Target 11: Vaccine mandate change in Pittsburgh to include police, firefighters hasn’t happened

PITTSBURGH — While city of Pittsburgh employees had to get vaccinated to continue working, unvaccinated police and firefighters are still on the job.

This is because separate arbitrators ruled last year, and the city must first negotiate the terms of the vaccine mandate with the unions.

When Mayor Ed Gainey took office in January, he vowed to continue the bargaining that began  under the previous administration.

“We want to be able to sit down with the union leaders and talk to them about how they are going to get their members vaccinated,” Gainey said in his first press conference as mayor. “The reality is it seems to be working, and it’s something we will take a look at.”

More than three months into Gainey’s term, there has been no agreement.

The fire union, which says 88% of their members are vaccinated, said they have had meetings with the city.

The police union, where approximately 40% are still not vaccinated, said they want assurances that any potential medical problems related to the vaccine will be covered.

“If you’re going to require a medical procedure, you have to be in our view, willing to look in our view, and take on the responsibility of that medical procedure,” said Bob Swartzwelder, the police union president.

Former Mayor Bill Peduto, who implemented the mandate in December, expressed concern about the lack of action.

“It’s an obligation, not only to them and their families, but it’s an obligation to the people they serve within the city of Pittsburgh,” Peduto said. “In most cases, they’re the ones going into people’s homes when they’ve had medical emergencies. People should be assured as they enter into their homes that they have been properly inoculated against COVID.”

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said they do not comment on union negotiations.

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