Local 3599 Members:
I forwarded the DEP Commissioner's message that everyone received this week on to DC37 Research and Negotiations. As to the mandates and the Return-to-Work issues, the City has yet to engage the Union in negotiations. I have also asked DC37 about how DEP was going to deal with the Upstate membership regarding the weekly negative Covid testing requirement for those that have not signed the form verifying that they have been vaccinated. We have not received a response yet, though it looks like the City believes that our Healthcare will be providing the testing, at no cost to our membership, though I do not know how realistic that is.
Henry Garrido (Executive Director DC37) called a Local Presidents' meeting Monday night and the consensus was to bring legal action against the City for failure to negotiate, as the MLC has done. We strongly believe that members should get vaccinated for their health and those around them, but we will continue to fight on behalf of our membership for our members' right to choose. For those that will not get vaccinated, we believe the City should allow for Reasonable Accommodations and allow to continue testing. We do not want anyone to get terminated or be pressured into resigning or retiring because the City will not negotiate along these lines.
When I hear more, I will let you know.
-Rich
