Source: Sacramento Valley Labor Bulletin
By Sheri Williams
In late June, the Sacramento City Council passed a new safety measure in partnership with the Sacramento Central Labor Council to help protect essential workers during the pandemic.
Under the new ordinance, companies that received CARES Act funding must provide workers with safe workplaces under strict guidelines, or risk enforcement actions.
“This is a critical safeguard for Sacramento workers on the front lines of this terrible crisis,” said Sacramento Central Labor Council executive director Fabrizio Sasso. “Unions understand that our workers can’t do their jobs if they are afraid of taking coronavirus home to their families, afraid of contracting it themselves, and afraid of retaliation if they stand up for basic rights. This new ordinance will ensure that employers are accountable to their workers.”
The measure requires that employers adhere to social distancing measures both for staff and customers, as well as cleaning and disinfecting protocols as established by federal standards. That includes making sure that employees have access to handwashing with soap, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
The rules also require employers to have protocols in place if an exposure to COVID-19 does occur.
Employers must also regularly clean break rooms, locker rooms, dining facilities and other places where workers may congregate.
Employers must also provide masks to workers if they will be unable to properly social distance.
Workers must be informed of these protections in writing.
Comments