DHS union, management clash over flu concerns

Although Homeland Security Department employees were told this week to wear face masks when they come into contact with sick individuals, a labor union representing employees has charged that the department hasn't done enough to ensure that workers can take full precautions against the recent outbreak of swine flu.

The National Treasury Employees Union -- which represents thousands of employees at the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- said many employees have been ordered not to wear masks or other respiratory protections by their local managers.

On Thursday, DHS Undersecretary for Management Elaine Duke sent out a departmentwide memo, obtained by Government Executive, outlining precautions for its employees. They include washing hands, covering mouths and wearing face masks when close to people believed to be infected.

But NTEU sent out a statement on Friday saying those precautions weren't enough.

"The guidance fails to say directly and affirmatively that employees have the option of wearing a protective mask if they so choose," NTEU President Colleen Kelley said in the statement. Kelley noted that many DHS employees do not have the medical expertise to determine whether someone is infected until it is too late. As part of their duties, she said, many employees must get close to passengers who may not be exhibiting any outward signs of infection.

DHS spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the department has not issued a directive forbidding masks.

"The health of our employees is of utmost importance to us, which is why we issued departmentwide interim guidance to our workforce," she said.

NTEU said it is in discussions with DHS about flu-related procedures, and is looking for more information. In the memo, Duke wrote that the Office of Personnel Management will be issuing a comprehensive guide for employees.

"Employees who work closely with (either in contact with or within 6 feet of) people specifically known or suspected to be infected with the H1N1 virus must wear respiratory protection," the memo states. "For example, CBP, TSA and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] employees who are in close proximity to a person who is being held in isolation due to flu-like symptoms must wear a mask."

Even if DHS employees do wear masks, it is not clear how much they would help contain the disease.

A statement on the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said knowledge about the effectiveness of masks was "extremely limited," but that they could be helpful in contained spaces.

"If used correctly, face masks and respirators may help reduce the risk of getting influenza, but they should be used along with other preventative measures, such as avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand hygiene," the statement said.