On August 4th, Supervisor Hilda Solis, the Chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, issued an Executive Order establishing a mandatory vaccination policy for Los Angeles County employees. The Executive Order requires all County employees to provide proof of full vaccination by October 1, 2021. This follows an order by the California Department of Public Health that requires all workers in healthcare facilities – public and private – to be vaccinated.
Before it goes into effect, Los Angeles County’s Executive Order must be ratified by the full Board of Supervisors. The Board is expected to take up this matter on Tuesday, August 10.
SEIU Local 721’s Position
In the interest of the health and safety of our members and the public we serve, SEIU Local 721 strongly encourages all Los Angeles County workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
At the same time, we recognize that a significant percentage of SEIU Local 721 members have concerns about the vaccine. To slow the spread of the deadly Delta variant, our union is advocating for a holistic approach that addresses vaccination hesitancy among members.
SEIU Local 721 union will defend the rights of our members:
- We will advocate for modification of the Executive Order to allow for a“frequent testing” alternative to the vaccine mandate.
- While case law confirms that vaccine mandates are legal, we will invoke our right to negotiate over the effects of whatever policy the County ultimately adopts, including:
- Medical and religious exemptions
- Alternatives to discipline for failure to comply
- Paid time off to get the vaccine or testing at easily accessible locations
- Paid time off for employees who test positive
- Paid time off for employees who experience side effects
Together, we fill fight for a fair vaccination policy that protects the health and safety of Los Angeles County residents as well as the rights of the SEIU Local 721 members who serve them.