PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A union representing Rhode Island health care workers has withdrawn its lawsuit over a new mandate that workers get flu shots.
The Providence Journal reports that SEIU Healthcare Employees Union, District 1199, withdrew the suit it filed in December after the health department began requiring health workers to get a flu shot or wear a mask when in contact with patients during periods of widespread flu activity.
Union Executive Vice President Patrick Quinn said Monday the union agreed to withdraw the suit given that the period of widespread flu was lifted. He says the health department also agreed to meet with union representatives to find a compromise.
The union had said there's no medical evidence that vaccinating health workers protects patients or that surgical masks inhibit flu transmission.
___
Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
