Number
191926
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, LEWIS, BAUMAN, BORKOWSKI AND HAMILTON
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Employee Relations to explore the possibility of premium pay for City work deemed essential.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Employee Relations to explore the possibility of providing premium pay for employees performing essential work in support of the City’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to report back to the Common Council.
Body
Whereas, The global Covid-19 pandemic ("Pandemic") poses a significant and imminent threat to the health of Milwaukee residents and City employees; and
Whereas, Unchecked, spread of the Pandemic in Milwaukee and Wisconsin is predicted to overwhelm healthcare facilities and providers; and
Whereas, To help curb the spread of the Pandemic in Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett and Health Commissioner Kowalik issued a "stay at home" order closing non-essential Milwaukee work-, entertainment- and gathering-places, effective March 25, 2020; and
Whereas, Governor Evers has likewise issued a state-wide "safer at home" order; and
Whereas, These orders include provisions for individuals to practice "social distancing" by maintaining 6 feet of space from one another to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 from person to person; and
Whereas, Certain City employees provide services deemed essential to the on-going operation of the City, and are continuing to provide those essential services during the Pandemic; and
Whereas, Continuing to provide these essential services may bring City employees into frequent, unavoidable contact with co-workers and members of the public; and
Whereas, Non-essential City employees may also be reassigned as needed to support the City’s response to the Pandemic; and
Whereas, Premium pay, including hazard pay, may be a means of encouraging City employees to continue performing work vital to the operation of the City during the Pandemic; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Employee Relations is directed to explore the possibility of providing premium pay for employees performing essential work in support of the City’s response to the global Covid-19 pandemic; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Employee Relations is directed to report back to the Common Council with recommendations within 45 days.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB175972-2
Dana J. Zelazny
March 30, 2020