COVID-19 Resources
April 1, 2020: The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has created unprecedented conditions that are impacting our industry. These conditions are changing by the hour. In order to keep our members and signatory contractors up-to-date on the latest information pertaining to COVID-19, the Association would like to provide the following:
COVID-19 and the American Workplace
CARES Act & FFCRA: FAQs for SMACNA Members
$2T Emergency Relief Bill Briefing
CARES Act Signed Into Law
March 30, 2020: Late last week, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law. The CARES Act provides for direct loans and grants for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as, for industries that have experienced significant financial losses due to the unprecedented public health crisis. The act also provides direct cash payments for many Americans, significantly expands unemployment insurance, surges $100 billion to hospitals, and provides funds to acquire more personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals and first responders. Additionally, the CARES Act makes many changes to labor, employee benefits, and tax policy.
Below, please find a detailed summary of the relevant provisions of the CARES Act that may apply to you. For additional assistance, including help with the financial assistance provision in the Act, please feel free to reach out to the Association's counsel, Dan Salemi of Morgan Lewis.
Click here for a synopsis of the CARES Act.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Association office at (708) 544-7007 and leave a message on the voicemail.
Thank you.
Governor Pritzker Exempts Construction in New Order
March 20, 2020: This afternoon, Governor Pritzker announced that he is ordering all individuals living in the State of Illinois to "shelter in place" starting tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. through April 7th. Within the order, the Governor has exempted the construction industry deeming it an "essential service." Please note, Local #73 and Local #265 have directed their members to continue working under the exemption in the executive order. Employers should continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Also, as a result of Governor Pritzker's order, SMACNA Greater Chicago's office will be closed. Staff will be performing their work remotely until the order is rescinded. Please contact Tony Adolfs at tony@smacnagreaterchicago.org or Laurie Leonard at laurie@smacnagreaterchicago.org.
Local #265 Collective Bargaining Agreement Extended
Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak in the coming weeks and/or months, SMACNA Greater Chicago and Local #265 have agreed to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for a 3 month period. With the 3-month extension, the Collective Bargaining Agreement will now expire on August 31, 2020. The leadership of SMACNA Greater Chicago and Local #265 appreciate the industry's understanding during this difficult time.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Association office at (708) 544-7007 and leave a message on the voicemail.
1. In an effort to prevent potential exposure risks, the random drug testing programs for SMART Local #73 and Local #265 have been suspended initially for an eight-week period effective March 16, 2020. The suspension period will be reviewed as the outbreak progresses and the program will be reinstated once it is determined safe to do so.
2. Additionally, SMART Local #73’s Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) has made the decision to close the apprentice school effective March 23, 2020, until further notice. Apprentices should report to work for their contractor on their designated school days during this time period.
We will continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and keep you as up-to-date as possible. In the meantime, here are a number of COVID-19 related links that you may find helpful:
National Safety Council Webinar: What Employers Need to Know About Coronavirus
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Coronavirus Contingency Planning White Paper Article
CDC Prevention Control and Updates
Live Global Coronavirus Updates
COVID-19 Updates – SMACNA Members
COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits
As always, your comments are welcome and encouraged. Do not hesitate to contact us at (708) 544-7007.
Thank you.