Western University staff association is ‘challenging’ institution’s COVID-19 policy
Global News
“The University of Western Ontario Staff Association continues to support vaccination as a public health measure to protect our workplaces and communities,” opened their statement.
As classes head for their first full week back to school, the University of Western Ontario Staff Association (UWOSA) said it’s challenging the university’s updated COVID-19 vaccination policy.
“UWOSA continues to support vaccination as a public health measure to protect our workplaces and our communities,” the staff association said Friday.
“However, as public health restrictions have lifted across the country, including Ontario, it is important to take a closer review of Western’s vaccination policy and how it is applied specifically to UWOSA members.”
On Aug. 22, Western introduced its updated COVID-19 policy, which includes the requirement that all attendees have received at least one booster shot.
The controversial decision, on top of requiring mandatory masking in classrooms, prompted mixed reactions from students, while the union representing the institution’s faculty association praised the move.
Students, faculty and staff are required to submit current proof of vaccination by Oct. 1.
The association said that the policy was implemented despite the provincial government eliminating the mandatory vaccine passport program as well as the masking requirement in most settings across Ontario.
Additionally, the group highlighted that other post-secondary institutions have dropped their vaccination requirements, including Fanshawe College, “with the notable exception of some requiring vaccination and boosters for students living in residence.”