Detroit extends requirements for Covid vaccine to auto workers

DETROIT: Manufacturing employees in the city, such as self-employed workers, are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine without restrictions such as age or proof of pre-existing conditions.

The expansion of eligibility for Detroit manufacturing workers marks a significant expansion of eligibility for auto worker vaccination following similar actions in municipalities such as Boone County, Illinois. It should help keep employees safe and automotive plants in operation.

The United Auto Workers union estimates that at least 10,000 of its members work in Detroit. The total number of manufacturing workers living in the city was not immediately available.

The deployment of the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines by Detroit will take place in a conference center, as well as in clinics for major manufacturing operations, starting with two SUV plants for Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler. Manufacturing employees who live or work in the city are eligible, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Tuesday.

“Car and UAW companies have done a great job so far, but nothing is as good as vaccination,” Duggan said during a press conference that included UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who received a vaccine.

Last year, Detroit automakers implemented extensive safety measures and social distancing guidelines during a two-month shutdown of their plants to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. The security measures implemented included plastic barriers, masks and other things, such as temperature protections and protocols on entering and leaving the plants.

“Manufacturing workers, whether unionists or not, have been really present throughout this pandemic and it has not been easy,” Estrada said. “We’ve had plant diseases and deaths, so that’s incredibly important.”

Less than 30 of the approximately 400,000 UAW members have died as a result of Covid-19, according to union spokesman Brian Rothenberg. He said the union is working “with the White House, governors and all of our partners on vaccine distribution plans.”

Stellantis employees in Boone County, Illinois, were among the first automatic workers to receive vaccines against Covid-19. The company said it hopes to “look forward to working with other health departments to make the vaccines available to the rest of our Stellantis employees following local distribution plans.”

“Today’s announcement is an important step in protecting our employees and our communities, so that we can return to the life we ​​all want to live,” Stellantis said in a statement.

Detroit’s Stellantis plants, including a new facility that is not fully operational, are among the city’s largest manufacturing operations. The company initially plans to vaccinate 8,000 people.

General Motors also owns a large plant in the city, but this facility temporarily does not produce vehicles until later this year due to construction.

Detroit has administered 90,170 doses – 70.7% of the doses it has received – and has more than 52,800 appointments scheduled, according to its website.