The extended leave policy opens the door for HII employees to tap into unemployment benefits contained in the $2 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress last week to help keep families afloat during this health and economic crisis.

Employees who fall into one or more of the five (5) designated categories, as applicable, may be eligible for unemployment insurance, subject to approval through their state’s unemployment agency.

This new, federally-funded program is intended to put an additional $600 in the hands of every eligible worker. If you take liberal leave for coronavirus-related reasons, you should take advantage of this benefit.

So, is this outcome perfect? No. Do more questions need to be answered? Yes. But we’re better off than waiting for the virus to take a break. Unfortunately, we have to navigate this nightmare without a roadmap. However, that reality won’t stop Local 8888 from doing what’s best for the health and well-being of our members.