Sent on behalf of President Spence:<\/p>\n
PEF\u2019s primary mission is improving the members\u2019 terms and conditions of employment, including protecting members\u2019 health and safety.\u00a0 In this case we must balance conflicting interests of (1) protecting members\u2019 health and safety and (2) protecting individuals\u2019 desires to make their own choices and decisions.\u00a0 PEF\u2019s members are deeply divided on these issues, and we strive to balance these interests.<\/p>\n
COVID-19\u2019s impact continues to evolve as infection rates and governmental responses evolve.\u00a0 We continue to seek protections and benefits for members to minimize that impact, and our goals and approaches will continue to evolve as well. Below are our current positions on these issues.<\/p>\n
Telecommuting<\/strong><\/p>\n Telecommuting should be implemented to the broadest extent possible given the continuing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0 We have members who are unvaccinated for medical reasons and others who are vaccinated but immuno-compromised, and still others who may have immuno-compromised family members or unvaccinated children living in the family home.\u00a0 Unfortunately, even vaccinated employees can bring the virus home to vulnerable family members.\u00a0 As was demonstrated during the prior Telecommuting Agreements, members effectively and professionally provided their vital services to the public.\u00a0 Our State should lead the way with more vigorous telecommuting programs.<\/p>\n Mandate to \u201cTest or Vaccinate\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Consistent with PEF\u2019s mission and scientific evidence, PEF encourages members to be vaccinated if they can safely do so.\u00a0 For members who are unable, or who choose not to be vaccinated, PEF supports regular testing to ensure the early detection, quarantine and treatment of infected members and to ensure fellow members are protected from infection. We are negotiating regarding the impact of this program on members.\u00a0 PEF supports regular testing and supports mandatory masking and social distancing for those who cannot or choose not to provide proof of vaccination.<\/p>\n Mask Mandates<\/strong><\/p>\n Masking, social distancing and telecommuting are important and effective measures for protecting members, patients and the public.\u00a0 PEF supports masking, social distancing and telecommuting requirements that are consistent with the local, state and national guidance.<\/p>\n Vaccination Mandates<\/strong><\/p>\n PEF encourages vaccination and the Courts have upheld the State\u2019s right to mandate vaccination, but we have not agreed to vaccine mandates for any members.\u00a0 Nonetheless, there are State and federal mandates for certain members, and vaccine mandates have been upheld by both State and federal courts for more than a century.\u00a0 Accordingly, we are seeking to negotiate the impact of the State\u2019s vaccine mandate.\u00a0 We seek incentives for employees who get vaccinated, reasonable accommodation for those who cannot be vaccinated, and contractual protections and due process for those who do not get vaccinated.<\/p>\n We should be finding ways to educate and incentivize members to get vaccinated rather than threatening to terminate members, including but not limited to essential workers.\u202f Significantly, however, essential workers were required to come to work every day during the height of the pandemic when there was no vaccine.\u202f They risked their own lives and put their families\u2019 health at risk in order to treat the sick and care for New York\u2019s most vulnerable citizens.<\/p>\n We will continue to advocate for protection of PEF\u2019s members to the greatest extent possible within the confines of what the laws will allow.\u00a0\u00a0 These are difficult times and we take these responsibilities seriously.\u00a0 We will continue to try to resolve these issues, keeping in mind the best interests of all of PEF\u2019s members.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sent on behalf of President Spence: PEF\u2019s primary mission is improving the members\u2019 terms and conditions of employment, including protecting members\u2019 health and safety.\u00a0 In this case we must balance…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3225,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[473,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3224","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-safety","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n