October 8, 2025

Subject: Updated Sick Leave Guidance During Shutdown

Local 2455 Members,

Earlier this week, we informed you that the Union did not agree with management’s directive requiring a doctor’s note for all sick leave usage during the shutdown.

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Chief Mike Banks issued clarification on this matter. According to his guidance, agents are not required to submit a doctor’s note for all instances of sick leave. The policy will instead continue to follow the provisions outlined in Article 14 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) — which states that a doctor’s note may only be required for absences of three (3) or more consecutive days, or when there is a documented pattern of abuse or reasonable suspicion of misuse.

This clarification aligns with the Union’s position and ensures that the negotiated rights of all bargaining unit employees remain intact.

We appreciate Chief Banks for addressing this issue and ensuring consistency across the Laredo Sector.

As always, if you have any concerns or are directed to provide medical documentation contrary to this guidance, please contact your Station Union Representative for immediate assistance.

Stay safe,

Hector Garza
President, NBPC Local 2455