Although less common, individual employment contracts could present similar challenges. This requirement expired at the end of MaseeįAQ on COVID vaccination for executive branch employees for details.įor employers with a unionized workforce, a collective bargaining agreement could contain direct prohibitions on mandatory vaccines in the workplace.
On August 10, 2021, Governor Brown announced that executive branch employees of the State of Oregon would need to be vaccinated. This included employees in public safety, correctional, and health care settings who are also employed by the state. NOTE: The exemption from vaccination requirements provided by ORS 433.416 does NOT apply where a state or federal statute, rule or regulation requires vaccination. Exempt workers include: firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, or parole and probation officers. Most workplaces can require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but some types of workers are exempt by law. Workers may make requests for exemptions or accommodations due to disability or religion. On August 19, 2021, Governor Brown announced healthcare workers and all teachers, educators, support staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools would need to be fully vaccinated. OHA's frequently asked questions are online for health care workers and for those working in schools.Įmployers cannot require COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace if they employ specific types of workers or have contractual limitations. Guidance under federal law that makes it clear that employers may require workers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine – with limited exceptions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released Employers may require workers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with some exceptions.