The city of San Diego began to issue advance notices of termination to employees who had until Jan.3 to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
So far, the city has sent 86 employees advanced notices of termination, according to San Diego officials. Earlier this week, the city reported 85 percent of its employees were fully vaccinated. According to a city spokesperson, employees had until Jan.3 to comply with the vaccination mandate or opt for religious or medical exemption, taking leave without pay, retiring or resigning from their roles.
In early December, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released 900 “30-day Options” letters warning employees they may face termination if they don’t comply with the city’s mandate. According to data released by the City, over 1,3000 employees were not fully vaccinated as of Dec.29, over 1,000 had requested an exemption, and 373 employees did not submit a response. In total, there are about 11,300 employees working for the city of San Diego.
“​​Getting vaccinated and boosted is critical to the health and wellness of our employees and the people we serve,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement. “We know that those who are vaccinated and boosted have a lower risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization and death. My hope remains that no City employee chooses termination over getting a free, safe vaccination to protect themselves, their families and their community.”
The COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all City employees was announced on August 26, 2021. People are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their second vaccine dose if they received Pfizer or Moderna. Those who received Johnson & Johnson re considered fully vaccinated with one dose. As of Wednesday, 9,695 city employees were full vaccinated.
According to Mayor Gloria, the human resources department will meet with those requesting an exemption. Exemptions will be provided on a case-by case basis, as required by law. According to city officials, employees who get vaccinated before their official notice of termination will not be fired.
Options to appeal a decision of termination to the city’s Civil Service Commission is available to non-compliant employees. According to the Municipal Employees Association, those who are not in compliance with the city’s vaccine mandate will continue to work while following mask protocols, and get paid while the termination process rolls out.
