An arbitrator has ruled that the state can mandate the COVID vaccine for Illinois prison guards and staffers at state juvenile detention facilities.
Governor JB Pritzker had ordered the vaccine mandate in the fall for workers in those congregate care settings, but AFSCME fought the mandate, sending the dispute to arbitration.
The ruling impacts nearly 10,000 workers at state prisons and juvenile justice centers, who will have to have at least a first dose of the vaccine by January 31st, unless they are granted a religious or medical exemption.
