Yukon announces COVID-19 vaccine mandate for teachers, health and gov’t workers
Global News
The territory has not yet determined any consequences for those who refuse to comply to the new rule.
Yukon‘s premier has announced a vaccine mandate for government employees, including front-line workers in the health-care system and teachers, but the territory has not yet determined any consequences for those who refuse to comply.
Sandy Silver said Wednesday the employees must get their first vaccine dose by Nov. 30 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 30.
Cabinet ministers will meet this week to consider other details, including whether anyone would be placed on unpaid leave for not meeting the initial deadline.
There won’t be any alternatives like COVID-19 tests on the job for anyone who is not vaccinated, Silver said.
“This requirement will also apply to employees of our partner organizations that the government funds to provide services to vulnerable populations,” he said.
Ted Hupe, head of the Yukon Teachers’ Association, said he met with government officials about a vaccine mandate on Oct. 19 and again on Monday and asked about consequences for the unvaccinated but didn’t get any information.
“Even as of Monday there was nothing to share with us,” he said. “We were supportive of a vaccine mandate if there were measures put in place that would allow the unvaccinated to still continue their employment, and I mean regular testing and use of (personal protective equipment) and things like physical distancing.”
Hupe said the territory doesn’t have enough teachers now and a “huge hole” would be created if those who are unvaccinated are put on leave or fired.