As a consequence of New York Cities vaccine mandate implemented by Mayor Bill De Blasio, 26 FDNY firehouses closed down while firefighters went on strike.
According to the independent, Hundreds of FDNY workers have reportedly been taking paid sick leave in protest over the mandate, which came into effect at 5pm on Friday.
“If someone dies due to a slower emergency response, it’s on Bill de Blasio and his overreaching mandates. I hope this fool fixes it ASAP!” Tweeted Staten Island Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis.
De Blasio has placed the lives of New Yorkers in jeopardy as he refuses to listen to his cities brave first responders. In their absence there is a severe lack of fire fighting resources.
Despite the FDNY vaccination rate resting at 72% the Mayor has still mandated the vaccine for all city workers. A tactic that has been shown to produce more hesitancy.
“The firefighters who are unable to work have all been tested within the week and are not Covid positive, and I doubt New Yorkers care about the vaccine status of the person applying defibrillators to their chest.”said States Island Councilman Joe Borelli.
The idea of giving workers an ultimatum – get vaccinated or get fired, ironically works counter productive to the policy goal. The forceful nature of the government entity breeds skepticism, and stands in the way of higher vaccination rates.