New Memorandum Establishes Expanded Sick Leave for Dependent Care During COVID-19

MAR18 2020,

1. Captioned below is a new MOU signed by the NPMHU and the Postal Service establishing a temporary expansion of the Sick Leave for Dependent Care MOU because of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.For the 60-day duration of this Memorandum of Understanding, in addition to the purposes previously outlined in the MOU Re Sick Leave for Dependent Care, sick leave may be used by career mail handlers for unexpected childcare needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Specifically, employees may use sick leave for dependent care in the event they must care for a child as a result of daycare closures, school (Pre-K through Grade 12) closures, or the unavailability of a child’s primary caregiver as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.This MOU does not change the 80-hour-limit for sick leave that may be used for dependent care in any leave year. Also, approval of sick leave for dependent care will continue to be subject to the normal procedures for leave approval.lease do not hesitate to contact the National CAD should you have any questions.A copy of this MOU has been posted here. (pdf)