Potential Vaccine Mandate
We want to set the record straight: It has been publicly reported that Governor Lamont is in talks with labor representatives regarding mandating COVID vaccinations for state employees. To be absolutely clear, A&R has not been involved in any such talks with the Administration on any level. Nor are we aware of such talks at SEBAC. We don’t mean to refute the Governor's statements that talks have been held. However, we must go on record here: A&R has not been approached and no such talks have occurred. We are aware that Executive Order 13B was signed and went into effect earlier this month mandating vaccinations for long-term care facility staff. We are also aware that UCONN implemented a similar mandate for its employees this week. Clearly the subject has come to our attention, but no discussions have taken place with our employer, nor have we discussed an impending vaccination mandate.
We view any potential employee vaccination mandate a matter that must be the subject of negotiations. We consider this potential mandate a change in our working conditions, and as such our employer MUST negotiate the impact of any such changes with our union. We will demand that the state honor its fundamental obligation to negotiate with the union on issues such as rules for compliance, exemptions to be allowed, timeframes for implementation, how the privacy of health records will be ensured, and other conditions of our employment, including regular COVID testing as an alternative to vaccination for those wishing to remain unvaccinated. A&R’s goals include securing reasonable and fair working conditions and safety for all workers.
-posted 8/18/21
From The Desk of RC 43 President
