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.