Updates to the Letter of Understanding on temporary layoffs due to COVID-19

NASA and university administration have agreed to two changes to the Letter of Understanding (LOU) on temporary layoffs due to COVID-19 in order to clarify the spirit of the agreement and provide more certainty to impacted staff.

Article 4 now specifies that no temporary layoffs under the LOU can occur after June 19, 2020 instead of at any time during the term of the agreement. That article now also clarifies that if the federal government’s income support programs change and are no longer available, no temporary layoffs will be extended beyond the period when income support is available.

Article 25 has been amended to specify that the LOU will be reviewed no later than August 14, 2020 to determine if the COVID-19 situation at that time necessitates an extension. Any extension must be mutually agreed to by NASA and the university, otherwise the LOU will expire on August 31, 2020.

You can download the amended LOU and get more information about the LOU.

As always, if you have specific questions about your individual circumstance, please contact your Labour Relations Officer for assistance.