TL;DR: Free water and mask deliveries coordinated through CGPU; temporary housing coordinated through CGPU; you have the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions.
Hi << Test First Name >>,
The Eaton fire is affecting the air and water quality in and around Pasadena, and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Volunteers in our union are coordinating free water and mask deliveries to GSWs and Postdocs and their households. If your household is in need of masks or water, please fill out this form and we’ll get in touch with you today to schedule a delivery.
We are also looking for more volunteers who can help us with these deliveries starting today. If you are still in the area and are able to help, please get in touch by emailing organize@cgpu.org.
Because the fires still present a threat to our health and safety, the elected bargaining team has informed Caltech that we believe the current conditions on the Caltech campus, namely travel to campus, continue to be unsafe for many community members. Under the California Labor Code, you have a right to refuse to work in conditions that you reasonably believe to be unsafe. Given the continuing uncertainty of the Eaton fire status and air quality issues in Pasadena, it’s especially important for all of us to prioritize our health and safety in the coming days and weeks.
If you are assigned to work that you consider unsafe, notify your supervisor that you cannot work. If you need assistance in communicating your health/safety needs to your PI or supervisor, please reach out to us at organize@cgpu.org.
If you are in the affected area and require evacuation/relocation, or if you live outside of Pasadena and can host displaced members of our unit, please use our separate housing form to be connected with a host/evacuee.
Stay safe,
Your CGPU Organizing and Bargaining Committees