Through the Job Loss Grant, Disability Grant and the Mortgage Assistance Program, Union Plus is putting money in the pockets of union members in need of assistance during this crisis. Union Plus shortened the Job Loss Grant unemployment requirement from 90 to 45 days to simplify the application process for credit card and personal loan program participants.
 
Since the pandemic hit, more than 700 union members have applied for over $1.7 million in direct assistance from the Union Plus Hardship Assistance programs. Union Plus is encouraging eligible members to apply. More information on these programs, including eligibility requirements and application process, are available at UnionPlus.org/hardship.

WPEA’s Scholarship program is now available. To download the flyer and application click here. All applications are due by July 1.

​WPEA is continuing to try to provide as much information about the stay at home and work status. Last week the Governor issued a stay at home order and that prompted the state to send even more employees home to work due to COVID 19. With so many people working from that normally do not, has created situations of more confusion and uncertainty. Please let us know if you are having issues around working from home that we can help with. We are meeting with your stewards on a phone conference call each week to keep them up to date on the latest from the Governor’s office as it applies to the state employment. Below are items that were discussed on the phone conference with the stewards.
 
WPEA’s main concern is to ensure every member stays in pay status. 
 
Questions WPEA is asking members:

• Is anyone using FMLA and having issues with their Stay At Home status?
• Are you being provided the necessary equipment to work from home?
• Are there any members that should have been provided with PPE and were not?  
• Are members hearing or seeing warnings of possible reduction in forces due to the technology being implemented in their jobs?
• Is use of technology and stay at home status going to leave members without a job to come back to?

 
Things you should know:

• General Government and Higher Education are not in the Suspended Operation category and are enabling employees to continue working.  Some are working in the field, at homes, and in other safe office situations 
• WPEA is working with the Governor and OFM to gain clarification on employees that need to go on Leave Without Pay and how it will effect employment status, retirement & seniority.
• WPEA is asking for Clarification on Unemployment Security; and how jobs get classified as Essential Jobs.
• The Governor’s office is consulting with HR’s across the state to try to ensure ways to keep state employees in pay status.

 
Please watch our website for more information!!!