Unvaccinated employees at Toronto hospital network told they will be fired
The University Health Network has confirmed that any employees who decide not to get vaccinated by the end of October will be terminated.
UHN—whose hospitals include Toronto General, Toronto Western and Princess Margaret—confirmed the new policy in a statement released Friday evening.
In the statement, the hospital network said it has “connected” with the more than 900 staff who have either not provided their vaccination status or have indicated they are not vaccinated.
“We indicated that they should have their first shot by September 8, which allows for a second shot by October 8,” the statement reads.
“We will work with anyone in the group to answer questions, give additional information about the vaccine and we very much hope that, as people working in health care who are committed to their patients and colleagues, that they will comply with the policy.”
After Oct. 8, anyone who is still not vaccinated will be placed on unpaid leave for two weeks, officials said.
“If it is still their decision at the end of two weeks is that they will not be vaccinated after that date, their employment at UHN will end.”
Prior to this new directive, staff at UHN who were not vaccinated or who did not provide their vaccination status had to submit to regular COVID-19 testing prior to arriving at work.
Kevin Smith, the health network's CEO, told CTV News Toronto earlier this week the policy led to an uptick in vaccinations. The percentage of employees vaccinated rose from 85 per cent in late July to the current rate of 92 per cent.
Speaking to CP24 Friday evening, Toronto-based employment lawyer Daniel Lublin said the move by UHN should be “applauded” for making clear what will happen in the event an employee does refuse a COVID-19 vaccine.
“The problem with the compulsory vaccination policies that we've seen from the big banks, the federal governments and others is they've been sufficiently or completely ambiguous as to what will happen in the event you don't vaccinate. And that's not going to really drive any behavioral change,” Lublin said.
While employers can't actually force employees to vaccinate, Lublin said they can create rules and protocols for the betterment of the workplace, which, if not followed, could result in termination.
“Those individuals who refuse to abide by those rules can be terminated, but they do have a right to severance,” he said.
The change in policy by UHN comes a few days after Ontario’s chief medical officer of health released new guidelines for vaccinations in the healthcare and education sector.
As of Sept. 7, all employees, staff, contractors, students, volunteers and ambulance services at hospitals and in-home and community care services will be required to show proof of vaccination or a medical reason for not being vaccinated.
All individuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination with both doses will have to take regular antigen COVID-19 tests. They will also be required to complete an educational session.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.