Union representatives for thousands of Charlotte city workers sent a letter to political leaders asking them not to carry out an order requiring vaccination of City personnel, including firefighters and police officers.
The representatives wrote the letter on behalf of their members who work in the public services, the police department and the fire department. “We understand how COVID has impacted Charlotte, but we believe that all medical decisions are an individual choice,” say the unions.
The unions of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Fraternal Order, the Charlotte Firefighters Association and the Charlotte Chapter UE150 represent utility workers wrote that they are “united in opposition to the COVID vaccine order for Charlotte employees.”
The letter, sent on September 2, says that although the unions support and encourage their members to receive the vaccine; they believe that “it should be a conversation between them and their doctor” and that elected officials should not make that decision for their workers.
“As the voice of your employees, do not demand vaccination against COVID-19,” the letter says.
Last month, Charlotte officials announced that city employees who get fully vaccinated by September 30 will receive a $ 250 reward. Plus, if 75% of city employees get vaccinated by that date, everyone will receive an additional $ 250 reward.
In a report of the city published that 51% of the Fire Department; and 37% of the Charlotte Police Department are not vaccinated. At county of Mecklenburg, 58% of the total population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
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