2 years, 6 months ago by Scott Hardy
Under deals with IL Nurses Association & IL Federation of Public Employees, 1,300 state workers will be required to be vaccinated
Some union employees of the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy will soon be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, under the terms of a new labor agreement.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's office made the announcement Thursday about agreements Thursday between the state and the Illinois Nurses Association and Illinois Federation of Public Employees. A statement says that the labor deal will ensure nearly 1,300 more state employees are vaccinated. The agreement with the Illinois Nurses Association covers about 1,100 nurses state-wide, including at the Vets Home. The agreement with the Illinois Federation of Public Employees covers about 160 employees working in Human Services and Veterans’ Affairs. Under the deal, employees must get their first shot by October 14. Should an employee elect a two-dose vaccine, they must receive the second shot by November 18. If employees don't get the vaccine or an exemption, disciplinary measures would be implemented, which could ultimately lead to being fired. The agreement includes a process whereby employees can seek an exemption based on either medical reasons or religious beliefs.
Governor Pritzker had earlier mandated that all workers who work in state-run congregate facilities get vaccinated.
