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.