More Hamilton city workers disclose COVID vaccination status

The city is closing the gap when it comes to employees reporting their COVID-19 vaccination status under a new municipal policy that aims to prevent spread of the virus.

Roughly 78 per cent of city workers had complied with the mandatory verification program as of Thursday. That's up from 67 per cent two weeks ago.

It's good news, but not good enough, Mayor Fred Eisenberger said Friday.

I hope and expect that all city staff ultimately will make a decision that it's in their interest and in the community's interest to get vaccinated."

Of the 78 per cent who reported, 93 per cent are fully vaccinated. The rest verified they'd had at least one dose, showed they were exempt, or completed a mandatory education session.

By comparison, 94 per cent of Hamilton Health Sciences staff and doctors have reported their vaccination status. Of those, about 92 per cent are fully vaccinated.

In late August, council approved the policy during a concerning fourth wave of coronavirus.

The push to have the municipal workforce - which hovers around 8,000 depending on the season - vaccinated also comes amid plans for a phased return of some staff to city buildings.

Under the verification policy, city employees had to show proof of shots by Sept. 15.

Those who didn't provide proof or are exempt for bona fide" medical or religious reasons were required to attend an education session on the benefits of the vaccine.

After that, workers were asked to show proof of first doses by Sept. 30. The deadline for verification of second doses is Nov. 1.

Those who don't will have to regular submit negative test results, a procedure the city is covering, Eisenberger said.

So far, it's a requirement that the city is prepared to pay for."

Across Hamilton, 77.4 per cent have been fully vaccinated, the city noted Friday.

City staff are a microcosm of the population at large," Eisenberger said, but added the municipality wants to lead by example. We want to demonstrate that the city is ahead of this issue."

Hamilton's transit union has expressed opposition to the city's mandatory verification policy, with president Eric Tuck saying members will defend their freedom to choose."

Earlier this week, city human resources director Lora Fontana noted 117 of 687 HSR drivers, or roughly 17 per cent, had disclosed their vaccination status.

Jay Hunter, president of CUPE 5167 - which represents 2,800 city workers - said the local still seeks clarity on aspects of the education and testing process.

They have a lot of questions that need to be answered."

It's not clear, either, Hunter added, if members who aren't vaccinated will be able to work.

Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com