Aug. 23 Vaccine Bargaining Update
COVID-19 Vaccination Rule
AFSCME member leaders and OHSU leadership became aware late last week that Gov. Kate Brown has instructed the Oregon Health Authority to issue a rule that requires health-care workers and educators to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This rule eliminates the option for weekly testing as an alternative to vaccination for those who oppose vaccination.
While neither our union nor OHSU made this rule, we strive to help our members navigate this new process and ensure that OHSU implements these requirements fairly and according to state law. We will continue to communicate to our members what their rights are in regards to this new mandate.
Employees still can receive an exception from the vaccination requirement for religious or medical reasons due to protection from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine for these specific reasons will be required to obtain the necessary paperwork from OHSU or the state and have their medical provider or religious leader attest to their need for an exception. Obtaining this type of exception will no longer require weekly testing.
Local 328 will continue to meet with OHSU to discuss the specifics of implementing this new OHA rule and will provide updates as we are able.
OHSU Bargaining Progress
We have made some progress on our prior requests to OHSU:
COVID sick leave has been fully reinstated. You again qualify for use of COVID sick leave if you are out awaiting the results of a COVID test.
Additionally, OHSU has agreed to make the display of the COVID sticker showing your vaccination status optional to all employees.
Our union continues to request that OHSU provide vaccination incentives, while AFSCME Council 75 and other Oregon unions continue to push for essential-worker pay bonuses.
We will continue to provides updates as we receive further information on the ever-changing landscape that is COVID-19, vaccination requirements and essential-worker bonuses.
Helpful Resources
We represent a diverse membership with a multitude of positions and opinions, but our union’s leadership is pro-science and always works to do what is best for the communities we serve. Our reticence to allow OHSU to act unilaterally should not be construed as being anti-vaccination.