(Center Square) – The first settlement in the United States was achieved in a class action filed by healthcare professionals over the COVID-19 vaccine obligations of the university system.
The Chicago-based North Shore University Health System has agreed to pay a total of $ 10,337,500 to more than 500 current and former healthcare professionals as part of the terms of the settlement. We have also changed our policy to meet religious exemption requests and are rehiring ex-employees who have been dismissed or forced to retire after being denied the exemption request.
NorthShore employees, represented by Liberty Counsel, a non-profit religious free organization, have allegedly been discriminated against for being denied a religious exemption from the company’s vaccination obligations.Reconciliation Submission Friday at the Northern District Court of Illinois.
This is “a class action settlement of this kind against private employers who have illegally denied hundreds of religious exemption claims for COVID-19 shots,” Liberty Counsel said. Its founder and chairman, Matt Staver, said, “It should be an awakening call to all employers who did not accept or exempt employees who opposed COVID shots for religious reasons.” .. Let’s call this case a warning to employers who violated Title VII. “
Civil Rights Act Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or country of origin.
The settlement has almost ended the dispute that began after the North Shore rejected the employee’s request for religious accommodation for the “Required COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.” Last October, Liberty Counsel sent a request on behalf of the affected employees, but North Shore did not change that policy. As a result, Liberty Counsel filed a class action proceeding.
“If the North Shore agreed to comply with the law and grant religious exemptions, the problem would have been resolved quickly and at no cost,” Liberty Counsel said.
Both parties have agreed to the settlement, but still require court approval. North Shore employees who have been denied religious tax exemption have the opportunity to receive a notice of settlement and submit a comment, objection, opt-out request, or payment request form within a time limit not yet set by the court. Is given.
The settlement requires North Shore to change its agreed “no religious accommodation” policy and provide religious accommodation in all positions throughout the company.
Employees dismissed due to a refusal to request a religious exemption are eligible for reemployment, subject to the terms of the settlement. They may apply for a previously held senior-level position within 90 days of the court approving the final settlement.
North Shore PR Director Colette Urban told Center Square: ..
“The settlement reflects the implementation of a new system-wide vaccine policy, including accommodation for approved and exempt team members, including former employees who have been rehired.”
The amount an individual receives for payment depends on the number of valid and timely billing forms submitted. If all or nearly all affected employees file a valid and timely claim, each employee forced to dismiss or resign after the request for religious exemption is denied will receive approximately $ 25,000 each. Is presumed to be. Vaccinated people who are compelled to continue working and to violate their religious beliefs receive about $ 3,000 each.
Each of the 13 employees who were the main plaintiffs will receive an additional payment of approximately $ 20,000. Liberty Counsel will receive 20% of the $ 2,061,500 settlement amount to cover attorney fees and costs.
Holatio G. Michet, Vice President of Legal and Supreme Litigation Counsel at Liberty Counsel, said: work. This reconciliation should also serve as a strong warning to employers across the country that they cannot refuse to respond to those who have sincere religious objections to their compulsory vaccination obligations. “
“It was particularly important and satisfying that this first class-wide COVID reconciliation protected healthcare professionals. Healthcare workers die daily to protect and treat patients. Dedicated heroes. They are needed more than ever. “
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