COVID Vaccine Proof Due For 3 Unions At Montclair State

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Employees represented by three unions at Montclair State University will have to submit proof of a coronavirus vaccine by Monday, according to administrators.

Earlier this week, officials announced that the university is ramping up its vaccination efforts after the state’s recent agreement with the Communications Workers of America, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and Policemen’s Benevolent Association State Law Enforcement Units.

Members of the three unions must submit proof of vaccination or request for exemption for medical/religious reasons by Oct. 18.

Montclair State was among a wave of universities in New Jersey that rolled out mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for students last spring. At the time, administrators said that the university wasn’t able to mandate that employees get vaccinated – yet.

"However, we continue strongly to urge every faculty and staff member to do so, and a large number of our employees have already done so," officials said in April. "Now that vaccinations are widely available, we expect that most, if not all, employees will be fully vaccinated by the time the fall semester begins."

• See related article: Montclair State Will Require COVID Vaccines From Most Students

What happens if an employee doesn’t follow through? According to the university’s website:

• “CWA, IFPTE and PBA SLEU members who do not submit proof of complete vaccination or file an exemption request by the deadline may not come to work. They will be permitted to use a combination of vacation and administrative leave during an initial period of non-compliance not to exceed ten (10) working days. IFPTE members may also use compensatory time during this period. CWA, IFPTE and PBA SLEU members who have received one shot of a two-shot vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) by October 18 must be tested weekly and receive their second shot no later than November 18.”
• “Prior to implementing discipline for a CWA, IFPTE or PBA SLEU member who is not completely vaccinated by October 18 and during the period of non-compliance the members will be offered counseling by a health-care professional assigned by the University, who will attempt to address the employee’s questions and concerns about the COVID vaccine.”
• “CWA, IFPTE and PBA SLEU members who are not vaccinated at the conclusion of the period of non-compliance will be subject to a Loudermill Hearing and suspended for three (3) days without pay and advised of the progressive discipline steps outlined below.”
• “Those who do not comply with the vaccination policy by the conclusion of the initial suspension, will be suspended for ten (10) days without pay. Those who do not comply by the conclusion of the ten (10) day suspension will be suspended for an additional forty-five (45) days without pay. Employees who STILL do not comply with the vaccination policy by the conclusion of the final unpaid suspension will be subject to termination of employment.”

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