We Heard You Loud and Clear
We recognize and acknowledge all those who took the time to send an email expressing your frustration, concerns, and heightened anxieties about the University of Hawai‘i’s vaccination mandate intended to go into effect in the spring 2022 semester. We realize many of you found the news upsetting and we share your frustration and confusion over what was issued by the UH administration yesterday.
Based on what was posted on the UH website, the UH System Office of Human Resources notified all employees about the mandate and noted: “The three unions representing UH employees were also consulted.”
No, We Weren’t Formally Consulted
For the record, the UH administration never formally consulted UHPA on this matter. We received a letter from the UH Office of Human Resources about the vaccination mandate on October 5, 2021 and immediately requested a consultation meeting with the UH administration as soon as possible. While we agree vaccinations are an effective tool against the spread of COVID-19, we do not agree with the manner in which the mandate was issued, determined, and decreed. To date, we have not yet heard back from the UH administration on possible consultation meeting dates but look forward to engaging in meaningful discussion and dialogue over this significant and sensitive issue.
But This Does Imply Consultation Will Be Required
We do however acknowledge and accept the UH Office of Human Resources noting that the subject matter is under consultation with the unions in their announcement which is a recognition of the UH administration’s desire to formally consult with UHPA and to respect the collective bargaining rights of the faculty under Chapter 89, HRS – irrespective of Governor Ige’s Emergency Proclamation. We look forward to this formal consultation process with the UH administration and will keep you apprised of our discussions.
We’re Publicly on the Record
Here is a link to an interviews in the media:
- Hawaii News Now: UH employees will be subject to stricter vaccine mandate than other state workers
- KITV: COVID-19 vaccination required for all University of Hawaii employees beginning January 2022
Mahalo for your patience as we work through this issue on behalf of our members.
