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March
2005
Delphi Questions
Quiet time, dependent pet care, FL parking
Delphi Question #529 (received
November 11): Recently the
CG1 cafeteria closed for remodeling and a small cafeteria
opened in the CG4 break room. Several pictures of a half-clad
person decorate the walls in the form of “Quiet – Baby
Sleeping” signs. I find these photos to be disrespectful
and inappropriate in the workplace. I’m wondering if
other employees share my concern and what can be done about
these photos.
Response (received November 11): Thank you for your question.
The pictures were not intended to be disrespectful or inappropriate. They
were a humorous attempt to get the attention of and quiet
down an otherwise boisterous cafeteria clientele following
a complaint from adjoining offices about the noise. Obviously,
it worked too well. Apologies are made to anyone who was
offended and specifically to the individual pictured. The
pictures will be taken down immediately and more traditional
signs will be posted.
–Steve Sadler, director Safety and Site Services
Delphi Question #531 (received January
5): Staff are reimbursed
for a number of travel-related expenses and may qualify for
reimbursement for family dependent care, yet I recently learned
staff members required to travel for extended periods of
time cannot be reimbursed for dependent pet care. For
some, the only option is to board a dependent pet while working
away from home, yet there appears to be no means for even
partial reimbursement of these costs. For many, pets
are their family and this does not seem equitable.
Response (received January 14): You are
correct in your view that many employees consider their pets
as an integral part of the family, and therefore as “dependents.” For
purposes of administering benefit policies and travel reimbursement
policies, UCAR stands by the Internal Revenue Service’s
definition of a dependent, which states, “A person,
other than the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s
spouse, for whom an exemption (defined later) can be claimed.
You can generally claim an exemption for a dependent if the
dependent:
1. Lives with or is related to you,
2. Is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. resident, or a resident of Canada
or Mexico,
3. Does not file a joint return,
4. Does not have $3,100 or more of gross (total) income (does
not apply to your child if under age 19 or a student under
age 24), and
5. Is supported (generally more than 50%) by you.”
UCAR provides benefits only to those persons falling within
this definition. Unfortunately, pets are not covered within
the IRS definition and thus are not covered under UCAR’s
benefit or travel reimbursement policies.
For possible assistance in locating suitable short- or long-term
boarding facilities, call Work-Life-Options at
1-888-610-2273. This benefit is available to all employees.
–Laurie Carr, benefits manager
Human Resources
Delphi Question #532 (received February
4): I work in FL3
and with the construction of FL0, parking has become challenging.
Often it’s dicey to leave the parking lot during the
day, as chances are good there won’t be a space when
you return (especially on bad weather days). I see that a
new small sign has been posted that states the lot is for
UCAR employees and visitors only and that all others will
be towed. Several of us have noticed numerous Wild Oats folks
parking in our lot on a regular basis. While I appreciate
their parking predicament, I don’t think we should
have to suffer as a result. What is being done to enforce
the UCAR employee and visitor only rule? Perhaps we need
parking passes to display on our vehicles, which would help
our security folks identify who can and cannot park in our
lot. Any help would be appreciated.
Response (received February 7): The writer brings up an
ongoing problem during the construction of FL0. Neighboring
businesses have been contacted repeatedly and advised that
they may not park in our lots. We will again contact them
and advise them to park elsewhere or face having their vehicles
towed. Additionally, we will increase security patrols as
budget allows. In the past, we have attempted a parking
pass program with limited success given the fluid nature
of our workforce and many visitors. While a parking
pass program could be initiated it is not deemed cost effective
at this time. If the writer or any other employee sees
a parking violation they should contact security immediately
at ext. 1139. A security officer will be dispatched
to deal with the situation. Thank you for your question.
–Steve Sadler, director
Safety and Site Services
Also in this issue...
RICO
field project: Cool heads prevail during a
complicated study of warm rain
It’s
playtime: Parents give high marks to
UCAR Child Care Center
Rotating
scientists recall time at NSF
Short
Takes
Greg
Holland, MMM’s new director
Python
interface to NCL’s graphics library now available
Steve
Schneider’s 60th
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