COVID-19/ 207c & Workers' Compensation

Dear COBA Members;

I'd like to thank everyone during this Holiday Season for their dedication and professionalism during these difficult and uncertain times.

It appears that we are in the midst of another wave of the COVID-19 virus. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, although you will receive "Leave with Pay" (with no charge to your leave accruals) for time missed due to the COVID-19 illness, the Union strongly recommends that you file a 207c claim with the Department "if you in fact believe that you have contracted the virus at work" (i.e. had contact with a COVID-19 positive staff member or incarcerated individual(s) or were assigned to an and area where COVID-19 positive incarcerated individuals are being housed).  

We also recommend that you contact our Disability/Workers' Compensation Counsel Sean Riordan to file a Workers' Compensation Claim.  Filing for these benefits will protect your rights in the event your COVID-19 related illness reoccurs, becomes permanently disabling or, in the unlikely event, such illness results in death. With that being said, we strongly recommend that you file an Exposure Form, 85-I Report, and an Injury Sustained while on Duty Report with your Supervisor ASAP or immediately upon your return to duty.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to call me. You could also contact Sean Riordan our Disability/Workers Comp Attorney at 646-831-6229 to assist you with your Workers' Compensation claim.

Stay safe,

Dennis Maurus

4th. Vice-President