COVID-19 vaccine mandates have received banner headlines in newspapers and websites and constant coverage on 24-hour news channels. The issue is, to say the least, controversial, with vastly opposing sides digging in their heels.
Those who refuse to comply with the requirements, regardless of their reasons, face the potential loss of their jobs if they are not vaccinated by the imposed deadline. If that did not create enough uncertainty, the potential ineligibility for unemployment benefits could make a bad situation worse.
Insight into a controversial issue
Attorney Darren Rumack, a partner at The Klein Law Group, represents New York City-based employees in a variety of industries ranging from restaurants to factories. His focus is on protecting the rights of the firm’s clients to not only legal wages and overtime pay but also unlawful discrimination. He also has insight into the opposing side as he also advocates for employers against various legal matters.
In a recent CNET article, Darren was asked to weigh in on the vaccine mandates and possible uncertainty surrounding unemployment compensation.
“I can’t see the government mandating the vaccines and then saying you have to terminate these people, but you’re also liable for paying unemployment insurance benefits.”
The legal issue is continually evolving, with New York and countless other states remaining quiet on the matter for now. Some experts see resisting a vaccine mandate as akin to a voluntary resignation that would disqualify employees from benefits.
In the end, the help of an attorney, regardless of the reason behind termination of employment, can help even the odds employees and employers face.