Vaccine requirements in federally-regulated sectors

As you are undoubtedly aware, the federal government recently announced a shift in policy to require mandatory vaccination for workers employed in the federal public sector and in some federally-regulated industries, including airlines and rail.

At this time, we have not seen anything other than an announcement. There is neither an order nor other law to review, nor are we in receipt of employer policies mandating vaccination. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and engage in advocacy where it is required.

A mandatory vaccination policy must be reviewed through a lens of reasonableness, taking into account risk, the available science, the constitutionality of any legislative enactment on which the policy is based, and human rights considerations for those who cannot be vaccinated because of medical contraindications and/or religious beliefs.

We are on top of legal developments and will advise Local Unions and National Representatives as soon as we are made aware of any enactments that may impact our federally-regulated bargaining units. If you receive any proposed policies, it is vital that you provide them to the relevant Assistant to the National President, so they can be immediately reviewed with the Legal Department.

Please do not hesitate to contact Unifor National Office with any questions or concerns.