ARPA and Biden's Plan Announcement

As promised, the Associate Outreach Committee and the COVID-19 Response Team continue to stay abreast of COVID-19 news/information. We have read and discussed at length information about vaccinations, tests, masks, and mandates. Most recently, we are reviewing President Biden’s plan directing the Department of Labor, via OSHA, to develop rules in response to the pandemic. Part of President Biden’s COVID-19 plan that directly impacts Muncie Power Products is a mandate requiring employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. This mandate applies to private employers employing 100 or more employees. Because President Biden’s plan was recently announced, there are many unanswered questions and emerging legal challenges. We will be following the process and the outcome of this directive. Once a clear and legal directive is established, we will formulate a policy that follows the law, supports our business, and most of all protects our employees. As we learn more information, we will communicate further.

We know that things have changed greatly since early 2020 and that many things remain fluid. We thank you for doing your due diligence and keeping yourselves informed, as well, and for sharing your concerns with us throughout this process.

Additionally, as you know, after March 31, 2021, Muncie Power Products extended paid time off to employees for COVID-19 reasons. That extension of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 is about to expire on September 30, 2021. This means Muncie Power Products will not be providing paid time off for COVID-19 related absences after September 30. Employees will have to use other accrued paid time off or unpaid time for COVID-19 related absences.

Finally, we urge you to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to protect not only yourselves, but all of us and our families. Twelve new vaccination cards were received since the date of the incentive/drawing announcement. Now, 51% of our employees are vaccinated. If you get your second vaccine, or first and only if J&J, by November 5, you can help us reach a 75% company-wide vaccination rate and be entered in the drawing to win up to $5,000 ($1,000 for temporary employees) (taxable income). As always, please contact Human Resources, if you have any questions.