Firefighters Local 718 takes Wu’s vaccine mandate to court

The Boston Firefighters Local 718, headquartered in the neighborhood of Dorchester, filed a restraining order at the Massachusetts Superior Court to stop the implementation of a highly controversial and discriminatory policy mandated by the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, that will terminate the jobs of public employees who choose not to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

The discriminatory policy could start running on January 15, 2022.

Local 718 filed the legal action in conjunction with the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society on December 30, 2021.

The public safety unions affirm that Wu’s policy was taken unilaterally, violating the Memoranda of Agreements between the city government and its organized public employees.

The discriminatory mandate, if not stopped by the Superior Court, will also “significantly reduce” the already “understaffed public agencies that are necessary to address the public health response to the ongoing pandemic, will overburden exhausted work forces, and will significantly reduce the testing of employees at a time when testing should be increased,” according to the public unions.

The unions explained in a press release that they do not question the existence or severity of the ongoing pandemic or the validity of the science of federally approved vaccines, and that they “consistently supported the City’s efforts to maintain safety for employees and the public through this pandemic.” However, they disagree with “any policy related to vaccinations as a condition of employment.”

“Local 718 and the City worked out an agreement several months ago that allows firefighters who are uncomfortable receiving a vaccine to choose a regular testing option,” the public safety union stated.

Local 718 expressed their disappointment in Mayor Wu’s management of the current public health crisis, that if not stopped by the Superior Court it will generate “irreparable harm” not only to unvaccinated employees but to all the city’s employees and the residents they serve.

Located at 55 Hallet St, Dorchester (MA 02124), the Boston Firefighters Local 718 is a member of the International Association of Firefighters. It represents Boston Firefighters and their families since 1942. Following, read the entire press release from Boston Firefighters Local 718: