The SEBAC unions met with the Governor's Office regarding the Vaccine Mandate (which has now been updated from Executive Order 13D to 13G). The State is really looking to push the vaccine on anyone who is thusfar resistant to taking it. As such, the State is still insisting that those who opt to "test weekly" will do so on their own time and their own dime. The State continues to refuse to cover the cost of the test (generally about $140 per test) and will not grant any compensation for the time it takes to get tested. Generally speaking, a COVID test is free if it is medically necessary, however, it may not be covered by insurance if it is for the purposes of meeting an employer mandate. Since we cannot agree with these conditions, we will most likely bring these issues of time and cost to an arbitrator. Our first priority is to ensure workplace safety during this pandemic, however, we are committed to ensuring that all employees workplace rights are supported and defended as well.
So here is where we are now, we will start simple:
Those who are Vaccinated:
Those who are vaccinated must submit a copy of their vax card via the COVID Navigator app, or via fax (860 678-5207 or 860 678-5229) or via email at Statecovid@wellsparkhealth.com.
Anyone who submits proof of vaccination will get 1hr of comp time for each shot taken. Those who previously submitted proof of vaccination do not need to re-submit, but we suggest you do so anyway.
Those who are Unvaccinated:
For A&R members who do not work at long-term care/health facilities, you can opt for weekly testing rather than get vaccinated. You do NOT need a Medical/Religious Exemption; you can simply opt for testing. However, at this time, we do not have an agreement that the testing will be done on State time nor on the State's dime. We are pursuing this further, but the State's position remains unchanged on these issues. Most employees will likely test at a CVS or Walgreens as they are wide-spread throughout the State, but it is unclear whether there will be a cost to the employee if tested at these sites. There are several locations that may provide free testing for all, check www.211ct.org for these locations.
Test results typically take a couple of days, so give yourself enough time to receive your results and submit them prior to the 9/27/21 implementation date. Again, test results can be submitted via the COVID Navigator app, or via fax (860 678-5207 or 860 678-5229) or via email at Statecovid@wellsparkhealth.com.
Testing is typically done through a nasal swab, however, it is possible that a saliva test may be accepted. Be aware that home-tests are NOT acceptable at this time. Further, if you have recently had COVID-19, you will need to have the antigen test, not the PCR test.
Those who are in the process of getting vaccinated will need to test weekly until full vaccination status is attained.
Those who do not submit test results will be given 3 days grace-period, beyond that, the employee will be placed on unpaid leave status for up to 15 days. After 15 days, if the employee remains out of compliance with the Executive Order, they will be separated from State service. Failure to comply by providing proof of vaccination or weekly testing will result in separation in accordance with the Executive Order. We recognize this is unsettling news, but be assured that we will continue to pursue what is necessary to protect the interests of all our members and their workplace rights.
-9/20/21