Approve policy requiring sick employees to use vacation time for COVID-19 absences
In Plain English
City employees who cannot work due to COVID-19 currently receive full pay without using their earned time off. The new policy requires employees to use their accumulated sick leave and vacation days for COVID-19 absences. If approved, employees with limited time off face potential unpaid leave when sick with COVID-19.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue with Option B
2 to 5
Why This Vote Matters
The council rejected a proposal to change how city employees are paid when they're out sick with COVID-19. Currently, employees get full pay without having to use their vacation or sick days, but the failed proposal would have required them to use their accumulated time off instead. The change was decisively defeated in a 5-2 vote, with only Councilmembers Martinez and Willis supporting it. This rejection preserves the current benefit that protects employees who have limited sick leave from facing unpaid time off when they contract COVID-19.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Support staff's recommendation to implement Option A, which allows full compensation of all City staff with the use of accruals for the time they are not working due to COVID-19, and authorize the city manager to clarify the selected policy option administratively, as needed
5 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
City employees will now have to use their accumulated sick leave and vacation days when they can't work due to COVID-19, ending the current policy of full pay without touching earned time off. The council approved this change in a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Martinez and Willis dissenting. This means employees with limited accrued time off could face unpaid leave if they contract COVID-19 and cannot work. The vote represents a departure from the usual near-unanimous support for personnel matters, as both Martinez and Willis typically vote in favor of such items.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Public Comments
1 person commented (1 spoke at the meeting).
Community Discussion
This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.
Comments are submitted to the Richmond City Clerk before the meeting. By commenting, you agree to have your name and comment included in the public record.
Similar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
Approve full pay for city employees unable to work due to COVID-19
Set employee pay levels and approve COVID-19 emergency sick leave
Update on city's progress addressing employee pay differentials
Add 2 paid holidays for union employees on December 24 and 31
Approve $1.5 million spending from cash reserves for COVID-19 response
The Story So Far
10 prior discussions on this topic
Meet privately with union negotiators to discuss employee contracts
Approve new 3-year contract with firefighters union covering wages and benefits
Meet privately with union representatives to discuss employee contracts
Approve hiring temporary fire department supervisors and add other city positions
Receive presentation on Rent Board staffing levels and recruitment
Approve 3-year contract with part-time city employees union
Approve 3-year labor contract with city employees union through 2028
Hold closed-session meeting to discuss contract negotiations with 6 employee unions
Receive 4 February financial reports on investments, overtime costs, property taxes, and retirement benefits
Receive monthly financial reports for January 2026