Unions wade into debate over requiring COVID-19 vaccine
Labor unions may soon find themselves in an unexpected role during the coronavirus pandemic: defending members who refuse to take a vaccine. Unions have fought hard to get their workers near the top of the vaccination list but now are girding for the likelihood that some of their members will push back on businesses that mandate shots for employees.
The brewing standoffs carry political implications as well as public health concerns. During the 2020 campaign, unions were largely supportive of President Biden, who has set a goal of 100 million vaccinations in his first 100 days in office.
Kim Cordova, vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), said companies have to negotiate with unions before making any vaccine mandatory. “Obviously, we want priority, but we also want freedom of health care choices,” Cordova said.
“If you unilaterally implement a mandatory vaccine policy when it’s not been addressed in your current collective bargaining agreement, that may lead to a successful unfair labor practice charge against the employer,” said Jill Lashay, a labor law expert at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC who represents management and employers.
https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/535143-unions-wade-into-debate-over-requiring-covid-19