COVID-19 STATEMENT

March 13, 2020 

Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency on the evening of March 9, 2020. On March 12, 2020, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) announced the one week extension of spring break as a first step in the College’s response to the public health crisis. While we acknowledge that the RVCC COVID-19 Task Force has been working hard, we believe communications have been incomplete and do not address many of the concerns that we have as a unified group of RVCC employees. 

The members of the Faculty Federation, Administrative Society, and Staff Federation are essential to the successful operation of the college and are uniquely qualified to aid and assist in the development of policies. Our mutual aim is to provide quality higher education for the students of the College. During this public health crisis, we are asking for the following to protect the health and public welfare of the entire College community: 

• Immediately add to the membership of RVCC COVID-19 Task Force representatives of each bargaining unit; RVCC Faculty Federation (Full-time and Adjunct), RVCC Administrative Society, and RVCC Staff Federation

• Provide the current task force membership and decision protocols 

• Provide the protocols for employees at higher risk of complications due to age or underlying health conditions

• Provide the protocols for employees who live with or care for persons at higher risk

• Provide the specific safety measures that prevent infection at work and the additional cleaning protocols that have been shared with facilities staff 

• Provide the symptom and exposure reporting protocol that is in place

• Expand telecommuting options to all staff regardless of FLSA status 

• Cancel all non-essential in person meetings/events or move them to tele/video-conference until the health crisis is over

• Assure all employees, including part-time hourly and student workers, that they will be paid in the event of a voluntary/involuntary quarantine or shutdown 

• Issue a moratorium on enacting any discipline regarding absence 

The measures communicated by the College thus far have a wide ranging impact on our contractual working conditions. We would like to work with the College to assure the best possible outcome for all members of our community. Without our work, RVCC would not be the top-notch institution it is. We deserve to be part of the planning that will impact our work and our lives. 

In solidarity, 

RVCC Faculty Federation, AFT Local

Staff Federation, AFT Local 

Administrative Society, NJEA Local