Topline
New York City will require all city workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday, expanding the city’s existing mandate and eliminating the option for employees to undergo regular testing instead of immunization.
New York City employees must be vaccinated, according to a recent mandate by the Mayor.
Key Facts
The vaccine requirement—which already applied to city health and education workers—will immediately apply to all 300,000 public employees including the police, firefighters and sanitation.
Employees getting their first shot between now and the deadline of 5pm on October 29 will receive an extra $500 in their paycheck.
Those refusing—or who do not provide proof by the 5pm deadline—will be placed on unpaid leave until they provide proof of vaccination, de Blasio said.
Around 71% of the 160,500 workers covered by the expanded mandate have already received at least one dose, de Blasio said.
De Blasio added the city government will begin bargaining with affected unions “immediately” and noted an extended deadline of December 1 for uniformed, non healthcare members of the Department of Corrections due to staffing issues at Rikers Island.
De Blasio said vaccinations are “critical” to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and the mandate is intended to protect the community.
Crucial Quote
The privilege of serving the people of New York City “comes with a responsibility to keep yourself and your community safe,” the mayor said, adding it is time for workers to “show their city the path out of this pandemic once and for all.”
What To Watch For
The expanded mandate, and the removal of testing options, is likely to spark fierce opposition from some workers and unions, many of whom have already voiced opposition to or sued over the mandate.
Key Background
Safe and highly effective Covid-19 vaccines have been freely available to all adults, and many children, for months. Despite this, and the fact that the vast majority of hospitalizations and nearly all deaths from Covid-19 are in unvaccinated people, sizable portions of the population have resisted getting vaccinated. Among public workers, police officers have proven particularly recalcitrant, with vaccination rates equal to or lower than the general public. Though sparking fears of labor shortages, evidence suggests the vaccine requirements work in raising vaccination rates.
Further Reading
Vaccination Rates For Workers Have Spiked Following City-Issued Mandates, Data Shows (Forbes)
New York City to Require Covid-19 Vaccinations for All Public Employees (WSJ)
90% Of NYC School Employees Vaccinated Ahead Of Mandate Taking Effect, De Blasio Says (Forbes)
NYC Imposes Covid-19 Vaccine—Or Weekly Test—Mandate For 340,000 City Workers (Forbes)
