Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionSince the Governor declared the state of emergency due to COVID-19, my work schedule was changed. Is my new schedule permanent? (Updated 5/31/21)
No. We will evaluate moving you back to your normal schedule as the mitigation protocols change. However, the agency retains the authority to determine the appropriate schedule.
Can I stay on my alternate work schedule (AWS)?
It is possible, dependent on management’s ability to achieve proper physical distancing within the AWS.
What if I carpool, take public transit, or have other commitments that make it impossible to change my schedule?
Not all staff will be required to change. Local management will work with all employees, and their unions where applicable, to alleviate these types of issues. However, operational requirements inclusive of the need to achieve reduced foot traffic at entry points may ultimately decide requirements.
If I cannot work my new schedule due to other legitimate commitments, can I stay on leave without pay with benefits and continue to receive unemployment compensation?
No, as work is available for you. Local management and your supervisor will work with you on alternate solutions.
If I cannot work my new schedule due to other legitimate commitments, can I use my own paid leave until I can go back on my own schedule?
Requests for such leave will be considered and will be approved or denied based on management’s need to maintain efficient operations. Local management and your supervisor with work with you to explore alternative solutions.
Is seniority applied when changing to a different shift?
Seniority is a factor to be considered for those job classes represented by a union. If you are in job class that is represented by a union, local management will be working with your union to effect schedule changes and will act in a manner consistent with your collective bargaining agreement.
Will I receive shift differential for working a different shift?
You may, dependent on whether the hours of your shift meet the criteria for shift differential.
Will there be any impact to my bi-weekly pay by working other shifts?
Employees will continue to receive their base pay in accordance with the Personnel Rules and/or applicable collective bargaining agreements. Depending on whether the criteria for shift differential are met, you may be eligible for shift differential payment.
Who selects the shifts that are available for employees?
Local management, working in conjunction with the applicable union(s), will decide on those shift options necessary to support business operations while maintaining recommended physical distancing guidelines.
Can I have any changes I want in my work schedule?
If schedule changes are deemed necessary by local management, employees may be given an opportunity to indicate their interest in the schedule options available. In the case of union-represented employees, this will depend on what type of agreement has been reached with the applicable unions and the operational needs of the worksite.
How early can I start work? How early can I leave work?
Your supervisor will discuss these details with you.
Can my supervisor deny my request for a schedule change?
Yes. Employee schedules are approved based on work location coverage, operational need, and seniority, if applicable. An employee must have supervisory approval before working any work schedule.
Is there a list of schedules I can select from?
Your supervisor will discuss these details with you.
If I like this new schedule, can I stay on it indefinitely?
Any work schedule changes that occur due to the pandemic are intended to be temporary. Should you wish to change your work schedule on an ongoing basis, that request will need to follow your organization’s internal approval process.
Can I flex my time to come in a certain time one day and a different time the next?
Unless your worksite operates pursuant to the terms of an AWS that provides for flex schedules and said schedule will be continued upon the return to work, a flex schedule is not an option.
How will I be notified if I’m required to change my work schedule?
Your supervisor, in coordination with your agency HR Office, will contact you regarding schedule changes.
What if I have approved supplemental employment that does not allow for a schedule change?
Not all staff will be required to change. Local management will work with all employees, and their unions where applicable, to alleviate these types of issues. However, operational requirements inclusive of the need to achieve reduced foot traffic at entry points may ultimately decide requirements. Local management will act in a manner consistent with the policy governing Supplementary Employment, Management Directive 515.18, and any conflicts of interest arising out of supplementary employment will be resolved in the favor of the Commonwealth.
If I have been successfully teleworking, can I simply continue to work from home?
If you were placed on a temporary telework agreement, it is only in effect during the emergency/pandemic event. Agencies will decide on the duration of the temporary telework agreements and whether any situations warrant consideration for permanent telework arrangements.
Will my hours officially be changed in the system? Do I need to use these new hours for submission of timesheets and/or leave slips?
Yes, unless notified otherwise by your supervisor.
Will a work schedule change be mandatory?
If local management deems schedule changes to be necessary, employees will need to adhere to their new schedule.
Will the work schedule changes impact my overtime pay?
The rules for overtime have not changed. Work schedule changes/substitutions will not impact how overtime is calculated.
I have pre-scheduled, approved leave. How will the work schedule change impact future-dated leave already in SAP?
If you have leave already scheduled for less than a full day, your leave times may need to be adjusted. For example, you have a doctor’s appointment, but you may no longer need the leave if the appointment now occurs outside of your adjusted work schedule. Discuss these situations with your supervisor to determine whether adjustments to the times are required as a result of an adjusted work schedule.
Will a work schedule change impact the number of hours I am working?
No. Your adjusted work schedule will contain the same number of regular hours. Your worksite will follow the normal procedures for overtime assignments, should they be necessary.
If I have approved supplemental employment, am I permitted to work my second job during my days/hours off due to a staggered shift agreement?
Employees should contact the HR Service Center to amend their supplementary employment paperwork currently on file to reflect those days that are not already indicated on it. As always, any conflicts of interest arising out of supplementary employment would be settled in favor of the Commonwealth, consistent with Management Directive 515.18.