Credit: County of Bucks
The president of the union that represents many workers at the Bucks County-run Neshaminy Manor long-term care center expressed disappointment over the policy to require vaccination.
During Wednesday’s Bucks County Commissioners meeting, public comment from Tom Tosti, director of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union for the region, was read into the record.
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Tosti, who also serves as chairperson of the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors, raised concern after news broke last week that county government would require employees working at Neshaminy Manor, the largest nursing home in the county and one of the largest in the state, to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or lose their jobs.
According to Tosti, AFSCME had talked to county officials previously about a potential vaccination plan. They asked for the plan to be relayed so union members could have input.
However, Tosti said no plan was delivered to the union and the policy was enacted without contacting AFSCME.
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“You simply laid out an ultimatum,” Tosti said, adding that their failure to work with the union made it a problem.
“There are many Americans, including many that work in the manor, who are hesitant to be among the first be vaccinated,” he said.
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Tosti said he personally plans to get vaccinated.
The commissioners did not comment on Tosti’s statement during Wednesday’s public meeting.
LevittownNow.com reported last week on employee objections at Neshaminy Manor, which is located in Warrington Township, over the policy due to religious and philosophical concerns.
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Earlier this month, staff received an email from the county nursing home administrator to all facility employees noting that there was a 46.7 percent COVID-19 vaccine participation rate among staff and 94 percent among residents. Marjorie Ziegler, the facility administrator, wrote that the level of participation for staff was “unacceptable.”
“Any staff that has not been vaccinated by the end of March could be laid off. Those claiming medical or religious exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” county Communications Director Larry King told this news organization.
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Neshaminy Manor has seen 85 residents die of COVID-19 since March.
The two COVID-19 vaccines that are being rolled out have been found by experts around the globe to be safe and effective.
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Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask properly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
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