By Julia Harte

NEW YORK (Reuters), Thousands of New York City municipal employees are facing a Friday deadline to either get a COVID-19 shot, or be fired. The Mayor Eric Adams appears determined to execute the terminations despite opposition from union leaders.

A mandate had led to less than 4,000 workers in the city being terminated at January’s end. According to the Mayor’s office, it was expected that the updated list of those affected would be available on Monday.

Although it represents only 1% of the workforce in the city, the current number is one of the largest worker cuts due to the vaccine requirement.

Adams responded to questions about vaccine mandates at Thursday’s news conference in Bronx. Adams was speaking as he announced a new initiative in healthy foods.

He stated, “I want the employees to remain, and I want them as city workers, but they need to adhere to the rules.”

The mayor seems willing to continue with terminations, even though New York is preparing to join other U.S. cities and states in lifting COVID-19 restrictions due to recent spike in Omicron-related infections.

Adams’ predecessor, Bill de Blasio was elected mayor in December.

Andrew Giuliani (a Republican candidate for governor, and the son Rudy Giuliani of New York City), criticized the mandate to get vaccinated in comments to demonstrators at Friday’s protest outside City Hall, Manhattan.

Union leaders voiced their anger about the implementation of the mandate through interviews and statements.

Harry Nespoli (president of Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association Local 831) told Reuters that “At its height, when people were dying each day, we had no choice but to go to work.” You’re now telling them that they are not qualified enough to work in the city.

Nespoli claimed that about 40% of the approximately 7,000 workers he represents weren’t vaccinated. However, he expects some to be able to continue their employment rather than losing it.

According to the union, a dozen firefighters from New York City are in danger of losing their jobs. Around 2,000 firefighters applied for reasonable accommodation, while 500 are still waiting to hear from the city.

Andrew Ansbro, president of the union said that “I believe some people will regret the decision in the end,” adding that he hoped (the city), would leave the door open. We have policies to allow our members to go on a 1-year leave. There’s no need for anyone to be fired now.

Gregory Floyd, President of Teamsters Local 237 which represents around 18,000 New York City Public Employees, stated in a statement that the city should delay firing workers who are unable or unwilling for vaccination until they have been heard in court.