Chicago Workers who Refused Covid Vaccines to be Reinstated with Back Pay

7% interest on top is a nice touch also

Good news!

I live near Chicago and remember the relentless pressure on Chicago policemen and firemen to get vaccinated against Covid. Watch the former mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, say, “They will be vaccinated,” in this triggering video. (do not open it if you get upset easily)

I took their struggle to heart because I, a frequent visitor to Chicago, was also discriminated against. I was not allowed to enter Cook County restaurants since I was not vaccinated.

Of course, being locked out of restaurants and gyms cannot compare with the anguish and stress of being laid off without pay. Such was the punishment Chicago workers endured for refusing the experimental vaccine that did not even work.

Today, the fired Chicago workers received the ultimate vindication: Chicago’s administrative law judge for a state agency ruled the city has to reinstate workers and make up for lost wages and benefits.

The laid-off unionized Chicago employees will receive back pay, a 7% interest, and will be fully reinstated with seniority.

Unionized City of Chicago employees fired or disciplined for violating COVID-19 vaccination requirements must be reinstated and repaid for any loss of wages or benefits, a state hearing officer has ruled.

Administrative Law Judge Anna Hamburg-Gal said the city violated the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act by not bargaining in good faith over vaccine requirements and changes in sick leave policies. Her ruling, issued Wednesday, requires the city to “make whole” workers who lost pay and benefits, plus 7% annual interest.

These workers are, at last, the winners: they kept their health and their jobs and received full pay. They are still victims of Covid vaccine promoters: no one will compensate them for months of worry, stressing out about not having money, family tensions, and more.

Sadly, only a few dozen resisters will be eligible: “One source said a few dozen employees may be directly affected by the decision.”

I am happy and sad simultaneously because thousands of Chicago workers were forced to vaccinate against their will. Nobody will ever compensate them for the loss of freedom or health declines.

Nevertheless, I am happy about the ruling - which is about two years late.

I hope the criminals who harassed and terrorized the unvaccinated Chicago workers and residents will be properly investigated - and they should not get any sort of a “pandemic amnesty” for their wrongdoings.

Thanks for listening, and please forgive me for being emotional.