Vaccine mandate brings protest outside Seattle City Light

Seattle’s new COVID vaccine mandate for city employees took effect Monday and sparked a protest.

A few Seattle City Light workers gathered with a larger number of supporters outside a facility in SODO.

A few workers said they were asked to turn in their badges because they are not vaccinated.

“They are not saying I am fired, to be clear, but what they are saying is to no longer have contact with anybody here,” said Jeremy Rowan, a City Light employee for nearly 20 years.

City officials say they are working through the process of exemptions and accommodations.

Eighty-four City Light workers requested a medical or religious exemption, according to the mayor’s office.

1,573, or 93% of City Light workers are vaccinated, and utility officials say they are planning for any possible short-term staffing issues.

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