Fort Wayne City Council approved an extension of its Public Health Leave and COVID-19 employee policy on a 6-3 vote Tuesday night.
City workers who either self-quarantine for a COVID-19 diagnosis or are at risk for the virus as well as those showing symptoms but awaiting medical tests are eligible for up to 80 hours of full pay. The policy was first adopted by Council in March, but has now been extended to May 12.
However, the proposal was met with an amendment by 1st District Republican Paul Ensley to offer employees 75% pay instead of the full amount. Ensley cited the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which notes employers can begin offering 75% pay “commencing with the third week of such leave until such leave expires.”
Ensley says a government entity offering full pay to its employees sends the wrong message to its constituents.
“Many folks who reside in the 1st District are laid off as a result of the government shutting down businesses. They just got their property tax bill in the mail, it's $1,000 or $2,000 coming out of their pockets. And they're being asked now to basically pay city employees to care for their children rather than working for the city,” Ensley said.
That amendment was approved 5-4 along party lines. Democrats argued the city’s policy lacked protection for jobs, which should afford workers full pay in addition to more time off than the policy offers.
