municipalities that already have policies in place threatening unpaid leave or termination for unvaccinated employees include the county of essex, kingsville, greater sudbury, ottawa, york, london, oakville and toronto.
the city of windsor protocol is set for one year, but council has the power to extend it. councillors voted unanimously in favour of the new requirements.
“there is too much at risk,” said ward 6 coun. jo-anne gignac. “the policy we have looked at thoroughly is reflective of what is needed in the community.”
delegates from the windsor professional firefighters association, civic association of non-union employees (canue) and cupe urged councillors to implement regular testing protocols instead of mandatory vaccinations.
“there should be an option for people choosing not to vaccinate,” said cupe local 82 president rob kolody.
“we absolutely believe there should be some form of testing.”
kris matton, president of the windsor professional firefighters association, agreed that regular testing is a “proven option.”
“knowing if a person is carrying the virus is the best evidence for stopping transmission,” he said.
“to not address this option, i do believe without a doubt, is a poor decision.”