designed to provide the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to effectively prevent and combat gender-based harassment and discrimination in our workplaces, our union, and our communities.
Over 35 members from across CWA District 9 participated in this training. They had honest and critical discussions around broader systemic issues such as patriarchy and sexism, the intersection of various identities with gender in the context of harassment, and the role they play as union leaders in building a broader movement for gender justice and equity. Participants also gained valuable skills on bystander intervention and how to address the different ways gender-based mistreatment shows up in the workplace and the union.
CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce welcomed participants to the training and Maggie McCormack, the National Women's Committee representative for District 9 and President of Local 9588, helped facilitate the training.
CFI Local 39000 members Silvia San Martín (R4 Board Rep) and Gabrielle Veit-Bermúdez participated and are shown in the screen shot! Your local doing its part for social justice and gender issues!
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