NYC Bans Days Off for Sanitation Workers Before Vaccine Mandate

(Bloomberg) -- New York City said it will temporarily outlaw days off for sanitation workers as needed ahead of anticipated employee shortages stemming from a vaccine mandate that goes into effect next week.

The sanitation department also will require Sunday shifts and move to a 12-hour schedule for workers to “create additional capacity,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a briefing Thursday.

The city last week said it would require all municipal workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 by 5 p.m. Friday and eliminate a test-out option. Those who aren’t vaccinated will be put on unpaid leave.

So far, 67% of sanitation workers are vaccinated, de Blasio said. The rate is 64% for the fire department and 74% for the police department. Overall, across all city agencies that fall under this mandate, 76% of workers are vaccinated, the mayor said.

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