A contentious debate regarding a vaccine mandate in the city of New York has hit a tipping point.
NBC News reports that more than 2,000 firefighters have taken medical leave as the city prepares to implement a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employees. New York City Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Frank Dwyer called the rise in medical leave “very unusual.”
In recent weeks, a number of firefighters, police officers and teachers have raised issues with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. With that said, NYFD Association President Andrew Ansbro encouraged firefighters to come to work even if they are not vaccinated.
“I have told my members that if they choose to remain unvaccinated, they must still report for duty,” Ansbro said during a recent press conference.
“If they are told they cannot work, it will be the department and city of New York that sends them home. And it will be the department and the city of New York that has failed to protect the citizens of New York.”
If unvaccinated firefighters continue to use medical leave as a means to avoid work, the city may revoke their pay. Fire commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said that those who are using medical leave as a form of protest were neglecting their oaths and putting their coworkers in danger.
“Irresponsible bogus sick leave by some of our members is creating a danger for New Yorkers and their fellow Firefighters,” Nigro said, according to NBC News.
“They need to return to work or risk the consequences of their actions.”
