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.

As we are approaching the start of the vaccination mandate we want the membership to have an update as to where things stand as of now.

Whereas this union is aware that management has a right to determine the policy and procedures of their agency, they must still negotiate and bargain in good faith with all unions in the implementation of the same.

This union has availed ourselves of all our legal remedies, however, there is no guarantee that any of the outcomes will be in our favor.

We are aware of the harmful rhetoric and hate speech through social media and interviews that have been flowing these last few weeks.  This union does not condone these actions and believes it has been a detriment to resolving the improper practice we believe that has been occurring.  We remind our members what social media can and has done to various employees of this agency, and we ask all our members to refrain from creating more chaos and preventing any resolution to bear fruit.  Please always be mindful of the destruction that can occur with just a few words or a single action.  Always comport yourself professionally, with dignity and respect, if you want to receive the same.

For members who are seeking a medical or religious exemption, you have until 5:00 PM on Monday, September 27, 2021 to submit your forms.  We suggests you wait until then to submit, allowing any outcomes on pending litigation to clarify the direction that all parties must take or change the time frame on this policy.  Please make sure all your forms are completely filled out and all documents requested are attached.  Do not be denied for failure to complete a form or submit a document.

For members who are choosing not to be vaccinated regardless of any outcomes or circumstances, please do not resign or leave of your own volition.  All employees are entitled to due process as it relates to any disciplinary matter.  Force your employer to preclude you from reporting to work and document all communications surrounding it.  Resigning or leaving of your own volition denies you the ability to seek recourse or recompense in the future.

We will continue to advocate for the best interest of our members to ensure that they and their loved one are protected.

Stay safe and be well.

After almost a month of meetings with OCA Labor Relations and the other Labor Unions we were advised on August 24, 2021, of the proposed Mandatory Vaccination Program.  On August 25, 2021, an email was sent on behalf of Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks stating that the Mandatory Vaccination Program will take effect on September 27, 2021.  Under this program, absent a valid medical or religious exemption all employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination as a condition of employment.  It was stated at the meetings that any employee that doesn’t comply with the Mandatory Testing Program (issued on August 12, 2021) or the Mandatory Vaccination Program will be sent home from work, their time will be charged and they may face disciplinary action if they continue to be non-compliant.

The New York State Court Clerks Association, along with the other Labor Unions are taking the appropriate actions to ensure everyone’s rights are protected.  We are in constant communication with our lawyers and are currently drafting a complaint to challenge the court’s actions regarding these policies and implementation of the same.

At this time it is imperative that we stick together as a Union regardless of our personal views or opinions on these new policies.