of the Pandemic” which includes vaccine mandates for
federal employees, federal contractors, and large private
employers. Notedly, numerous states and entities are pursuing
various legal challenges to the federal vaccine mandates. As
such, the mandate for federal employees has been stayed
and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the
consolidated challenges to the policy. Furthermore, states
have implemented various vaccine mandates for state
workers. For example, in California, the governor has
announced a public health order whereby all state workers,
plus workers in healthcare and high-risk settings, must “either
show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per
week.” Lastly, cities and counties have also mandated
vaccines for their employees. For example, the City of
Chicago announced that all city employees must
vaccinated unless exempted for medical or religious reasons.
Some negotiations have led to the choice between the
vaccine and alternatives, such as testing or wearing a mask.
For example, a Memorandum of Understanding was entered
into between the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee
Police Supervisors’ Organization (WI Lodge #16) after a
vaccine mandate was implemented for general city
employees. The MOU requires all
union members to provide proof
of vaccination, except those with
an approved medical religious
accommodation. However,
members who remain unvaccinated
or have an approved accommodation
must wear a face covering at all times
while on-duty.
.
National Fraternal Order of Police
www.FOP.net