Originally published by The Kennedy Beacon
Members of New York City Council are set to introduce legislation to rehire employees who were fired for non-compliance with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
According to a press release provided to The Kennedy Beacon, the Common Sense Caucus will announce the resolution February 8, 2024 at 12:30PM EST during a press conference on the steps of New York City Hall. Caucus members will be joined by employees affected by the city’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement, as well as representatives from activist organizations Teachers for Choice and Bravest for Choice.
“Years after the onset of the COVID pandemic, many individuals who refused to comply with mandates remain jobless,” writes Michael Kane of Teachers for Choice, who was fired for declining a COVID-19 vaccine. “In New York and cities across the country, teachers, firefighters, cops, nurses and others have sought legal action for these policies which resulted in loss of their careers. Now they are seeking legislative change.”
COVID-19 vaccine mandates were first introduced for New York City employees in the fall of 2021. As reported by the New York Times, teachers and Department of Education employees were subject to mandatory vaccination as of September 27, 2021, along with firefighters and police in November 2021. Mayor Eric Adams rescinded the policy effective February 8, 2023.
Despite this, many municipal employees have not been allowed back to work, and remain in limbo while three federal lawsuits (Kane v. de Blasio, Keil v. City of New York, and New Yorkers for Religious Liberty (NYFRL) v. City of New York.) make their way through the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
“Thanks to our friends in the Common Sense Caucus we will rally on this solemn anniversary calling for legislation supported by lawmakers in City Hall and in Albany to bring back unvaccinated workers with backpay and seniority!”
Further details about the press conference and rally can be found in the press release, reproduced in full by Teachers for Choice.