City of Hamilton employees who don’t follow COVID-19 vaccination & testing policy will be placed on unpaid leave
Published October 15, 2021 at 11:50 am
The City of Hamilton reported Friday (Oct. 15) that 83 per cent of employees have reported their vaccination status ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline. Of those who have reported, 91 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Once the deadline passes, staff who have not provided proof of both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are required to take part in the City’srapid testing program. Staff will be required to submit tests twice per week, regardless of their shift schedule or if they are currently working from home.
“It is encouraging to see more city employees doing their part to fight against this pandemic and foster a safe work environment for the city,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “The Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy ensures the health and well-being of city employees, as well as patrons accessing city services, are protected.”
Testing kits will be self-administered and provided to employees free of charge.
Employees who refuse to participate in the testing program will be placed on unpaid leave.
“The Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy is meant to promote the benefits of getting vaccinated and ensure a healthy and safe work environment for all City staff as well as those residents visiting our facilities or interacting with City staff,” said Lora Fontana, Executive Director, Human Resources.
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“As we look ahead toward implementing the City’s COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program, those employees who have chosen not to become vaccinated or not disclose their vaccination status to the City are provided with a choice while allowing the City to continue safely delivering services to the residents of Hamilton.”
The new policy applies to all employees, including full-time, part-time, permanent, temporary, casual, volunteers, council members, members of council-appointed committees, and students.
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