Union writes gov’t about treatment of unvaccinated workers

By Admin. Updated 5:55 a.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union – PSU, has written to the government asking for “a more considered approach” towards the “treatment of unvaccinated public workers whose lives and employment were affected by the implementation of SR&O 2021 No 28.”

In the letter dated August 29, but circulated to the media on September 8, the PSU said the circumstances under which the SR&O 28 of 2021 was implemented have since changed.

The Union called on the government to “to repeal SR&O 2021 No 28 and reinstate our members.”

Here is the full letter:

Re: Statutory Rules & Order 2021 NO 28

We hope that this letter meets you in good health of body, mind and spirit.

On behalf of our members, we request that you give a more considered approach to your treatment of unvaccinated public workers whose lives and employment were affected by the implementation of SR&O 2021 No 28.

Arguably, the SR&O 28 of 2021 was implemented at a time of legitimate public health concerns. However, it is now about twenty-eight (28) months since a National Health Emergency was declared, and undoubtedly, there have been substantial positive changes in circumstances around COVID-19 across the world.

SR&O 2021 No 28 was implemented under special measures to mitigate or remedy health emergency. We note that you have recognized and mentioned in your recent press conferences that the public health threat that existed since the implementation of the mandates no longer exists.  

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) supports this view of the current health situation. Their most recent COVID-19 guidelines indicate that there is no need to treat unvaccinated differently from vaccinated persons. Further, more than a year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that testing for asymptomatic citizens was neither necessary nor cost-effective. 

Consequently, the time has come for us to implement measures that heal the mental health crisis that pervades the land and the fractured unity and deep chasm that the COVID-19 mandate has caused.

Upon this basis, we implore you to repeal SR&O 2021 No 28 and reinstate our members.

Yours respectfully,