(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A dozen Chicago city council members are demanding the mayor refrain from disciplining or firing city employees — including police officers — who are not vaccinated by Monday.
That is the deadline for city employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or face the consequences, up to and including termination.
In a letter dated Friday, the group of aldermen says they want Mayor Lightfoot to agree in writing that she won’t discipline non-complying city employees until her administration incorporates a plan that includes “the science of natural immunity” and a fair way to grant vaccine exemptions.
Lightfoot’s office shrugged off the demand.
“Employees who fail to comply with the City's vaccination policy will be placed in a non-disciplinary, no pay status until they come into compliance with the policy,” the administration said in a statement.
“All City employees, including Chicago Police Officers, who fail to comply may also face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.”
The statement added, “These decisions will be addressed at an individual and department level, and are being undertaken in a manner that will not impact public safety.”
The Chicago police union has opposed the vaccine mandate.
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