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York County service coordinator urges meeting over draft telework policy, says it could hinder field staff
Summary
Elizabeth Cook, a service coordinator and SEIU Local 668 member, told the York County Board of Commissioners the county’s draft telework policy is vague and risks leaving field-based programs out of compliance with state rules; she asked the board to meet with the union before finalizing the changes.
Elizabeth Cook, a service coordinator for York MHIDD and a member of SEIU Local 668, asked the York County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 to meet with the union about a draft telework policy, arguing the policy as written would harm employees who perform essential field work.
"We are asking you to meet with the SEIU Local 668 regarding the proposed changes to the county's teleworking policy," Cook told the board, presenting a petition signed by colleagues. She said the draft's requirement that employees work "from their designated office location" fails to account for staff who must visit clients in homes, hospitals or courtrooms.
Cook cited drug and alcohol case managers and children-and-youth caseworkers as examples of staff who routinely work outside office hours and locations. "Our work often requires us to visit clients in their homes or community settings to ensure their safety and well-being," she said. "Children and youth caseworkers often spend hours outside of the 9 to 5 supporting children and family."
She also warned that the draft policy could leave departments "out of compliance with state regulations," saying the state Department of Aging, Department of Education and Department of Human Services require certain services be provided in clients' homes. "These requirements are set forth in the PA code," she said, and she offered to provide the board with copies of the petition and examples cited on it.
Cook said a flexible workplace supports recruitment and retention and noted that online access to records and efficient scheduling can free county resources for essential services. She urged the commissioners — whom she addressed as Commissioner Wheeler (president), Commissioner Burford (vice president) and Commissioner Hoch — to meet with SEIU Local 668 "before implementing any of the final changes."
The board did not take immediate action on the telework policy during the meeting. Cook's remarks were made during the public-comment portion; she said she would deliver copies of the petition to county officials.
Next steps: The board did not set a public date for follow-up. Cook requested a meeting with county leadership to discuss her members' concerns before the policy is finalized.
