Oct 07, 2021   |   Back to News Update on Baker's Vaccine Mandate Today, NAGE met with the Baker Administration representatives in our sixth bargaining session over the proposed mandatory covid vaccination requirement.  While the state remained adamant that they would begin taking disciplinary action against employees who fail or refuse to be vaccinated by October 17th, we made a series of proposals designed to mitigate and/or delay the impacts on affected employees.   We have also maintained our position that employees be given a mask and test option as an alternative to termination (similar to the City of Boston policy).
 
We have repeatedly made the point that there are still large numbers of employees who have not been vaccinated and large numbers that have not received a decision on their requests for exemptions.  Today, 78% of Unit 1 employees have been vaccinated, 67% of Unit 3 employees, and 86% of Unit 6 employees.
 
Although we have a long way to reach an agreement, we made some progress today with the state agreeing to a new, temporarily expanded leave benefit for vaccinated employees who have to quarantine or show symptoms. They also agreed that they would not require booster vaccinations without giving NAGE advance notice and an opportunity to bargain.
 
We also discussed but did not reach an agreement on a process to expedite the appeals of employees who may be disciplined or discharged for non-compliance with the Executive Order.
 
As a reminder, the deadline for applications for Medical or Religious Exemptions is October 8th.

Our next negotiation session is scheduled for next Wednesday. 

We will update you as events unfold.

Please see our previous vaccine mandate updates below:

Sept 28- Vaccine Mandate Update with Exemption Guidance 

Sept 24 - Update on Baker Vaccine Mandate 
Sept 9 - Vaccine Mandate Update
Sept 2- - Vaccine Mandate Questions Answered
Aug 20 - NAGE Files Demand to Bargain 

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein
NAGE HEADQUARTERS 159 Burgin Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
Main Phone: (617)376-0220
Main Fax: (617)984-5695
Union Local Tax Issues Federal law now requires that every local union file an annual information return—Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N—with the IRS. If your local fails to file under this new requirement.. Read more