Last week, on March 11, students of California State University Northridge were informed that all classes would be going online/virtual until April 24th in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, staff at CSUN are still working and expected to be in the office, with the exception of employees over the age of 65 and those considered high-risk by the CDC, who are advised to stay home. All other employees who are able to work from home are being told to do so, but those who cannot are being told to wait to hear from their supervisors. Up until this point, employees were simply told they could use Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave days, if they wish.



Recent reports have indicated that asymptomatic people could be a major driver of the spreading contagion



Additionally, France has recently reported that more than half of their patients currently in the ICU are under the age of 60



The slow, creeping approach that CSUN's leadership has taken up to this point is foolish and dangerous. As we all experienced in our own ways this weekend, this emergency is now well beyond the point of business-as-usual. Not only does the current policy increase the risk of spreading the virus, but it creates conflicts for staff who are parents, as LAUSD has just shut down all schools for two weeks. CSUN should not be rolling the dice on anyone's health.



For all of these reasons, we call for CSUN to immediately implement a work-from-home program where possible, and accept that work will need to be halted for a time in areas where it isn't possible. This must be done for the sake of CSUN employees' health, their families' health, and the health of the general public. And vitally, to treat them with dignity and protect their livelihoods, all staff must be put on paid furlough during this time.



Please join me in calling for this important and urgent policy.