I would like to wish of you peace and prosperity for the end of the year and into 2026. Social media and marketing campaigns would have us believe the holiday season is glitter, parties, fun, and family. I know, and so do you, that pressure of a job, a family, and friends can create major anxiety and stress that makes enjoyment difficult.
I will plead with you to stop and reflect in a quiet, calm environment for at least 10 minutes a day. Reflect on what is really important to you. Your answer is only germane to you. You don’t need to justify it to anyone. Then think about how you are going to make that important thought happen. Then do the things that can move it to happen.
While this is important for your well-being and mental status, I feel the need to address some bad habits in the workplace. We work for UConn Health and ultimately the state of Connecticut. I bring this up to remind everyone that UConn Health policies affect you regardless of manager, department, or school.
To that end, please make sure you read and understand the Emergency Closing Procedure published by Human Resources (sent via UConn Health Advisory email Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.). It is very very important everyone understands that UConn Health has an exception to the other state agencies and the Storrs campus. Please put some plans in place right now to be able to get to work on time on bad weather days. Nobody has a “sometimes they don’t expect me to work on my scheduled day” job. Have you ever heard the saying about how we had it really good until some people abused what we had?
As much as this pains me to say, here it is: Get to work and get here on time. Start time is not a suggestion. Management (and frankly your coworkers) do not care how many minutes you are late. Late is late. The same thing goes for sick time. Obviously, if you are sick please do not come to work. Sick is not vacationing in the Caribbean and publishing the photos on social media. Sick is not going to the Big E or shopping at the outlets or cooking a holiday meal. Sick time usage is a very big privilege and not an inalienable right. Members who think the use of sick time for a day off is appropriate are ruining the privilege for everyone and it needs to stop. Also, make sure your FMLA is truthful and you are using it in an honest manner.
Being disciplined for absenteeism and tardiness are two areas that are totally preventable. If you did not learn what your responsibilities to an employer entail then I expect you to learn two of them here: (1) You are expected to come to work ON TIME and every day. (2) You should only use sick time when you are sick.
Happy holidays!
—In Solidarity, Jean Morningstar, Chief Steward