NRLCA and USPS sign MOU on Temporary Expanded Use of Sick Leave for Dependent Care During COVID-19 Crisis

Today, President Stutts signed an MOU expanding the use of sick leave for dependent care for rural carriers. For the 60-day duration of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in addition to the purposes outlined in the Sick Leave for Dependent Care MOU in our National Agreement, sick leave may be used by an employee for unexpected childcare needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, employees may use sick leave for dependent care in the event they must care for a child as a result of daycare closures, school (Pre-K through Grade 12) closures, or the unavailability of a child’s primary caregiver as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This MOU does not change the 80-hour limitation for sick leave that may be used for dependent care in any leave year.

Approval of sick leave for dependent care will continue to be subject to normal procedures for leave approval.

This MOU will expire May 17, 2020.

Please click here to view/download the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)