Construction Worker Letter Template for GSABA Members
We are grateful for Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s support in classifying construction as an ‘essential service’ in the most recent Emergency Declaration No. 5 issued on March 23rd(attached). Please be sure and thank the Mayor and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff if and when the opportunity arises in the future.
Many of you have asked for clarification on how you, your staff, vendors, suppliers and trades can identify themselves as an essential business since residential construction has been deemed ‘essential’ and is exempt from the “Stay at Home” or “Shelter in Place” orders issued by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County on March 23rd.
Click here for a Construction Worker Letter Template that was provided by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB).
Builders and Remodeler Members: You will need to customize this letter and print it on your letterhead to distribute to your employees, sales staffs, vendors, suppliers and service providers. Anyone working or delivering materials to a jobsite could need this letter in the event an law enforcement official were to stop them or ask them for proof of their exemption.
Associate Members: You will also need to customize this letter and print it on your letterhead for the employees working in your offices, warehouses, showrooms, those working in the field and making deliveries or installations.
Please Note: Nothing in this communication or attached is intended to be legal advice and as always we urge GSABA members to seek the advice of their legal counsel for any concerns or implications that may arise from the use of this letter template.
We are all in this together. Our area’s housing industry is the strongest in the nation thank to the outstanding people who are a part of it.
Every City and County official/employee that I have spoken with over the past several days has stressed to me how critical social distancing is. Please be sure that you emphasize this to the people who work with you and support your company. Urge employees and workers not to sit or mingle together in the office and on a construction site during breaks or meals.
Together, we can keep them safe, keep our industry moving and ensure we all emerge even stronger in the wake of this crisis. I have included additional information below my signature line. Please feel free to call on GSABA’s President Jeff Czar or me at any time.
Warm regards,
Kristi Sutterfield
Businesses and organizations that are providing products and services that are needed by the community during this crisis are exempted.
The followed exempted businesses may continue operating, provided they exercise proper social distancing:
- Healthcare operations, including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmaceutical companies and veterinary offices;
- Government functions to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public, including first responders, military personnel; trash collection; and water and electric utilities;
- Schools and education personnel supporting public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities who are facilitating distance learning;
- Companies providing or maintaining infrastructure, such as the construction of public works, housing and other infrastructure that supports critical needs, such as water, sewer, gas and electricity, internet and telecommunications;
- Businesses related to transportation, including gas stations, repair shops, car dealerships, manufacturers, public transportation, such as buses, taxis, rideshare companies and the airport;
- Information technology companies that provide and maintain internet and telecommunications systems
- Retail businesses that sell food, gas and household products, such as grocery stores, big box stores, farmers’ markets, laundromats and drycleaners;
- Charitable organizations providing food, shelter and services to economically disadvantaged or vulnerable populations, including animals;
- Hotels and other temporary residence facilities;
- Businesses that provide home maintenance and other services that individuals need to work from home, such as mail and shipping companies, building maintenance, plumbers, electricians, exterminators and professional services, such as legal or accounting services necessary to comply with legally required activities, such as filing taxes;
- News media, including newspapers, television, radio and other media outlets providing information to the public;
- Financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and title companies;
- Childcare services;
- Worship services, provided services are distributed by video, teleconference or other remote measures;
- Funeral services;
- Business and operations necessary to the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified by the National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA.)
Only businesses and organizations that are providing these necessary products or services to the public during this public health crisis will be allowed to continue to operate. All other businesses shall close, but may allow employees to work from home.