Health care unions are drawing the line when it comes to mandates for COVID-19 vaccination by urging members to get vaccinated, but not making it a requirement. The president of Health Professionals and Allied Employees — the state’s largest labor union representing health care employees — tells NJ Spotlight News the vaccine is the most effective protection against getting COVID-19 but U.S. labor law affords unions the right to bargain over a new work rule, including mandates; and that unions must represent every member, those who do and do not wish to be vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been instituted at some of the state’s largest hospitals and long-term care systems, like St. Joseph’s Health, Virtua and Valley Health. CareOne — the state’s largest private nursing home operator — is also requiring employees to get the vaccine or face termination.
