Nearly 200 people gathered at the Arizona Capitol on Wednesday to protest forced vaccinations of healthcare workers. Hospital workers were joined by supporters who object to the demand by Banner Health and HonorHealth that their employees get fully vaccinated by November.
The two large healthcare systems are likely just the first of many that will require their employees to get the vaccine or have their employment terminated. Smaller health care organizations will likely follow suit.
One Registered Nurse told the Arizona Daily Independent that she anticipates wrongful termination lawsuits and hospitals operating with skeleton staffs if the companies do not change course.
“A year ago we were all on the front line, come a month from now will it be the unemployment line? This has got to stop,” said a Banner employee.
Policymakers joined the medical professionals in their fight for personal freedom:
It was an honor to be able to speak at the medical freedom rally today to say NO to forced Covid-19 injections. pic.twitter.com/OKdR0pScDb
— Senator Kelly Townsend (@AZKellyT) July 28, 2021
I’m proud to stand with Arizona’s medical professionals at the Stop the Mandate rally at the State Capitol. I believe in personal freedom and responsibility, NOT forcing a #vaccine mandate on Arizonans. pic.twitter.com/AVxkGfxfZc
— Matt Salmon (@MattSalmonAZ) July 28, 2021
The healthcare professionals hope to continue the protests at various hospitals across the state. A “Stop the Mandate” rally is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. in front of Banner Hospital on the corner of Campbell Avenue and Elm Street in Tucson.
The healthcare workers are also seeking legal counsel to assert what they believe is their “right to choose what goes into their bodies.”
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