Union leaders representing nearly 2,000 employees at Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools say they won't initiate  mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for their members. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Shot talk

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations ‘off the table’ for school district 68 employees

Aug 25, 2021 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO — Union leaders representing teachers and support staff in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools say they won’t initiate the idea of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for their members.

Jeremy Inscho, president of the Nanaimo District Teachers Association said while their organization has autonomy to make many decisions, he doesn’t believe forcing teachers to roll up their sleeves is one of them.

He said hypothetically mandating teachers to be vaccinated would be a provincial public health decision which would then need to be considered locally.

“Some are against vaccines, I think the vast majority are vaccinated, but there are those who chose not to be and those who cannot be, and that’s okay to some extent.”

Inscho said in the meantime they are strongly encouraging their 1,200 members to be vaccinated as a new school year rapidly approaches. It’s his hope their members will be open to disclosing their vaccination status if asked by students and parents.

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He believed the province’s newly announced vaccine passport program struck the appropriate balance of encouraging more people to get vaccinated without mandating it.

“You have a right not be vaccinated in general, but with that you’re not able to do everything you want do.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 24 the province announced masks would return for all students and staff between grades four and twelve in indoor settings, while the cohort system is being cast aside.

Of the students required to mask-up, Inscho hoped the guidelines would have included more younger students.

“We’ve still got students who are not eligible to be vaccinated, that’s a missing layer of protection that we could have masks on most if not all students who are K to 4 as well,” Inscho said. “We’re missing an opportunity there.”

The most recent provincial data showed 72 per cent of 12 to 17-year-olds have had their first COVID-19 vaccination and 57 per cent their second dose – both well below provincial averages.

Jeff Virtanen, president of CUPE Local 606 told NanaimoNewsNOW while they are also strongly urging their 700 members working in district 68 to get vaccinated, mandatory shots have not been discussed.

He said forced vaccinations is a delicate balance between people’s freedoms and and their health.

“As of right now that’s not on the table, we’re just trying to provide the most safe and healthy environment for our students and staff as we possibly can,” Virtanen said.

CUPE Local 606 represents education assistants, clerical staff, custodians, trades workers and bus drivers employed with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes