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COVID19 FAQ FOR EMPLOYEES

Employees Resource for FAQs regarding COVID19

 

 

Human Resources FAQ

The Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Family Stores of Chicago

 

4/18/20 UPDATE FROM ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY:

"In Illinois, every individual who is unemployed or underemployed should file a claim for unemployment benefits, ... even if an individual’s employer does not consider the worker to be covered and doesn’t pay unemployment taxes on the individual’s wages, the individual can qualify for benefits if IDES determines he or she is covered under state law. An employer’s failure to contribute to the unemployment system will not impact a claimant’s eligibility for benefits. Although eligibility for benefits cannot be guaranteed, nothing prohibits people from filing a claim for regular benefits, as long as they truthfully complete the application. Second, the PUA program has been established for individuals who are unemployed for reasons attributable to COVID-19 and not covered by the state’s regular unemployment insurance program. To establish eligibility under the new program, the claimant will have to demonstrate he/she is not eligible under the regular program. Applying for and being denied benefits under the regular program can help establish eligibility under the new temporary program."
 

4/17/20 FOLLOW UP TO BELOW POST ON UNEMPLOYMENT:

Your Salvation Army email is for work-time only. If you are furloughed due to our operations being suspended you cannot use your work email to reach out with questions. If you have any questions, please call the HR hotline from Monday-Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM to speak with HR staff.We cannot advise you on unemployment specifics, aside for the fact that while traditionally you would not be eligible as a Salvation Army employee, you can now apply due to COVID-19 as the government is putting some changes into place for this unique situation. Please reach out to IDES for any questions you may have pertaining to your specific case or procedures.

  1. Who is included in the shutdown?

Our stores will be shut for retail at the end of business day, today March 19th. All retail operations will be paused for two weeks until tentatively Friday April 3, 2020.

 

  1. How will I know if I should report to work during the shutdown?

We will use the SOCIAL DISTANCING requirement as our guideline.  Otherwise, If you are a retail employee, you do not need to report to work unless notified by your direct manager or supervisor. Central Processing will not be in operation. The warehouse will have some operations functioning. Some donation centers will remain open with modification.

 

  1. How will donations be accepted during this time?

Donation Centers are closed.  Trucks will circle your location as needed to pickup what is left unattended.

 

  1. What do I tell a patron who asks me when operations will be up and running?

Please direct all patrons to our website chicago.satruck.org for the latest updates.

 

  1. Will I get paid for the time that operations were paused?
  • Pray for the government checks to come soon! 
  • Explore the Chicago Housing Assistant Grant at bit.ly/chirenta, 
  • Employees may use their accrued Vacation and Sick time. Once that bank has been exhausted, the employee will remain unpaid until we are able to resume operations.
  • We are exploring other options and we will post those as we find them.   

 

  1. Do I have to use sick or benefit time if I do not want to?

You can make your preference known at https://sathriftchicago.wufoo.com/forms/benefit-request-or-deferment-form/

 

  1. How will I get paid if I do not have direct deposit?

Our Human Resources staff will be in on Friday mornings to distribute checks. Please call the HR hotline at 773.663.3162 to advise if you plan to pick up your check or if you prefer, we can mail it to you. If you receive a paper check, we encourage you to switch to direct deposit or the Aline card as bank hours are being cut.

 

  1. Will my insurance benefits continue?

Insurance premiums will continue to come out of your pay checks if benefit time is used. If benefit time is not used, we will not cancel your insurance policy, however, any missed premiums will be deducted out of your paycheck once work resumes.

 

* Chesterfield has lifted the rules on counseling so that it can be carried out over the phone or on Facetime or wherever the counselor desires.*

 

  1. How will I know when to report back to work?

In general, it will occur when the SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES have expired. You can hear updates on the business hotline at (331) 222-9312. You are also encouraged to check our FB group SA Thrift Insiders which will have updates.

 

  1. What if I have an emergency or urgent matter?

A temporary HR Hotline for Chicagoland employees has been setup for your care. If you have an emergency or urgent matter and you need immediate counsel, you can call our hotline at (773) 663-3162. Malu and Ida will be attending to this phone.

 

  1. If I am out of benefit time and need social services such as food or emergency assistance, where can I go?

Please contact Divisional Headquarters at (773) 725-1100 for information on the closest Salvation Army Corps near your house.

 

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