Snowstorm of January 4-5, 2018 -- Staff Attendance during Closure -- Weather Emergency -- Policy Applicability

I would like to express the university’s appreciation to all those staff employees who worked to maintain essential services on January 4 and 5, during the adverse weather conditions on the Newark, New Brunswick, RBHS and Camden Campuses.

This memorandum confirms the adverse weather conditions that were in effect university-wide as a result of the snowstorm of January 4 - 5, and provides information to the university community about applicable portions of Policy 60.1.29 of the University Policy Library (https://policies.rutgers.edu/60129-currentpdf).

CONDITIONS IN EFFECT ON JANUARY 4 – 5, 2018

Due to adverse weather conditions, a “Closure – Weather Emergency” (Except for RBHS Clinical operations) was declared university-wide. Offices were closed as follows:

1. Rutgers University – New Brunswick campus offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. 
2. RBHS – New Brunswick campus schools and offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. Clinical Operations remained open.
3. Rutgers University – Camden campus offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. 
4. Rutgers University – Newark campus offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. 
5. RBHS – Newark campus schools and offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. Clinical Operations remained open.
6. RBHS – Camden campus schools and offices were closed for the period January 4, 2:00 p.m. to January 5, 10:00 a.m. Clinical Operations remained open.

When the university is closed because of a “Closure – Weather Emergency – Campus(es) Closed,” the following procedures are in effect:

NON ESSENTIAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES

Employees who are not essential services personnel are excused with pay during a period of “Closure – Weather Emergency.” Absences beyond the period of closing must be charged to appropriate accrued time.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES

Consistent with the university’s policies, Legacy Rutgers Essential Services Employees who were required to work or who were required to remain on duty, AND who are eligible for overtime will be paid their straight time for their regularly scheduled work hours pay PLUS time and one-half for all hours worked during the relevant designated “Closure – Weather Emergency” period.

Consistent with the university’s policies, Legacy UMDNJ Essential Services Employees who were required to work or who were required to remain on duty, AND who are eligible for overtime will be paid two times their regular pay for all regularly scheduled hours worked during the relevant designated “Closure – Weather Emergency” period. 

An Essential Services Employee who was scheduled to work on January 4 and January 5, but who failed to report to work, or who failed to remain on duty, without proper approval may, at his/her supervisor’s discretion, be required to charge time or be docked pay for the period of closing. 

RBHS Clinical Operations remained open at all times; therefore, the above sections regarding Non-Essential Services and Essential Services employees are inapplicable to RBHS Clinical Operations staff employees.

ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION

• During the designated “Closure – Weather Emergency” employees with previously scheduled paid time away from work will not be required to charge time against accrued leave.
• Class 3 employees will be excused with pay for up to one day during this designated “Closure – Weather Emergency” period.
• Under most circumstances, a charge to accrued and available Sick Time during a “Closure – Weather Emergency” is not appropriate. An employee who was out sick prior to and after a “Closure – Weather Emergency” is not to be charged available and accrued Sick Time for the period of closing.
• Class 4 employees are to be compensated only for time actually worked.

Questions regarding this communication may be directed to the Office of Labor Relations, 848-932-3914.