Teachers and staff signed labor agreement requiring face masks

Billings, Montana – Teachers and support staff in Billings have signed a new labor agreement that, among many other things, mandates that all members wear face masks indoors, in accordance with district policy.

This letter of understanding substitutes a prior agreement signed in June that made face masks optional, and it will expire in June 2022 unless otherwise changed.

The Billings Education Association, Billings Classified Education Association, Montana Federation of Public Employees Local 7770, and Billings School District 2 all signed the agreement.

Teachers and other employees are required to wear masks indoors at all times under the new policy, with the exception while eating, drinking, and other occasions where distance may be maintained.

The district has also committed to offer ten days of paid leave to any employee who tests positive for COVID-19, is quarantined due to close contact, or is caring for a family member who has the disease. Additional leave would be paid through a staffer’s sick leave.

A COVID advisory board will be created to advise the superintendent on mask policy. The board will include members from all unions, administration, and public health specialists.