Like you, the IBEW and CWA received notice yesterday that due to the Federal Contractor Mandate being held up in the courts, Verizon was suspending its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. At this time we do not know if this will be a permanent suspension. Verizon is keeping everything in place EXCEPT the unpaid leave of absence meaning the Company expects everyone to upload their vaccination status or apply for an exemption by January 4, 2022. We are trying to get clarification from the Company on how people that are not vaccinated on January 5th will be treated meaning will they be expected to mask and socially distance on the job, or be moved to different positions etc. As I get more information and clarification I will pass it along to you.

Fraternally,

Eric

Verizon has notified the IBEW System Council T-6 that it is ending negotiations over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate by declaring impasse and imposing its last proposal. All members will have to be fully vaccinated, in the process of being fully vaccinated, approved for either a medical or religious exemption, or be in the approval process for an exemption by February 1st 2022 or face possible separation from the Company. Below is a summary of Verizon's imposed vaccine mandate.

Verizon Vaccine Mandate Summary

• February 1^st:
  • Fully vaccinated or in the process of being fully vaccinated and submit proof
  • Have an approved or pending medical or religious accommodation
• Failure to Comply:
  • Placed on 60 day unpaid leave
  • During this leave if you prove full vaccination you return to work
  • During this leave if you prove partial vaccination you return to work and follow safety protocols
  • You will have 6 weeks from 1^st dose to get 2^nd dose and be fully vaccinated
  • During leave if you do not do anything you will be separated after 60 days
• Partial Vaccination by Feb 1^st:
  • Continue working under safety protocols
  • Need to be fully vaccinated within 6 weeks of Feb 1^st
  • If you do not have 2^nd dose in 6 weeks then place on 60 day unpaid leave
• Apply for Legal Accommodation:
  • If accommodation denied or expires you are placed on 60 day unpaid leave
• Up to 4 hours paid time off for 1^st or 2^nd dose of vaccine
  • If there is an adverse reaction to vaccine and test is needed, paid time off will be granted by the company
• Lose your Proof of Vaccine:
  • Company will consider extending timelines as long as there is a good faith effort to obtain proof of vaccine
• Company will secure vaccine records and keep separate from personnel records
• Company will continue to educate on vaccines and accommodation’s
• Fully Vaccinated is defined as 2 weeks after a 2 dose vaccine or 2 weeks after a 1 dose vaccine
• Company will provide periodic reports to the Union on vaccine status, approved, denied or pending accommodation requests
• If Government vaccine requirements change the Company will discuss with the Union.
• Company determines administrative practices and procedures for compliance

The IBEW legal department has put together the attachment regarding managements rights concerning the vaccine.

Contrary to what was said in Verizon's email sent out earlier today regarding mandatory vaccinations, the IBEW System Council T-6 has had zero discussions with the company about a vaccine mandate for our members.  As a result of this email we have demanded bargaining on the issue.  As information becomes available it will be shared with the membership.  If you have any questions, please call the union office at 508-947-2131. 

Thank You

The Work at Home Agreement has been extended through February 5, 2022. Discussions will continue with Verizon for a long term solution.