While State/Local authorities issue orders restricting movements of the public within States and defining whom is essential to leave home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Passport Management continues to use its discretion to order non-essential employees to leave home and expose themselves to the risk of health, and to the penalties of any movement restriction orders […]
Month: March 2020
U.S. State Department Updates Guidance: Leave for Quarantine & Isolation
The U.S. State Department continues to keep employees informed daily about health and safety concerning COVID-19, either with reminders and/or new information. Yesterday, with an all hands notice to U.S. State Department employees, guidance was provided on important situations involving COVID-19. The guidance explained instances such as a telework reminder, being healthy and subject to […]
Important Message for NFFE 1998 Reps (Must be Logged In To See)
COVID-19 “Stay At Home” Disregarded by Management: At Risk is Public Health & Safety
As COVID-19 spreads nationwide, leading to the carnage of closing twenty-one passport offices and leaving twelve passport offices still open, state and local officials have issued “shelter in place, stay at home orders” in many states and municipalities limiting movement of persons. Individuals not adhering to these orders in some areas, include fines and jail. […]
AWS and COOP – Management and Union Partner-up, Expanded services in Minneapolis Passport Office
With the wrath of COVID-19 closing and restricting passport offices nationwide, this did not stop the Management and Union at the Minneapolis Passport Office with still offering limited services to the public during these times. The Management and Union made an Alternate Work Schedule Plan for a Continuity Of Operations Plan (COOP) to still render […]
Agency “Cell Phone” Restrictions Are Revised, DAS Rebuilding Trust at Department of State: Passport Services
Rachel Arndt, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Passport Services, eases restrictions with cell phone usage in passport offices for employees. She notified employees in passport offices on March 23rd, via e-mail and a revised policy Memo describing employee responsibilities under this new policy, and also reaffirming Core Values of Our People, Integrity “by boosting morale…, […]
Updates on COVID-19 and Passport Services
Clearly as of Friday March 20, 2020 the US Department of state was not able to make a life affirming decision to close the domestic passport offices for each and every dedicated employee that is still showing up to work, to serve a public that is being told to not leave the United States, or […]
COVID19 – A Message From Your National Officers
From Your National Officers: Please know that we understand and share your concerns regarding Passport Services and Covid-19 virus. We are in contact with Headquarters on what has become a daily basis to communicate those concerns to them and to get the most current information available. We are diligently working on proposals to present […]
IP Martinez Message to IAM Members on COVID-19 Outbreak
From – iMail March 12, 2020 Dear Sisters and Brothers, I know there is much uncertainty surrounding the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak that has now been classified as a global pandemic. Our daily routines are being affected by the cancellation of many events in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. I […]