State Employee Union Requests Pandemic Changes

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees represents over 8,000 government employees in Nebraska. Today they delivered a letter to Governor Pete Ricketts with three requests concerning state work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first request is for any worker who can work from home to be allowed to do so. The second is to close local service offices to the public where possible and conduct business over the phone. The third is for a $2 per hour shift differential for those who cannot work from home, including those who work in corrections or regional centers.

Justin Hubly is executive director for the Nebraska Association of Public Employees. He estimated around 60% of state workers are still going to work in person. He feels those employees are getting mixed messages.

“Of course there are some jobs that we absolutely need you in person. You can’t be a nurse at a veterans’ home virtually,” Hubly said. “But you can easily accomplish Medicaid processing from your computer and phone at home, so our folks are just looking to stay healthy so that they can continue to provide the services for their neighbors that their neighbors desperately need right now.”

Hubly is particularly worried about large office buildings where it may be difficult for state workers to practice social distancing.