Employee Inclement Weather Policy & Emergency Locations

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TO: Elected Officials, Department Heads and Division Managers

FROM: Nancy Scarlet, Director of Human Resources

DATE: December 1, 2010

SUBJECT: Inclement Weather Policy Reminder

The County has a vested interest in the safety and well being of all its employees and to provide services to the citizens. Many County services become more critical during poor weather conditions. There are also significant costs that occur as the result of a closing. For these reasons, it is the general policy that Oakland County does NOT close for inclement weather conditions. (This includes all satellite office locations.)

Merit Rule 15.4, which follows, addresses this issue

INCLEMENT WEATHER

15.4.1 Only the County Executive shall have the authority to excuse employees early from their shifts, with pay, because of dangerous or inclement weather. Individual department heads shall not have this opportunity.

15.4.2 Only the County Executive shall have the authority to give time off with pay because employees may have been prevented from getting to work because of dangerous or inclement weather. In such cases, the following rule shall apply:

15.4.2.1 All employees on the same shift at the affected work locations shall be treated alike.

15.4.2.2 Those required to work and who are able to get to work shall receive double pay for the normal shift and 2-1/2 pay for overtime worked under such circumstances.

Each elected official and department head should designate which employees/classifications are required to report to work if an inclement weather period is declared by the County Executive.

As previously stated, the general policy of the County of Oakland is that the County does NOT close for inclement weather conditions. Employees are expected to make every reasonable effort to maintain regular work schedules.

During winter months when snow and ice often reduce travel speed, employees are responsible to plan ahead and leave for work earlier than usual. However, when weather conditions are particularly severe, and an inclement weather day has NOT been declared, supervisors may use some discretion regarding punctuality. Under these circumstances, liberal leave procedures should be followed for non-designated employees to allow them, based on weather conditions where they reside, to use leave banks to remain home for the day. Employees who choose to remain home or who are unable to report to work for the day will be required to use their leave banks.

If the County Executive determines to declare an Inclement Weather period, it will be announced on local radio and TV stations, the County’s main telephone information line and on the County’s web page. Attached for your convenience is the County’s emergency phone number distribution list. In the event the County Executive declares an Inclement Weather Day, information will be recorded and available to employees who call the telephone number for their building. If you have questions concerning this policy, please contact Karen Jones, Manager Human Resources at 858-5351 or Kristy Slosson, Supervisor Employee Records at 858-5352.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER INFORMATION

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