Business Law News: Student Response

I want you tosubmit at least 2 responses to articles posted by others. Your comments/reflections must relate to class material and your opinion on the posted Business Law News. Do not criticize their choices, but advance the conversation forward by adding your thoughts on similar or different options. Your posts have a long "length requirement". A follow-up reply of just "cool" or "wow", or any version of that isn't enough for credit. They need to be thoughtful & respectful responses.I need to know that you actually read your classmate's analysis and learned something new.

"Student: Abby Watkins

The article she used: Biden Mandates COVID-19 Vaccinations for All Feds

https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2021/09/biden-mandate-covid-19-vaccinations-all-feds/185227/

Analysis:

This past Thursday on September 9, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that will require all federal employees and contractors to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The order was announced during a speech about new preventative measures that the Biden administration plans on taking against the Delta variant, such as this new federal mandate and "calling for a global summit at the United Nations on boosting the global vaccine supply" (Wagner 2021).

The executive order is a massive change from what was previously required for those unwilling to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the past, federal employees were allowed to be on the properties so long as they wear a mask and are regularly screened. Many administrative agencies that are already on the front lines of health care, such as the Health and Human Services Department, Defense Department, and a portion of the Veterans Affairs, have already made the switch to fully vaccinated employees.

A briefing with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki revealed further details, with the federal workers needing to be fully vaccinated within 75 days or apply for a health-related or religious exemption before falling out of compliance with the order. "If a federal employee fails to comply, then they will go through the standard HR process, which includes counseling, and face progressive disciplinary action," Psaki states. "Each agency will work with employees to make sure that they understand the benefits of vaccination and how the vaccines are free, easy, and widely accessible."

Of course, as with every new mandate, there will be differing opinions. Tony Reardon, President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), summarizes it perfectly, explaining that "Some employees will disagree. Others will welcome the additional security that comes with knowing that all of their coworkers are vaccinated. Either way, the law is clear that employers, including the federal government, may implement a vaccination requirement for employees."

Many unions, associations, and executive agencies are already pushing for their employees to be vaccinated, understanding that the pandemic is an emotionally trying situation for us all. However, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association directly opposes the order, with president Larry Cosme stating "In the face of so many uncertainties, our federal government should trust its employees to make their own medical decision under consultation with their doctor, not mandate by their employer. Vaccination should be promoted through education and encouragement - not coercion."

Regardless of opinions, the executive order has been made and will require federal employees and contractors to comply within 75 days. The order itself does not provide extensive detail and is instead depending on the White House Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce to implement the new mandate within one week.

In the long run, getting vaccinated is critical for our society's health and welfare and will only bring us closer to the end of the pandemic. Vaccinations have proven to be effective in reducing COVID-19 diagnosis and hospital mitigations, and through this executive order, Biden is setting a strong example for different agencies to follow. I chose this article because not only does it directly apply to business law concepts, but it applies to our everyday lives and the pandemic. I personally agree with Biden and am happy he is becoming stricter on COVID-19 regulations. I hope one day it extends to more than just federal employees and becomes a worldwide mandate. COVID-19 vaccination is an extremely controversial topic but in the end, it all depends on what will make our society better and move forward past this pandemic."

Need Help With My Reply:

Hi Abby Watkins,

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Your Classmate, Sky