SUNY, PEF agree to extend free, mandatory COVID-19 testing of PEF-represented employees
State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras and New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Wayne Spence today extended an agreement to conduct free, mandatory COVID-19 testing of all PEF-represented employees at SUNY state-operated colleges, universities, and hospitals. Routine testing for PEF-represented employees will now continue through the end of the spring semester. The preexisting agreement was set to expire on December 31, 2020. United University Professions (UUP) and The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) recently extended similar arrangements.
"Since the onset of the pandemic, SUNY’s PEF-represented employees have been instrumental in the battle against COVID, with many working on the frontlines at our university hospitals,” said Chancellor Malatras. “Our university frontline workers are heroes, and the least we can do is provide them with free, routine testing for COVID-19. As we look ahead to the spring semester, regularly testing everyone on our campuses—students, faculty, and staff—will once again be crucial to tracking the virus and keeping our infection rate down. I want to thank PEF President Wayne Spence for his leadership, and for extending our agreement and ensuring that we take care of those who continue to put themselves on the line for us and who make us all proud to be part of this SUNY family.”
New York State Public Employees Federation President Spence said, “Throughout this pandemic, PEF's primary concern has been the health and safety of the workers we represent. Extending mandatory testing for our members working at state universities is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 on campuses. Combined with social distancing and masks, testing allows PEF members in the SUNY system to continue safely doing the mission-critical work they've done since March."
Effective through June 30, 2021, all state-operated colleges, universities, and hospitals shall conduct testing of Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Unit (PS&T) employees who are required to report in person to campus to conduct some or all of their work obligation. Testing will be free of cost and conducted during regular work hours. Campuses will work with their local PEF council representatives in development of the testing protocol of the PS&T. Testing will be done at the same frequency as with students, faculty, and staff.
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Date Posted: 12/3/2020