We are writing to update you on the latest developments regarding actions taken by the Unified Court System (“UCS”) Vaccination Committee (“Committee”), and specifically, denials of requests for religious and medical accommodations and letters from the Committee seeking additional information.

Some members who have applied for reasonable accommodation exemptions from the vaccine mandate reported to the union that they have received determination letters from the Committee indicating that their exemptions have been denied.  Others have reported that they received an intrusive questionnaire from the Committee seeking additional information.  We’ve asked Pitta LLP, the Association’s legal counsel, to determine whether such denials and the supplemental form comply with the federal, state, and local laws protecting individuals against workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. NYSCCA will continue to fight to ensure that the committee complies with the law and conducts a full review of each accommodation request.

NYSCCA’s Board of Directors intends to meet on November 22, 2021 to discuss the options and recommendations provided by Pitta LLP for challenging any such denial or supplemental form that fails to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.  In the interim, however, members who receive a supplemental form should request additional time to respond.

For additional questions about the exemption process, please contact your NYSCCA delegate.   Stay safe and well.

These are the winners of the 2020 William J Murphy Sr Memorial Fund Scholarship:

• $2,000 winner Nicholas Rapallo (Nicholas)
• $1,000 winners: Erice Newton (Amanda)
• Cassandra Boyd (Tayia)
• Scott Setari (Tabitha)
• Vincent DeRosa (Ryan)
• Jay Goldstein (Holly)
• Nikki LoCastro (Victoria G.)
• John Tenagli (Christine)
• Aiyisha Robnson (Jaela)
• Nicholas rapallo (Vincent)

On Friday, our case was heard before Judge Adam Silverman.  Our case was not consolidated with the other court unions, however our case was heard simultaneously. Judge Silverman denied our request for injunctive relief and stated there was no irreparable harm.   Our attorneys are determining our next course of action, and we remain hopeful that we will prevail.  So while the mountain is still rough and hard to climb we will continue to press onward and upward. As the need arises further updates will be provided.

Stay safe and well.