On May 29, 2020, Local 32BJ and the RAB reached agreement on terms to extend the terms of the interim memoranda of agreement the parties put in place during the term of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Specifically, the MOAs relating to: 12 hour shifts, prompt (1 week) notice of reduction in force, scheduling of part time employees, employment of temporary employees, AB Time, better terms and conditions, payment of vacation to laid off employees, and shared work, are all continued for the term of the new agreement.

The new Extension and Reentry MOA provides detailed guidance, among other things, on the process: (1) employees will be recalled into commercial and residential buildings; (2) how employees will be scheduled, take vacation, and have productivity measured; (3) how contractors’ employees will bump; (4) when and whether employees will be eligible for termination pay; and (5) by which employees will bid on new and different positions. The MOA also extended healthcare, legal, and training fund benefits for those whose benefits would otherwise terminate, for a period of 90 days.

The MOA also restarts the grievance machinery of the parties’ agreements, ends the tolling of grievances, and restarts Joint Industry Grievance Committee grievance hearings and Step II grievances by remote methods. Please contact the RAB directly if you have questions about any of the provisions of this MOA.