Albuquerque’s proposed vaccine mandate sparks debate

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The mayor of New Mexico’s largest city is telling thousands of workers to prepare for a vaccine mandate in the coming weeks. But union leaders who represent Albuquerque police officers, firefighters and other employees are saying not so fast. They say a mandate would amount to a major change of working conditions that requires Democrat Mayor Tim Keller to come to the negotiating table. The police and fire departments already have voiced concerns about losing personnel if a mandate is imposed. The push comes as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs President Joe Biden’s vaccine rule. The mayor said Tuesday that regardless of the federal case, Albuquerque will be ready for a state mandate or any unilateral action to ensure public safety.