Second union added to agreement on mandatory flu shots

Members of two unions can opt out of a mandatory flu vaccine program with University of Iowa Health Care, at least temporarily.

Under an agreement announced Tuesday, Service Employees International Union Local 199 withdrew its motion for a temporary injunction that would have suspended the program.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees made a similar agreement.

In return, union members can decline the shots for personal reasons, in addition to the religious and medical exemptions for all employees.

Hospital spokesman Tom Moore said 2,377 SEIU employees work for UI Health Care, with 2,125 AFSCME workers at the hospital.

An administrative law judge will likely decide in October on whether or not the mandate violates the union contract and Iowa labor law.

Seasonal flu shots are required this year for all faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors and contractors for the hospital, Carver College of Medicine and UI physicians.

Workers who don't get a shot or obtain a medical or religious exemption could lose their jobs.