CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot is threatening to put Chicago police officers on a “no pay” status if they haven’t complied with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
City officers had until midnight Friday to submit their vaccination status.
A memo went out to Chicago police alerting officers that they could face being fired if they don’t comply with the city’s vaccination policy. It also stated that members who retire while under disciplinary investigation may be denied retirement credentials.
Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara met with officers Sunday night at FOP headquarters in the West Loop. No word yet of what was decided.
Sunday night, the FOP posted a photo of Mayor Lightfoot celebrating the championship win for the Chicago Sky while not wearing a mask. The caption read, “still think this is about Covid or public health? This mayor is a complete and utter joke. She is plain and simple union busting.
In the meantime, the mayor has restricted time off for officers.
There are concerns as many as half of the department’s officers may not comply with the mandate.