Samuel Case, FISM News
Pressure to vaccinate against COVID-19 is mounting in progressive localities and companies are requiring citizens and employees to take the shot. However, push back is coming from some unions.
During a press conference on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, announced the “Key to NYC Pass,” which will require New Yorkers to show proof of having at least one dose of the shot either through a card or the city’s app to participate in everyday activities. The program begins September 13, after which unvaccinated individuals will be unable to enter, either as employees or customers, restaurants, gyms, or indoor entertainment venues. It does not appear there will be exceptions for recovered COVID patients.
“If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated. It’s time,” Mayor de Blasio said. New York City’s vaccine passport also enjoys support from President Joe Biden.
Thank you for the support, @POTUS, and for speaking the truth up there today. New York City will work with any state or city who wants to join us in requiring vaccines to save lives and stop COVID in its tracks. https://t.co/yoXZ9CdFP3
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 3, 2021
Earlier this week New York Governor Andrew Cuomo urged private entities to deny unvaccinated patrons. “Private businesses, I am asking them and suggesting to them – go to vaccine-only admission. Private businesses, bars, restaurants – go to a vaccine-only admission. I believe it’s in your best business interest,” Cuomo said.
Conservatives have been concerned about vaccine passports for several months, resulting in some Republicans governors preemptively banning them outright. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order banning vaccine passports warns that they “reduce individual freedoms and will harm patient privacy.” Earlier this year Republican senators introduced legislation to ban vaccine passports at the federal level.
Meanwhile, Disney has become the latest company to require its employees to take the COVID-19 shot, joining a growing list of companies mandating the jab including: Walmart, Netflix, Fox, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Uber, and Tyson Foods. Disney said those who have not been vaccinated will have 60 days to “complete their protocols and any employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return, with certain limited exceptions.”
Google, appears slightly more lenient in its policy. In a memo, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, said the requirement, “will vary according to local conditions and regulations, and will not apply until vaccines are widely available in your area,” and there will be exceptions ” for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other protected reasons.”
In response, some unions are pushing back against mandates, saying such a requirement needs to be negotiated before it’s set in place. United Food and Commercial Workers issued a statement in regards to Tyson Foods’ vaccine requirement, saying, “it is concerning that Tyson is implementing this mandate before the FDA has fully approved the vaccine.” The Union said it will be meeting with the company to ensure “the rights of these workers are protected, and this policy is fairly implemented.”
President Biden said he supports private companies requiring vaccines for employees. “Look, I know this isn’t easy, but I will have their backs, and the backs of other private public sector leaders if they take such steps,” Biden said.