City, police union reach deal for COVID measures
The union representing rank-and-file police officers in Milwaukee reached an agreement with the city requiring union members to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or wear a mask at all times.
The agreement comes as concern mounts over the omicron variant, and two months after the city reached a similar agreement with the union representing supervisors within the Milwaukee Police Department.
Officers will have until Jan. 31 to be vaccinated or wear masks at all times while on duty – except when eating or drinking at a safe social distance. Violating the requirements could lead to suspensions and, for repeated violations, possible termination, according to a city news release.
“At this important time in the COVID pandemic, I am pleased the (Milwaukee Police Association) has agreed to these reasonable steps,” said Mayor Tom Barrett, who resigned from the position Wednesday. “I appreciate the spirit of cooperation the MPA has brought to this matter.”
Andrew Wagner, the president of the Milwaukee Police Association, said the union remained unhappy about the strictness of the agreement, which doesn’t create exceptions for unvaccinated officers whose mask might come off while chasing or wrestling with a combative suspect, for example.
“We’re hoping the city will be fair with that, but we’re just not sure,” he said.
All “general” city employees in Milwaukee have been required to be vaccinated since September, but police officers and firefighters, who are represented by unions, were exempted from the order.
Jeff Fleming, a spokesperson for Barrett’s office, said Wednesday that “positive discussions” are continuing with unions representing firefighters for a similar agreement.
In November, the city said more than 95% of 3,100 general employees had complied, not including 31 employees who requested exemption based on religious or medical reasons.
The order did not include elected officials, although at least 13 of 15 Common Council members have said they are vaccinated, along with Barrett. Cavalier Johnson, who as president of the Common Council will take over as interim mayor, has said he is vaccinated.