Question posed to Labor Relations on rule 35;
We are looking for guidance on how members will be compensated for bereavement. Obviously the contractual agreement cannot be upheld, because of this COVID-19 virus. Will or are there any guidelines established for compensation pertaining to the death of family members?
Answer from Labor relations;
*Rule 35 already contains flexibility so that if there is a delay in holding funeral services (within reason−such as certain current NJ restrictions), an actively working employee may defer taking up to 3 consecutive calendar days surrounding the funeral until the later time. Usual and customary documentation to support the qualifying family relationship, time / date of funeral service must be supplied.
*Employees where were / are in inactive status (unpaid, paid Covid 100%, vacation, etc.) can likewise defer the 3 consecutive calendar days as in the above. (Since Rule 35 covers a basic day’s pay for a lost work day due to the bereavement period, the Covid pay is in lieu of bereavement pay – it would be in conflict to pay two entitlements on the same day.)
Please save all supporting documents and contact your local chairperson on steps needed to get compensation.
