Those who don't, according to the Oregonian, could face
taking a 10% pay cut.
The Berkshire-Hathaway-owned energy company has set June 1
as the date when workers will begin returning to its Lloyd Center offices. The
Oregonian reported that the company's "voluntary work-from-home
program" includes "a 10% reduction" in pay.
PacifiCorp spokesman Tom Gauntt said by email there are
other options for workers.
"As an essential service provider, Pacific Power has
worked carefully throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to follow directives from
state and local government leaders and public health officials while managing
our responsibility and obligation to continue providing safe and reliable
electric service, and we look forward to bringing our teams back together on
site to do this important work together," Gauntt said in his email.
The company had floated the idea last fall, according to
news outlets, before a two-week tightening of coronavirus guidelines announced
by Gov. Kate Brown in early November prompted a delay.
PacifiCorp employs around 1,000 workers at its Lloyd
District headquarters. It operates in six Western states and is the
second-largest electric utility in Oregon, where it goes by the name Pacific
Power.
At Lloyd Center, managers will craft plans for employees as
they return to work Masks will be mandated in spots where workers can't
function more than six feet from each other.
"Positive vaccination rates coupled with lower
infection rates give us confidence that office work can be safely done with
appropriate provisions for social distancing and mask wearing," Gaunt said
in his statement. "To help employees manage through this time, we continue
to offer flexibility including flexible work hours, alternative schedules, and
our voluntary work from home program. These programs are designed to address
individual needs to enable a successful path forward."
