As Temple University begins reporting COVID-19 cases in the Temple community, it’s essential that we’re aware of our right to a healthy and safe workplace.
There are federal, state and local protections for workers, including Pennsylvania’s Public Employe Relations Act, the national Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) and the recent City of Philadelphia Emergency Health Order.
Any or all of these laws may apply, depending on your unique job type or workplace safety concern.
Bottom line: You’re not alone in dealing with such concerns. Addressing health and safety concerns through your union is a “protected concerted activity,” under the Public Employe Relations Act.
Under the Health and Safety clause of our collective bargaining agreement, “Temple agrees to continue to make reasonable provisions for the safety and health of bargaining unit members in pursuit of their university recognized professional responsibilities.“
Contact taupaft@gmail.com or call 215-763-2287 for support in understanding how these protections may apply to you.
If subjected to unsafe conditions, what should I do?
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Keep a record to document working conditions, i.e. emails, notes, photos and video and contact taupaft@gmail.com or call 215-763-2287 for help in choosing the best course of action.
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If you are involved in an incident that involves a person or people on campus, follow the University’s guidelines. We recommend starting with the Return to Campus tab on TU Portal.
If one of my students tests positive for COVID-19, what should I do?
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The administration tells us that faculty aren’t allowed to move a class online when students test positive for COVID-19. Faculty Guidance for the Fall 2020 Semester states as follows: “Make any reasonable accommodation necessary so that the student can continue to participate in class during any period of quarantine, just as you would in the case of a student with non-COVID related needs. Otherwise, continue with class as scheduled unless instructed otherwise by the contact tracing unit and/or your Dean’s office.”
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If a student tests positive and the administration insists on continuing in-person instruction, contact taupaft@gmail.com or call 215-763-2287, so your circumstances can be reviewed and we can explore alternatives.
If a student isn’t complying with mask mandates, what are my options?
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The University has provided guidance in a video embedded in Faculty Guidance for the Fall 2020 Semester FAQ. The In-Person Classroom Management segment directs faculty to follow these steps:
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Remind student(s) of the policy
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Request that they follow the policy
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Refuse to move forward with the class until the student complies
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Reschedule the class online
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Refer the student(s) to Student Conduct
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The university’s Compliance Officer and the Vice President for Human Resources sent an Aug. 19 email offering further advice if you are in a discomfiting situation. Among their recommendations is reaching out to the point person designated for each college, school, and department. TAUP has not received a list of these contacts; we recommend that you ask your Chair.
We will get through these tough times together. You’re a member of a union composed of your colleagues and peers. We stand collectively to advocate for health and safety and to protect us all within the bounds of the law.
P.S. If you’re interested in working with the union to promote a healthy and safe campus, contact Jenna Siegel jsiegelaft@gmail.com.