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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Tim Kauffman, tim.kauffman@afge.org

Largest Federal Employee Union Responds to President Biden's COVID-19 Vaccine Announcement

AFGE expects to negotiate over resulting changes to working conditions.

WASHINGTON

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley today issued the following statement:

"We expect that the particulars of any changes to working conditions, including those related to COVID-19 vaccines and associated protocols, be properly negotiated with our bargaining units prior to implementation.

"Based on today's announcement, it is our understanding that under President Biden's proposal the vast majority of federal employees would not have to be vaccinated as a condition of employment, but that those who choose not to receive the vaccine may face certain restrictions.

"While we await specific proposals and anticipate the negotiation process, we encourage all of our members who are able to take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated and help our nation put an end to this deadly pandemic."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Workers in virtually all functions of government at every federal agency depend upon AFGE for legal representation, legislative advocacy, technical expertise and informational services.

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