Union protests
New York firefighters resist compulsory vaccination: “It will cost lives”
New York firefighters on a mission
© Bruce Cotler / ZUMA Press Wire / DPA
New York City has introduced a mandatory vaccination for firefighters: Those who do not get vaccinated must take unpaid compulsory leave. Trade unionists fear fatal consequences in emergencies.
In New York City, a new regulation came into force on November 1st: All city employees must be vaccinated against Covid-19 at least once. If they are not vaccinated, they have to take unpaid compulsory leave. With this, the city administration, with Mayor Bill de Blasio at the helm, wants to promote the fight against pandemics. Because so far too few people have been vaccinated in the “Big Apple”.
However, there are loud protests against the compulsory vaccination for city workers – especially among the firefighters. Hundreds of them demonstrated against the new regulation. They also fear that they will no longer be able to react properly in emergencies due to staff failures. “Dozens of fire stations will be closed. It will cost lives,” warned Andrew Ansbro, president of the fire service union.
New York City: 75 percent of firefighters are vaccinated
In protest against the new regulation, 2000 firefighters also called in sick, reports the New York broadcaster NBC. Six firefighters were suspended for demonstrating in a fire truck outside a senator’s office, according to a CNN report.
Up until now, New York had tried more of the carrot than the stick: City employees who had been vaccinated by the end of October were rewarded with $ 500. Nevertheless, according to official information, only 80 percent of employees at the New York Fire Department are vaccinated: 75 percent of fire fighters, 87 percent of paramedics, and 90 percent of civilian employees. Mayor de Blasio is now taking tougher measures. The regulation also applies to police officers and correctional officers.
Vaccination is also compulsory for teachers and nurses
The procedure of accepting tests in addition to vaccination did help, said de Blasio: “But it didn’t get us far enough.” Teachers and nurses have been compulsorily vaccinated for a long time. “The city employees should lead us out of the pandemic,” demands de Blasio. “It’s a personal decision that everyone should make for themselves,” says fire service union Ansbro. He estimates that 45 percent of New York firefighters could still lose their jobs during the pandemic.
Sources: NBC New York / CNN / CNN / Fire Department New York / Fox News