Sept. 1 Vaccine Bargaining Update
On Wednesday, Sept. 1, AFSCME Local 328 and OHSU met for a fifth time to discuss the state-issued COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health-care workers. While our union is still working on protections for unvaccinated members who are out on FMLA and will not be returning to work until after the Oct. 18 deadline, as well as on language regarding potential staffing shortages and staff safety after the deadline, we were able to get information on vaccine requirements for members who work from home.
OHA rule OAR 333-019-1010 gives OHSU the right to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all of its employees, not only those who work in a health-care setting. OHSU fully intends to require that all employees, regardless of their work location, be fully vaccinated by Monday, Oct. 18. It was made very clear in our latest meeting that this requirement is non-negotiable. (Please note: according to the Oregon Employment Department, people who lose their jobs because they refuse to comply with the OHA mandate by getting vaccinated or receiving an approved exemption will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.)
It is incredibly important that our represented employees understand what this means in terms of (a) the timeline for becoming fully vaccinated and (b) your rights within that process.
Timeline for Becoming Fully Vaccinated
A detailed timeline for compliance with OHSU’s COVID-19 vaccination policy can be found on OHSU Now. In summary:
In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you would need to receive the first dose of the Moderna vaccine by Sept. 6, the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine by Sept. 13, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Oct. 4.
In order to be considered compliant by an approved exception, you must submit your request by Sept 20.
You are considered “fully vaccinated” when at least 14 days have passed since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or your first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
OHSU offers three COVID-19 vaccines: the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. You can get a vaccine at any OHSU pharmacy location without an appointment. You can also make an appointment at OHSU by calling (833) 647-8222 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or at Hillsboro Medical Center by calling (503) 681-1600.
The law still allows for religious and medical exemption from receiving a vaccine and OHSU must comply. If you are seeking an exemption:
You must complete the required form, which can be found on OHSU Now or the OHA website (instructions here) AND
You must submit a statement from (a) your medical provider confirming that you have a physical or mental impairment that limits your ability to receive the vaccine or (b) your religious leader confirming your statement describing how the vaccine requirement conflicts with your religious observance, practice or belief. Your form must be submitted by Sept. 20, so that if your request is denied you still have time to get vaccinated by Oct. 4.
Your Rights
You can and should get your vaccine during your workday. Your manager is required to provide you with enough paid time off to travel to the OHSU vaccine location, receive the vaccine and return to work. Receiving the vaccine on paid time ensures that you are eligible for worker’s compensation, should any long-term, serious side effects occur.
COVID sick leave is still in effect. If you experience any adverse side effects after receiving the vaccine, your sick time will come from the COVID sick bank, not from your own personal sick leave.
Please check the blog for future updates on our negotiations around OHSU’s vaccination policy. If you have questions in the meantime, please ask in the comments below.