NYC vaccinate mandate now in effect, FDNY union officials expect dozens of fire companies to close

As New York City's vaccine mandate for municipal workers goes into effect, FDNY union officials are expecting dozens of fire companies to be closed.

In New York City, where a vaccine mandate for municipal workers is now in effect, New York City Fire Department union officials are expecting dozens of fire companies to be closed Monday, but the department said no firehouses have closed and no response times have been affected as a result of the union’s limited job action.

More than 12 fire companies have been closed daily since Friday due to a large number of firefighters calling out sick.

Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro and FDNY-Fire Officers Association President Jim McCarthy said at a Monday news conference that they tried to negotiate for more time for members to be able to file for exemptions, decide on retirement or get the shot.

Nearly all New York City municipal workers, including police officers, firefighters and EMTs, had until 5 p.m. Friday to get at least one shot or be placed on unpaid leave, starting Monday. While the official deadline was Friday, those who got vaccinated over the weekend will not be placed on leave.