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TALK ABOUT VALUE! OPEA PAYS OFF AGAIN!


 

For the second time in as many years state employees will benefit from the association’s work that changed the hazardous weather policy in 2006.

 

"In 2006, OPEA asked Governor Henry to intervene on behalf of state employees during a snow storm similar to the one this week, said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “OPEA asked Governor Henry to grant administrative leave to employees who were told to stay home during bad weather and who would be charged leave time for the closings.  We believed it wasn't fair to charge employee leave when they could not work.  We also believed as strongly that employees who have to work to maintain minimum services should also receive compensation.  Governor Henry agreed with us and issued an executive order changing this ruling to be more employee friendly."

 

 

Merit Rule 530:10-15-71 requires state agency appointing authorities to place employees on paid administrative leave when state offices are temporarily closed due to hazardous weather conditions. 

 

The Office of Personnel Management has also provided additional instructions concerning the rule.  In an All Appointing Authority memo dated November 14, 2008, OPM provided addition instructions:

 

*The authority to grant administrative leave shall exist only in the specific locations and during the specific time periods for which the appropriate authority has determined that a temporary closure or reduced services are necessary.

 

The rules also provide relief for those employees who must work in the affected areas. 

"The relief OPEA sought and was granted by Governor Henry also provides employees who are required to work administrative leave accrual," said Zearley.  "Employees who must work in the affected areas to maintain the basic minimum services will be allowed to accrue administrative leave on a straight-time basis for all hours they work during the reduction." 

 

Accrual of administrative leave is limited to the hours of employees’ regularly scheduled work periods and is capped at a maximum of 8 hours per day.  Employees also do not receive administrative leave for any overtime.

 

"Again, OPEA’s victory in 2006 provides a much needed benefit for state employees," concluded Zearley.  "If you are not a member of OPEA, this should be the tipping point for you to join with us."

 

Posted on Thu, January 29, 2009 by Mark Beutler

7 comments (Add your own)

1. Tom Dunning wrote:
A big THANKS also to the workers who ensured that our highways were as passable as could be. Next time we hear how state workers don't contribute to the economy we can remind folks that clear roads mean others can get to work, the store, the hostpital etc. You all at ODOT, OTA and other agencies, THANKS!

Thu, January 29, 2009 @ 2:40 PM

2. Dixie wrote:
I want to add my appreciation to all those staff who keep the 24 hour care facilities running. OJA, Mental Health, DOC, Veterans, J.D. McCarty and the list goes on. Here at Griffin we have had staff who have been staying on the grounds since Monday to make sure that the roads were clear, food was prepared and served, consumers were cared for and kept safe. These staff members have been sleeping in the landscape dept. or their offices, wherever there was a vacant couch.
It takes all of us working together to keep the esssential services operating and again Oklahoma State Employees stepped up to make it happen.

Thu, January 29, 2009 @ 3:21 PM

3. Long time employee wrote:
Could someone explain exactly how non-essential personel are defined and how it is decided who should come to work in hazardous weather?

Thu, January 29, 2009 @ 8:27 PM

4. Ed wrote:
My agency (via DPS proclamation) gave OKC area employees off the day Wednesday, but did not realize they had to specifically authorize employees outside OKC area on an agency by agency basis. Thus, despite the fact that parts of the state were far worse off than OKC, we had to take annual leave to cover ourselves. Total breakdown of the system.

Fri, January 30, 2009 @ 9:09 AM

5. Tom Dunning wrote:
The "essential" designation varies greatly by agency. The designation as to who is and who is not "essential" depends on many factors including job functions and the need to staff basic office functions. My office is in Shepherd Mall, after the "reduced services" call was made for the OKC area, some state offices in the mall closed completely. Our office was staffed with our office's managers to ensure we had phone coverage and could be a resource to any who needed us. We remained open during the entire "reduced services" event. In county offices, generally supervisors are "essential" to staff basic functions and the county director is responsible to see that the office is staffed.

I can't speak for other agencies.

Fri, January 30, 2009 @ 1:47 PM

6. Alicia wrote:
Thank you OPEA! I was very thankful that I was able to leave early Monday and stay home (and not drive the 60 miles to work) Tuesday and Wednesday without using my annual time. Keep up the hard work!

Mon, February 2, 2009 @ 2:30 PM

7. Miller wrote:
Once again, OPEA actions are paying strong dividends for all State Employees! It is outrageous that more people are not members. The old question we've heard time and again from non-members, "what has OPEA done specifically for me"? Members can respond by saying "how about two and one half days off without using your annual or sick leave". Of all the other things OPEA do, this action alone is an excellent illustration of why non-members should join!!!

Tue, February 3, 2009 @ 12:08 PM

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