Employers’ vaccine mandates creating complications for unions: Ottawa & District Labour Council

As more employers introduce COVID-19 vaccination mandates, the head of the labour council representing roughly 55,000 union members in Ottawa feels the policies are causing complications for the unions.

Ottawa & District Labour Council President Shawn McKenny says if a member wants to file a grievance with an employer over its vaccination policy, the union has to move forward with the filing since they are legally required to represent all members, regardless of vaccination status.

However, he feels stance from the majority of union representatives is creating complications for the unions.

“You'd be hard-pressed to find any union representative that wasn't supportive of vaccines,” McKenny told The Sam Laprade Show on Friday. “Most, if not all, have received their both doses of the vaccine, and the promote it. The labour movement in general promotes it.”

McKenny explains if an employee is terminated over non-compliance, it could potentially lead to a judicial review. Until that happens, he says unions will continue to represent the rights of all members, regardless of if they are vaccinated.

Meanwhile, McKenney is also encouraging employers who do introduce a COVID-19 vaccination policy to also ensure safety protocols remain in place, and there is proper ventilation in the workplace, instead of relying solely on the vaccine mandates.