Staffing During Emergency Conditions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, UMMS put in place a policy to ensure that our facilities would remain staffed during emergency conditions. This policy, “Staffing During Emergency Conditions,” explains expectations for team member attendance and punctuality during emergency conditions, as well as how team members required to work during an emergency will be compensated. It also provides guidelines on reassigning team members to areas where they are most needed, based on their skills and knowledge base, and what happens if a team member refuses to be reassigned.

This policy was updated on March 16, 2022, to include the steps Information Technology (IT) will follow to expedite the granting of user access, when necessary to meet urgent staffing needs during an emergency.

Click here to view the full policy in PolicyStat.

What if a team member is unable to report to work as scheduled during an emergency?

If a team member is unable to report to work during emergency conditions, they must follow their department’s procedures for call-outs. During an emergency, failure to meet attendance expectations, as outlined in this policy, may result in corrective action. Please review the policy in full for more information.

What happens if a department or unit closes during an emergency?

If the decision is made that a department or unit will close, the manager should check with the applicable command center or administrator on call to determine if a team member needs to be reassigned to another work area. If a non-exempt (hourly) team member is not reassigned and is told not to come to work, the team member will have the option to use accrued leave, take unpaid leave, or be paid according to any special pay programs in effect at the time of the emergency (e.g., paid administrative leave). Exempt (salaried) team members must use accrued paid leave if their department is closed due to lack of work, or they may be paid according to any special pay programs in effect at the time of the emergency.

If a team member is required to work overtime during emergency conditions, will they receive overtime pay?

UMMS will comply with all applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements regarding mandatory overtime and hours of work, subject to legally recognized exceptions for emergency conditions.

What happens if a team member refuses a mandatory reassignment?

If a team member refuses mandatory reassignment and they have not been excused as a reasonable accommodation, the team member will be required to use accrued paid leave––or unpaid leave if paid leave is not available. If it is the first time they are refusing reassignment, they will be subject to a final written warning. If they refuse another reassignment, they will be separated from employment.