Guild Members,
As you know, we are all beginning to transition back into the “new normal” of a post-pandemic era at the Library, with more staff return to onsite duties. COVID-19 vaccinations are now widely available and transmission rates in our region continue to decline.
The Library has recently issued a “mask optional policy for most staff in Library buildings,” which is in keeping with current CDC Guidelines. In its guidance the Library states (SA 22-05, March 2, 2022):
Wearing a mask continues to be a very effective personal protective measure. Library staff may choose to continue wearing masks, and they are welcome to do so. You should respect the decisions to wear or not wear masks that your colleagues and co-workers make, and you should expect the same respect for your choices as well.
The Guild would like to expand on this statement and extend a positive appeal to our members:
Please respect colleagues’ requests to minimize unmasked contact in the workplace, especially in their own cubicles and offices.
As with any broad guidance, whether from the CDC or the Library, there will be exceptions, and public health guidance is not always in alignment with individuals’ needs. Most important in this case, there are members of our workplace community who still need to take heightened COVID-19 precautions, including masking, because either they or their family members are immunocompromised or otherwise medically vulnerable, or at high risk for complications if infected.
Through much of the pandemic we have worn masks to protect others as well as ourselves. The Guild now asks its members to act in solidary with colleagues not only by respecting their choices about masking, but by actively working to protect those who may still be vulnerable. Be sensitive when colleagues express discomfort about being in the presence of unmasked others. In this situation, your colleagues are not judging your own choices about masking, but are seeking to protect themselves and their families. Please find ways to accommodate them if you can.
We thank you all for helping to make our workplace safe, and respectful of everyone’s needs. We’ve made it this far through an unprecedented moment in history. Let’s make it to the end, which we hope will be very soon.
Sent in solidarity,
Anne Toohey
Guild President
David Fernández Barrial
Guild Chief Steward
