Police Union Official Compares Vaccine Mandate To 'Hunger Games'

CHICAGO — The vice president of the union representing rank-and-file Chicago police officers compared the Fraternal Order of Police's standoff against Mayor Lori Lightfoot to "The Hunger Games," as city officials battle to enforce vaccine mandates among police.

The message came from FOP first vice president Michael Mette in a social media video. FOP president John Catanzara is following a judge's gag order placed on him last week for encouraging "insurrection" among police union members who are required to get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.

As of Wednesday afternoon, thousands of police department employees had not reported their vaccination status to the city, which was required by Friday. Those who refuse to prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19 will be given the option to take a weekly PCR or rapid test to ensure they are negative for the virus.

After a city employee refuses to submit to testing or vaccination, they will be provided with counseling and the opportunity to reconsider their choice before being placed on no-pay status, according to city officials.

"Welcome to day three of 'The Hunger Games,' where we find out who the city is going to offer up as tribute," Mette said in the video.

In the popular series of young adult books and movies, children are forced to fight to the death to entertain wealthy onlookers. Mette did not say who he believes the "tributes" are in the latest bargaining battle, but police Supt. David Brown told reporters 21 officers had been placed on no-pay status since the city's deadline.

Mette told younger officers watching the video to make sure the city bargains with the union in order to ensure their medical data remains private, a concern having to do with the city's vaccine portal.

As of Tuesday, fewer than 65 percent of Chicago police officers had reported their vaccination status. Around 72 percent of Chicago firefighters met the requirement, which Lightfoot said she anticipated would grow throughout the week.

Outside of police and firefighters, more than 95 percent of city employees, including transit and City Hall workers, have agreed to the vaccine reporting rules.