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State workers sue union over forced union dues

Suzanne Downing
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14
State workers sue union over forced union dues

Two Alaska state employees filed a lawsuit against the State of Alaska and the Alaska State Employees Association today for forcing them to pay union dues against their will.

According to the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court ruling, union dues cannot be deducted from state employees’ paychecks without their “affirmative consent.”

Linda Creed, an environmental health technician for the Department of Environmental Conservation, opted out of her union, only to be put back in after a court restraining order was placed on the Dunleavy Administration. Since then, she has been paying union dues without her consent.

Tyler Riberio, an environmental impact analyst at the Department of Transportation, also opted out, only to be put back in.

Background: In fall 2019, Alaska administration issued an order to ensure no government employee was forced to pay union dues against their will.

But within weeks, the matter was tied up in state court and the Administration’s efforts to defend workers’ First Amendment rights and to implement the Supreme Court Janus ruling were halted.

Creed and Riberio brought their lawsuit with help from the Alaska Policy Forum and the Liberty Justice Center, the nonprofit law firm behind the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME.

Click here to see the copy of the case.

Click here to see Complaint Exhibits A through D.

COVID update 2: University of Alaska closes campuses

Suzanne Downing
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4
COVID update 2: University of Alaska closes campuses

ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL HAVE LONG SPRING BREAK

Must Read Alaska is publishing compendium updates relating to the Coronavirus COVID-19. Check for previous stories under the All News tab.

In this edition of the update: University closure, Anchorage public schools, and Sen. Dan Sullivan suspends a fundraiser.

Starting March 23, and potentially for the rest of the semester, most UA courses will be offered using alternate delivery methods (online, audioconference or web-conference) rather than traditional classroom instruction, said President Jim Johnsen today.

“Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chancellors for clinical, lab, and other hands-on courses where ‘social distance’ and other personal safety measures can be assured,” he said.

His announcement comes in the wake of the pandemic virus COVID-19.

“In addition, we are working to address issues such as computer access and other student needs in ways that maintain social distance.”

The university is extending spring break by one week for students in order to allow faculty time to prepare their courses for alternative delivery methods.

That means there will be no classes between now and March 23.

Employees should return to work unless affected by restrictions established in separate guidance, he said, and students in residence halls should stay at their permanent residences, or return home to them by March 17.

The closure of the university campuses follows a pattern seen across the nation, from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. to Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Ore.

Temporary access to residence halls will be provided to access needed personal items and study materials, Johnsen said. Exceptions may be made for students who cannot travel or have no place to go.

“We are canceling all events and gatherings of 25 people or more between today (March 12) and March 31. We will revisit the situation later this month and make a decision then regarding events for the rest of the spring semester,” Johnsen said. The school is also expanding restrictions on university-related travel, and making plans for cleaning and sanitizing university facilities.

“We are expanding requirements for employees and others coming to campus to stay home/stay away after returning from travel to certain areas outside Alaska or if they have possible exposure to COVID-19,” Johnsen said.

Visitors to the campuses, including those going to the museums, libraries, and gatherings, are being asked to report their presence to staff, and stay away from campuses if they have traveled in the previous 14 days.

Community restrictions apply to employees, students and campus visitors.

The complete set of guidelines was published today, subject to change:

UA_COVID-19_3-12-Memo_PolicyDownload

Anchorage Public Schools: Anchorage public schools will remain closed for a week past Spring break, which is this week, due to the coronavirus. District leaders are considering keeping the schools closed longer, the District announced Thursday.

Sen. Dan Sullivan: Earlier Thursday, the U.S. Senate canceled its upcoming March recess in order to continue work on an emergency aid and economic relief package for Americans impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

As a result, Senator Sullivan will remain in Washington, D.C. over the weekend to ensure these critical negotiations with the White House as well as his colleagues in the House and Senate reflect the needs and priorities of Alaska and the country. 

Because of these recent developments, his fundraiser scheduled for Friday at Rotak Helicopter Services will be rescheduled.

COVID update 1: Travel, tour season, Congress

Suzanne Downing
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1
COVID update 1: Travel, tour season, Congress

PRINCESS, VIKING SUSPEND CRUISES FOR TWO MONTHS

Must Read Alaska will, starting today, publish compendium updates relating to the Coronavirus COVID-19.

These will be numbered “COVID update 1,2,3…”

Because it’s a rapidly evolving social, political, and health environment, the updates will be published as needed, with brevity. Here’s the first:

No cases in Alaska yet: As of Thursday, the State of Alaska has not determined any cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. Of the 135,306 cases worldwide, 1,336 are in the United States, and there have been 36 deaths in the U.S. since the first case was determined in Seattle in February.

State Department: The State Department has raised its advisory for Americans to Level 3, which is when the government asks people to reconsider all travel abroad.

Europe travel: The 30-day travel order applies to citizens of 26 European countries but excludes Britain and Ireland, as well as American citizens. The orders take effect from midnight on Friday.

Princess, Viking: On Thursday, Princess Cruises and Viking Cruise Lines suspended operations for two months. The cruise season out of the Port of Seattle begins April 1.

Senate: In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate will cancel its planned recess next week and work on legislation to mitigate the pandemic. Democrats in the House have a package that would mandate paid sick leave for all workers, free coronavirus testing, and a $1 billion infusion for unemployment insurance.

Chugiak/Eagle River: The Mat-Su delegation town hall and the Chugiak/Eagle River town hall meetings scheduled for March 21 have been cancelled. Your input in writing is welcome: [email protected] or [email protected].

Sports: The NBA postponed its season on Wednesday. The National Hockey League on Thursday announced it will “pause” its season: “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019 20 season beginning with tonight’s games.”

Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer: The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services expanded information available on its COVID-19 webpage to address high-risk populations at a new Specific Groups page, with direct links noted below. 

Republicans will conduct convention electronically

Anchorage Daily Planet
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7
Republicans will conduct convention electronically

The Alaska Republican Party convention will be conducted electronically on April 2-3, instead on in person in Juneau, said Party Chairman Glenn Clary today. :

“In light of recent announcements from Governor Mike Dunleavy, Dr. Anne Zink, and changing CDC advice about the COVID19 virus, the Alaska Republican Party State Central Committee meeting will convene electronically as scheduled on April 2,” Clary said. The Central Committee meeting is made up of the top district officers and elected leaders from across the 40 legislative districts.

Beginning on April 3, the State Convention itself will also convene electronically. The order of business will be:

  • Completion of registration of delegates and alternates
  • Seating of delegates and alternates
  • Election of national delegates and alternates
  • Election of state Party officers
  • Election of state presidential electors   

“These actions will keep the ARP in compliance with RNC rules regarding our national convention delegates and alternate delegates. It will also provide the ARP continued representation on the RNC,” Clary said.

After that business is conducted, the state convention will recess to a future date in Juneau.  

“This decision has been taken in close consultation with ARP Rules Chair, Lisa Santerre, RNC counsel and State Convention Organizing Chair Paulette Simpson,” Clary said.

The convention organizers are working with hoteliers, caterers and vendors in Juneau to minimize any economic impact of postponement.

Shut ’em down

Suzanne Downing
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22
Shut ’em down

THE ANCHORAGE DAILY PLANET

While the coronavirus has schools closing down across the nation, Democrats wondering whether to shut down their 2020 presidential primary election and Gov. Mike Dunleavy declaring a health emergency in Alaska, you have to wonder:

What about signature-gathering such as that being carried out now in Alaska by Recall Dunleavy? It is very up close and personal. Does it not present a serious health threat? Is it not the very definition of such a threat? Why is it still allowed?

Paid signature gatherers – and who pays those working for Recall Dunleavy remains anybody’s guess – position themselves in the busiest places to approach the maximum number of potential petition signers.

They must get within veritable coughing distance to signers, and their clipboards are sneezed on and handled by who knows how many people during the course of a day – as are their pens and other materials. At the end of the day, those things must be akin to petri dishes.

Signature-gatherers might as well have signs proclaiming: “Get your virus right here.”

None of that is good in today’s circumstances. It is the kind of thing that can only help spread the coronavirus. A cough here. A sneeze there. The next thing you know, we are all ill. It is nothing short of astounding that people do not flee when they see the signature-takers.

Given the serious public health risks such face-to-face contact in crowded places presents to the public, it would be more than just wise to consider shutting down such exercises – not only in Alaska, but across the nation.

It is the right thing to do.

Read more at the Anchorage Daily Planet.

Governor issues public health disaster emergency

Suzanne Downing
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6
Governor issues public health disaster emergency

ALLOWS FOR FEDERAL FUNDS, QUARANTINES AND NATIONAL GUARD

Gov. Mike Dunleavy today issued a declaration of public health disaster emergency in response to the COVID-19 anticipated outbreak.

The declaration initiates a unified command structure between the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Public Safety, and fully engages state departments to utilize all capabilities to ensure a swift and effective COVID-19 response. It also allows the State to apply and access federal funds for emergencies.

“My administration has worked daily to coordinate our response efforts and keep Alaskans informed about COVID-19. Beginning with the flight to repatriate Americans living in Wuhan in January, our team has responded with a level of professionalism that is a model for the nation,” said Gov. Dunleavy. “Alaska still does not have any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease; however, by issuing this disaster declaration, we are taking a proactive approach to accessing all necessary resources. As we are faced with the potential to have confirmed cases in Alaska, the state will elevate its response and bring to bear every element of state government needed to address this serious illness.”

Adam Crum, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services said it is highly probable that an outbreak of COVID-19 will occur in the near future in Alaska.

“We have seen a great level of voluntary coordination between local, Tribal, state, and federal partners to date.  As the impact of the virus expands we are here to support our DHSS partners.  We have established a Unified Command and activated our plans to coordinate activities statewide,” said Maj. Gen. Torrance Saxe, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Uniformed members of the Alaska Organized Militia, including the Alaska National Guard, are prepared to respond to the needs of our communities and DHSS as requested.” 

In addition to setting up the unified command, the declaration permits the DHSS commissioner to exercise state statues related to isolation and quarantine measures, and makes it easier for the state to purchase supplies, hire temporary staff, and access disaster relief funds for public assistance. The DHSS emergency operations center has been activated since January. The State of Alaska emergency operations center been on standby for several weeks.

On March 2, 2020, Governor Dunleavy submitted a supplemental budget amendment to fund COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts. The supplemental budget amendment provides $4 million in state funds and allows for the receipt of $9 million in federal support for mitigation and response efforts.

As of March 10, 2020, 47 individuals in Alaska have been tested for COVID-19, with 31 negative tests and 16 tests currently pending. State health officials expect to detect cases in the near future and are preparing for the likelihood of community transmission in Alaska. Nationally, 647 cases have been reported with 25 deaths.

All Alaskans are encouraged to stay informed, listen to their local elected leaders and their primary care providers.

Click here for a signed copy of the disaster declaration and additional information.

For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, please visit http://coronavirus.alaska.gov. 

Recallers get 30 percent of their signatures in 2 weeks

Suzanne Downing
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10
Recallers get 30 percent of their signatures in 2 weeks

The Recall Dunleavy Committee is nearly one-third of the way to getting the signatures they need to put the question to the voters at some point: Keep the governor or toss him?

They’ve convinced 21,678 people to sign their petition in the two weeks that they’ve had the petition booklets; they need another 50,000. The group has an army of volunteers and paid professionals across the state and in other states in the country, gathering signatures on the petition booklets.

[Read: Fourth illegal petition booklet pops up in Palm Springs]

Petitioners have been reported cruising the aisles of Walmarts, inside of post offices (Homer, Girdwood), and inside the state-owned State Libraries Archives and Museum (SLAM) building in Juneau over the past two weeks.

New state health guidelines unveiled for COVID-19

Suzanne Downing
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15
New state health guidelines unveiled for COVID-19

OVER 60? STAY HOME, IF YOU CAN

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Chief Medical Officer Anne Zink, and Alaska Department of Health and Social Service Commissioner Adam Crum announced new recommendations to help prevent or slow the spread of cases of the COVID-19 in Alaska.

The recommendations for medical providers include:

  • Providers no longer need to call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology (SOE) to approve testing.
  • Providers must fill out a COVID-19 Report Form for each patient regardless of which laboratory is performing testing.
  • Updated CDC infection control guidance, available here.

The state also put out a request for information today for housing for COVID-19 patients.

While Alaska currently has no known cases of COVID-19, the disease is spreading rapidly both globally and in the United States.

State officials, working with partners in communities and tribal health groups statewide, have been actively preparing for a positive case and the likelihood of community transmission in Alaska, the Governor’s Office said.

“Information surrounding the Coronavirus Disease is evolving rapidly and we are going to be adjusting our approaches as a state and as individuals. We will be adding more tools to the toolbox to combat this virus and ensure Alaska is prepared,” said Gov. Dunleavy. 

“I want Alaskans to know we have been working on our Coronavirus Disease preparedness daily and are learning from other states and countries. The question is, ‘Are we going to be prepared?’ We are going to be prepared as well as, if not more than, any other state,” Dunleavy said.

Today’s recommendations are based on guidance from the CDC and the Alaska DHSS Division of Public Health.

The recommendations also include everyday preventive measures for all Alaskans and new measures for people older than 60, or those with chronic health conditions, such as staying home as much as possible, keeping prescription medicines and groceries on hand and avoiding crowds.

For all Alaskans

  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer if soap or water are not available. This means washing before going in and out of rooms or buildings, using restrooms, and before eating.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face.
  • Cover coughs or sneezes.
  • Stop shaking hands.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items.
Sign appears in the Alaska Capitol.

Recommendations for higher risk Alaskans

People who are over 60, and anyone who has serious chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease, and diabetes, are at increased risk of developing severe illness and dying from COVID-19. Reduce your exposure:
o Stay home as much as possible. Ask family or friends to bring in items you need.
o Avoid crowds and mass gatherings where exposure risk is greater. o Stay at least six feet away from others who are sick.
o Limit close contact and wash your hands often.
o If you can, telecommute for work.

Watch for symptoms including cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

Have a plan in case you get sick and know how to take care of yourself. This includes having necessary supplies on hand, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, other medical necessities, groceries, and other household items.

“These voluntary measures may seem sudden and extreme to some Alaskans, but the time to act is now, even before we detect cases in Alaska,” said Dr. Zink. “Alaska is prepared but we are a unique state, with unique circumstances. We are asking for the cooperation of all Alaskans in following these guidelines. Based on what we know from previous epidemics, we know that early invention can help save lives.” 

For the latest information on COVID-19, click here.

MEANWHILE, IN WASHINGTON STATE …

Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to issue an order on Wednesday to restrict gatherings of more than 250 people, including sporting events and concerts. No word if the restriction will apply to places of worship.

Juneau will allow Westerdam

Suzanne Downing
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13
Juneau will allow Westerdam

FACTS, NOT FEAR AT ASSEMBLY MEETING

Cruise industry leaders reassured the Juneau Assembly and an overflow crowd on Monday evening that there has never been a case of coronavirus on the cruise ship Westerdam, which is now making its way to Honolulu before heading to Juneau for a few weeks later this month.

Juneau, a port city with a lot of cruise ship traffic in the summer months, conducted a special meeting that checked all of the boxes for crisis management — they brought in the experts, they took questions on paper, not by allowing grandstanding in front of microphones, and they answered every concern that was brought up: How many crew will there be? (up to 700). Is there a medical doctor on board? (Yes, and nurses). Where will the ship put its trash? (In ports along the way, such as Hawaii and Vancouver).

Some in the community, including letter writers to the Juneau Empire, and on Facebook, have objected to the cruise ship docking in Juneau, pointing out that it had been turned away from ports in Asia, and that Juneau didn’t need the coronavirus infection coming from crew.

But, as industry leader Ralph Samuels explained to the Assembly, the only person ever believed to have the virus on board the Westerdam turned out to not have it at all. It was a case of a false positive test, which has been negated in subsequent tests.

All passengers on the ship headed home on commercial airlines, none has turned up with the virus, and the crew has been cleared as well, said the Holland America Line vice president of government and community relations. The ship will have been without passengers for more than a month when it gets to Juneau.

A mix of people from the community attended the presentation. Some of those showed concern about infection. Others were those who own businesses catering to the cruise trade, who are concerned about both the wellness of the community and an economic disaster brought on by panic-mongerers.

But it was a “facts, not fear” evening of rational information delivered by industry and health professionals. By the end of their presentation, most of the seven pages of questions that had been submitted to the Assembly were already answered. There weren’t that many left.

The cruise industry showed itself as knowledgeable, and the meeting structure itself prevented those with a penchant for screaming out emotionally based untruths from getting the stage.

Juneau City Manager Rorie Watt led off, saying he asked the Centers for Disease Control if the Westerdam was safe to allow into port. The CDC said yes, and Watt noted that if it is good enough for the CDC, it is good enough for him.

The one ship is truly Juneau’s smallest concern. For a town that routinely gets four to six cruise ships a day during high season, the national panic over the coronavirus could devastate the city’s revenue stream, which it factors into its budget each year.

The Assembly was supportive of Watt’s rational approach, and industry leaders such as Kirby Day and Mike Tibbles reiterated that all sectors are working together to prepare.

Tibbles, of Cruise Lines International Association, said it’s still unclear what will unfold for the season, as things are changing fast and the cruise season is weeks away. Some ships taken out of Asia waters are adding trips on the West Coast, he noted.

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS

One thing all of the Alaska cruise-related businesses be now factoring: There will be a lot fewer elderly people coming to Alaska this year — the trend will be younger cruisers. And that means there will be a lot fewer T-shirts sold that say” “Nana went to Alaska and all I got was this T-shirt!”

But there may be a lot more beer poured at microbreweries and more adventure tours sold, although travelers will likely be looking for deep discounts this year.

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