James, this is a joint statement from Attorney General Kevin Clarkson and
Commissioner Tshibaka:

The State places the safety of its workforce as a priority but at the same time the State
has an important obligation to all Alaskans to keep vital services open and respond to
the coronavirus pandemic. The State tried in good faith to work with ASEA and create
workable solutions for all State employees during this difficult time. The State provides
many essential services and it is not responsible for the State to completely close down
all of its offices and allow everyone to go on Administrative Leave. Protective
measures have to vary by agency and office, and State offices are doing all they can,
as fast as they can, to allow work from home, staggered hours, and limiting employee
contact to avoid the spread of contagions.

The harm from this unparalleled situation is being felt in many ways - physically,
mentally, and ?nancially - and patience is needed to allow the State to keep operations
open as much as possible to deliver important services. Every precaution is being
taken to ensure the safety of all employees, both public and private whose jobs at this
time are key to the response against this pandemic.

The public employee unions play an important role and have equal responsibility in this
as well. It would be productive and bene?cial for all Alaskans if the State and the public
employee unions work together to get through this pandemic in a cohesive healthy
way. For example, the unions could help message to their members the need to
practice safe distancing at work and encourage using protective measures such as
using gloves to open doors and washing hands often. These are extremely difficult
times and we must work together to get through this.