After hearing from experts at the CDC, WHO, and the Florida Department of Health, DCSMEC (in an abundance of caution) is temporarily suspending all general and steward meetings until further notice. We hope that smart action today will prevent the spread of the virus tomorrow. Our membership is our number one priority.

All other DCSMEC activities will continue as usual. COVID-19 is a bigger threat to the elderly and those with chronic disease. The WHO (World Health Organization) is pulling out all the stops in their effort to get the world to respond to the situation with the seriousness it deserves.

Superintendent Carvalho began his day by stressing, “It is a regular school day with no interruptions.” While all school and after school activities are continuing, travel plans are being canceled. “All out of country field trips have been canceled until further notice based on guidance by the Florida Department of Education, an  immediate moratorium is being placed on all out of state air travel,” explained Carvalho. “All in-county and in-state field trips, not requiring air travel, are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”

Students and parents who have returned from high warning level countries or a cruise and are exhibiting symptoms are being told to contact the Florida Dept. of Health. Students who are sick are being told to stay home even if they think it is the common cold or the flu. “Stay home. This is not the time to strive for perfect attendance,” said Carvalho. Perfect attendance requirements are being lifted so students can stay home if they are ill.

The school district will partially activate its emergency command center starting Wednesday morning. It has also opened a coronavirus hotline, the number is 305-995-3000. In addition, M-DCPS has launched a dedicated website for the most up-to-date information regarding schools and the coronavirus. It can be found at COVID19.DADESCHOOLS.NET. There is also a new website for its Instructional Continuity Plan for Emergency Schools Closures of District School. This is where online learning would continue should it be necessary to close a classroom, a school or a group of schools, but again, all schools remain open at this time. School principals are being told to intensify cleaning of schools and buses, and to promote personal hygiene.

President Trump has address the nation by taking unprecedented action to attempt to keep Americans safe, including a suspension of “all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days.” “We are at a critical time in the fight against the virus,” President Trump said. “We made a life-saving move with early action on China. Now we must take the same action with Europe. We will not delay. I will never hesitate to take any necessary steps to protect the lives, health and safety of the American people. I will always put the well-being of America first.” President Trump late Wednesday canceled campaign events in Colorado, Nevada, and Wisconsin because of the coronavirus outbreak.

DCSMEC will continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19.  Please use common sense precautions. Keep your hands away from your face, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds multiple times a day.

The latest information on COVID-19

M-DCPS will remain open and are being kept updated on COVID-19. Some field trips and public gatherings have been canceled. M-DCPS will continue to monitor and provide updates as they become available. DCSMEC is constantly monitoring the situation and will act accordingly to safeguard our members.

Miami-Dade County officials continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies in monitoring COVID-19, part of the coronavirus family.

State of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order and Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees declared a public health emergency on March 1. Gov. DeSantis declared a state of emergency on March 9.

Individuals in Miami-Dade County who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400. If you have a medical provider, call them. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead.

Prevention methods include the basics, such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds several times a day and staying home when you’re sick. Students, teachers and maintenance employees should avoid touching their eyes, noses or mouths to keep from spreading germs, and schools should wash and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and desktops.

Parents, students, and families should get the facts, but it’s also important to keep the conversation on what we can do rather than focusing on information that causes fear.

For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121. 

Since last year (2019) we have been hearing that Management was discussing changing our regular work schedule. Management on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 issued a memorandum to all maintenance employees from Administrative Director Francis X. Hoar notifying everyone that effective the pay period of Friday, April 3, 2020 a standardized work schedule 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. would begin.

The memorandum is consistent with contract language see below:

This schedule change may be implemented by the Board after notification to the Union. Employees affected by a change in their work week shall be given not less than two weeks’ notice of the change in schedule. Such changes in schedule may be designated by the bureau/office head or designee and shall not be arbitrary.

DCSMEC had suggested an earlier start time or a four ten schedule, however management decided to go back to the traditional 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. work schedule.

This standardize work schedule will not affect the following employees:

—————Alternate shift – Monday to Thursday, 12:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

—————Night shift coil cleaning crew – Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

If this new schedule creates a hardship for you, please call Francis X. Hoar at 305-995-4044 to set up a hardship appointment as per contract language see below.

Hardship –  Unit employees who undergo what is considered an unexpected or undue hardship can request to be returned to their previous work schedules, if available, or to an open position. each case to be heard as soon as practicable but no later than 20 working days after notification. Where a vacancy occurs as a result of a hardship, management may fill the position from among the employees in a manner that facilitates a safe and efficient workforce.

The new work schedule is for maintenance employees only.

For H-2 Salary employees only

Attention all H-2 salary employees, DCSMEC is working with management to make sure that if you did not receive your tool allowance in November of 2019. We have identified 23 members that were affected, your tool allowance will be paid on the 1-31-20 paycheck. We are also looking to find out what caused the glitch and have it corrected.

If you have any questions you can contact us at 305-477-6002 and always check the DCSMEC website at www.DCSMEC.org.

We have identified 23 members who will be paid on the 1/31/20 paycheck. See your yard representatives to verify if you’re name is on the list.

Attention all DCSMEC members the General Membership Meeting scheduled for January has been moved to March 17, 2020. 

DCSMEC continues working closely with management to finalize the new Insurance programs, we hope that registration will be provided no later the end of March.

Contract Negotiations have stalled and we hope to resume negotiations soon.