Buffalo Grove, firefighters reach understanding on COVID-19 policy

Buffalo Grove trustees Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding between the village and the Buffalo Grove Professional Firefighter/Paramedic Association on a COVID-19 vaccine policy for union members.

Human Resources Director Art Malinowski told the board the terms are consistent with the village's vaccination policy for its nonunion employees.

Malinowski later explained the agreement is "adjusted to meet their specific requirements, because the members of the fire union are considered health care workers, and the governor's order treats health care workers differently than the population in general."

The firefighters are required to be fully vaccinated or, if not fully vaccinated, to be tested on a weekly basis. The terms last until Dec. 31 or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declares the pandemic over.