Thousands of firefighters across New York State have called in in protest of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Around 2,000 firefighters used sick time, but the FDNY commissioner Daniel Nigro called their use “bogus” due to the vaccine mandate going into effect Monday, Nov. 1.
“Irresponsible bogus sick leave by some of our members is creating a danger for New Yorkers and their fellow firefighters,” Nigro said in a statement on Saturday. “They need to return to work or risk the consequences of their actions.”
A Tweet stated that 26 firehouses were closed Saturday is opposition to the mandate, but Nigro said that was untrue and no firehouses have been closed.
There are around 11,000 people in the workforce in New York City including officers, EMTs and civilians.
81% of FDNY workers have had the vaccine as of Sunday.
Most other agencies have around 90%, except the following:
- NYPD 84%
- Department of Homeless Services 83%
- Department of Sanitation 82%
- New York City Housing Authority 75%
- Department of Correction 63%
Related: State officials file appeal regarding federal judge’s decision to uphold religious exemptions for healthcare workers
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