By Ray Birch
LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich.—One credit union that never closed its lobbies during the pandemic says it will not require staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Michigan First Credit Union CEO Michael Poulos told CUToday.info his organization is “strongly opposed” to mandating a COVID-19 vaccination for staff.
It’s an issue on which many CU leaders will now need to form policies. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued a statement that employers can bar an employee from the workplace for not being vaccinated against the coronavirus, as CUToday.info reported here.
“We don’t believe in infringing upon our employees’ personal decisions, individual rights and civil liberties,” said Poulos. “And there isn’t a strong business case for doing so. The principles on which this country was founded rest upon certain individual, unalienable rights that the government is supposed to protect and not take away. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should not be taken lightly. It is the responsibility of every citizen and organization to make sure these rights are not infringed upon.”
Poulos stressed medical decisions are individual decisions, not employer decisions.
“This is true whether it’s a decision regarding a vaccine or any other medical issue,” said Poulos. “Those decisions are personal and private. As an employer we feel that getting involved would be overbearing and an intrusion.”
Personal Decisions
Poulos said as part of the $1.3-billion credit union’s wellness program it encourages employees to consult with their physician and make their own medical decisions based on their personal circumstances and beliefs.
“As an employer, we don’t require or encourage other types of vaccinations, even those that have proven track records,” stated Poulos. “Doing so comes with potential legal liability. For example, if an employee suffers a negative health consequence or dies after receiving a mandated vaccination, the credit union will likely face a lawsuit. The potential liability for requiring or encouraging any such medical treatments could exist for a lifetime.”
Poulos believes the potential legal liability may not end there. And, as CUToday.info reported, there are many legal and HR issues CUs must carefully address regarding COVID-19 vaccine policies.
“Would we require members to be vaccinated to enter our facilities?” he said. “No. They are the owners of the credit union and we are their employees. In addition, what impact would a potential vaccine policy have on individuals seeking to join the credit union? Will we have to turn people away from membership?”
Additional Vaccinations?
Michael Poulos
The CEO pointed out the COVID-19 virus could mutate, which could require a new vaccination periodically.
“It would be a challenge, and a nightmare, to manage requirements and records,” he said. “Our employees and every citizen of the United States deserve to have their rights protected without facing health mandates from employers or government agencies,” Poulos said. “The decision to take away an individual’s right to make a living and feed their family is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Taking away someone’s livelihood in order to mandate a medical choice on their behalf is not something we feel comfortable with.”
2020 has already been trying enough for members and staff, said Poulos.
“This year, people have faced more challenges and financial hardships than ever, including those imposed by certain state governments in the form of business shutdowns and employment restrictions,” said Poulos. “It’s important to find a balance that allows for both health and financial stability.”
Striking a Balance
Poulos said he believes Michigan First has struck that balance.
“We are following appropriate health guidelines and have always provided an environment that is clean and safe for our members and team members,” he said. “We can continue to do so without intruding on our employees’ or members’ personal freedoms or privacy. In these unprecedented times, filled with consistently evolving restrictions, requirements and mandates, we want our employees to know that their health decisions will remain their own without intrusion or fear of retribution or job loss.”
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