SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Hundreds of local healthcare workers are now suspended or out of a job because of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. This mandate just took effect Monday.
Healthcare workers have been fighting COVID for the last year and a half. Hundreds in Central New York refused to be vaccinated. These workers are suspended or out of a job as a result.
Leslie Silva, who is a lawyer with Tully Rinckey says those who are not vaccinated and do not have an exemption will be without a job. She adds that employers have the right to terminate those who do not comply with the state’s new vaccine mandate.
Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the Department of Labor to deny unemployment to those who do not comply with the mandate. Silva says “not everyone who is unemployed is entitled to unemployment benefits.” She adds people that do not follow their company’s rules and regulations may not be entitled to unemployment benefits.
Some people have not been vaccinated due to medical or religious exemptions. Silva says “medical exemptions are being granted. religious exemptions may not be, so we are all waiting to see what the court is going to rule for that.” A decision on the religious exemption lawsuit is expected to be made October 12th.
