City of Chicago Employee Vaccine Notice

October 9, 2021

The City distributed a notice along with employee paychecks that says: "Effective October 15, 2021, City of Chicago Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19."

This statement by the City directly contradicts the communications and bargaining proposals it has made to the collective group of Unions that represent City employees. This group of Unions are exploring filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge at the Illinois Labor Relations Board related to the City's conduct.

The importance of the October 15 date, based on written and oral communications and bargaining proposals the City has made, is that everyone must upload their vaccination status onto the City's Vaccination Portal by that date: www.chicago.gov/vaxportal. If you are vaccinated, that's all you have to do.

If you are not vaccinated, you will have to show negative COVID-19 tests to go to work. How to show those tests, how often you'll need to be tested, where you'll need to test, and other details are all still up in the air. The Unions asked the City for more information on the testing alternative that it says will be part of the policy it imposes, and they are waiting on answers. Those details will be communicated once available.

The City's current position is that it will not agree to a testing alternative that lasts indefinitely. That is one reason the collective group of Unions have so far been unable to come to an agreement with the City on a Vaccination Policy. But there are others as well. These Unions will continue to try and bargain for a good agreement for their members. `

To reiterate, it is important that you enter your vaccination status by October 15. It also goes without saying that you must be truthful when you enter your status. Anything less and the City will discipline harshly.

As IBEW members we must recognize that, “No unjust actions are so necessary that they are worth forfeiting our reputation and livelihoods for ourselves and our families whom depend on us.