ATU1576 - CT Vaccine Joint Communication

November 5, 2021Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1576 Represented Community Transit Employees,On September 28, Community Transit implemented a vaccine mandate policy with a deadline for all employees to be vaccinated by January 1, 2022 to maximize workplace safety for employees and safe services for our customers in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.As required by law, ATU bargained with Community Transit diligently to reach an agreement addressing the impacts of the policy.Here are the terms to which we agreed and included in a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties today:• Any ATU-represented employees who are granted an exemption based on a medical disability orsincerely held religious belief but cannot be reasonably accommodated will be subject toinvoluntary separation from employment that will not be regarded as misconduct.• All ATU-represented employees will receive an additional 24 hours of COVID leave.• Retroactive to the start of the weekly testing requirement, ATU-represented employees who arerequired to undergo weekly testing will be paid two hours for the time spent getting tested,whether on or off duty, including travel time.• ATU-represented employees who show proof of receiving the first dose of a two-dose regimenby December 31, 2021 will have their separation put into abeyance. They will have until January21, 2022 (3 weeks) to provide proof of the second dose. During this time, they will be on leaveand can use their paid leave. If they do not provide proof of the second dose by January 21,2022, Community Transit will move forward with separation.• All ATU-represented employees who retire or who are involuntarily separated by December 31,2021 will receive 100% of their PTO balances and 100% of their sick leave balances when theyleave, rather than the - standard payout. After December 31, 2021, this special sick leave payoutprovision will end.• Beginning on July 1, 2022 and continuing through December 31, 2024, if employees whoseparate later become fully vaccinated and wish to return to Community Transit, they mayrequest to be placed on a recall list to be reinstated to their position while maintaining seniority.• All ATU-represented employees who requested an accommodation but were denied, will havetheir requests remain in effect after separation. Through December 31, 2024, if a possiblemedical accommodation becomes available, those who applied for medical accommodation willhave their requests reevaluated. Likewise, if a possible religious accommodation becomesavailable through December 31, 2024, those who applied for religious accommodation will havetheir requests reevaluated.Community Transit instituted this vaccine mandate policy to address the challenges of the pandemic and has bargained in good faith with ATU to demonstrate their respect and gratitude for your service to the agency and our community. ATU has bargained within the parameters of the policy to gain protections for the ATU members who are impacted. Your work and commitment to this agency, the community and the ATU local union are deeply appreciated.Kathleen CusterPresident & Business AgentRic IlglefritzCEO, Community Transit