The staff of the municipality had previously recommended to the municipal council to suspend the policy of compulsory vaccination of the city, except for the new recruitments.
However, during a meeting Wednesday, the council voted to keep the policy in force for the time being.
The ruling paves the way for hundreds of workers who do not comply with the layoffs after May 31, unless they provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated.
“It is irresponsible for this city council to vote for the dismissal of hard-working workers who have served on the front lines for the past two years during COVID-19, especially during periods of no protection,” said the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 , which represents Hamilton Street Railway employees, said in a statement issued Thursday. “Coming to this conclusion now is disrespectful and completely unfair to all front-line workers in cities and transportation who continue to work and serve this community on a daily basis.”
The city of Hamilton said about 94 percent of its employees are fully vaccinated and in compliance with the policy.
However, this still leaves about 500 people who could now face termination.
Previously, these employees had the opportunity to continue presenting themselves at work as long as they participated in a regular rapid test program.
In a statement, ATU Local 107 said it would continue to complain about the policy, especially in light of recommendations from Hamilton’s doctor to suspend it.
He warned that the decision could eventually cost taxpayers “$ 500,000 for unnecessary litigation”.
“These financial resources could have been better spent upgrading the air handling equipment on our buses to better protect both workers and passing riders,” the union said.
Hamilton has had a vaccination policy for workers since August 2021. It amended the policy in January to allow the dismissal of workers who do not comply with May 31.
Several other municipalities also have mandatory vaccination policies that remain in place for workers, including Toronto.
“Throughout the pandemic, the city of Hamilton has been firmly committed to supporting the health and safety of the wider community and providing a safe work environment for our staff, volunteers and students. “Ensuring high vaccination rates remains one of the most important ways we can protect our community,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger in a statement issued Wednesday after the council vote.
