A union representing public transport workers in Hamilton has vowed to fight the city council’s decision to continue terminating unvaccinated workers as early as next month.
City officials have previously recommended that the council suspend the city’s mandatory vaccination policy, with the exception of new hires.
But during a meeting Wednesday, the council voted to maintain the policy for now.
The decision paves the way for hundreds of eligible workers to be fired after May 31, unless they provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated.
“It is irresponsible for this city council to vote for the dismissal of hard-working employees who have served on the front lines for the last two years during COVID-19, especially in times without any protection,” Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107, representing Hamilton employees. Street Railway said in a statement issued Thursday. “To come to this conclusion is now disrespectful and completely unfair to all urban and transit workers who continue to work and serve this community on a daily basis.
The city of Hamilton said about 94 percent of its employees are fully vaccinated and follow the policy.
However, this still leaves approximately 500 people who can now face termination.
Previously, these employees were allowed to continue to report for work, as long as they participated in a regular rapid testing program.
In a statement, ATU Local 107 said it would continue to complain about the policy, especially in light of recommendations from Hamilton’s own medical officer to stop it.
He warned that the decision could ultimately cost taxpayers “$ 500,000 for unnecessary litigation.”
“These financial resources could be better spent on upgrading the air handling equipment in our buses to better protect both workers and transit drivers,” the union said.
Hamilton has had an employee vaccination policy since August 2021. It changed its policy in January to allow the dismissal of non-compliant workers as of May 31.
Several other municipalities also have mandatory vaccination policies that remain in place for employees, including Toronto.
“During the pandemic, the city of Hamilton is committed to supporting the health and safety of the wider community and providing a safe working environment for our employees, volunteers and students. “Providing high levels of vaccination remains one of the most important ways to protect our community,” Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said in a statement issued Wednesday after the council’s vote.
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