The company informed the United Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers of their belief that the AFA COVID-19 Letter of Agreement is no longer in effect, citing the White House's planned ending of the Public Health Emergency (COVID-19) on May 11, 2023, and the recent World Health Organization announcement lifting the Public Health Emergency of International Concern for COVID-19.
AFA disagrees with the company and has filed an MEC Grievance, as the clear language of the COVID-19 Letter of Agreement provides that it “shall remain in effect until such time as the United States Center for Disease Control declares that COVID-19 is no longer an epidemic in the United States" which has not yet occurred.
Over our objections, the company now will treat COVID-19 related illnesses and absences the same as any other illnesses or absences. Contact your AFA Local Council for further guidance.