November 3, 2021
Brothers and Sisters,
The agency has failed to negotiate with AFGE Local 1658 (UNION) on the impact and implementation of EO 14043 “Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees” . The UNION plans to file an Unfair Labor Practice with the Chicago Region of the Federal Labor Relations Authority to force the agency to the bargaining Table on the unilateral implementation of this policy. Until the Agency comes to the negotiation table the UNION strongly recommends you follow the policy below especially if you are considering filing for an exemption.
DOD Civilians must submit request for exemption no later than November 8, 2021, absent extenuating circumstances.
Requests for exemption must be submitted in writing to their supervisor (Some organizations allow an oral interview). DoD civilians may use DD Form 3176 (Medical Exemption or Delay) or DD form 3177 (Religious Exemption) to submit your request.
At a minimum, when making a request for exemption, you must provide the following information:
Medical (DD Form 3176) attached: –
1) A description of the medical condition or circumstance that is the basis for the request for a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement;
2) An explanation of why the medical condition or circumstance prevents the employee from being safely vaccinated against COVID-19;
3) If it is a temporary medical condition or circumstance, a statement concerning when it will no longer be a medical necessity to delay vaccination against COVID-19; and
4) Any additional information, to include medical documentation that addresses the employee’s particular medical condition or circumstance, which may be helpful in resolving the employee’s request for a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
Religious (DD Form 3177) attached: –
1) A description of the religious belief, practice, or observance that is the basis for the request for a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement;
2) A description of when and how the DoD civilian employee came to hold the religious belief or observe the religious practice;
3) A description of how the DoD civilian employee has demonstrated the religious belief or observed the religious practice in the past;
4) An explanation of how the COVID-19 vaccine conflicts with the religious belief, practice, or observance;
5) A statement concerning whether the DoD civilian employee has previously raised an objection to a vaccination, medical treatment, or medicine based on a religious belief or practice. If so, a description of the circumstances, timing, and resolution of the matter; and
6) Any additional information that may be helpful in resolving the DoD civilian employee’s request for a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
The Agency is still waiting on guidance from Department of the Army in designating the Decision Authority for exemptions. However, once you have submitted your exemption to your supervisor, in writing (or orally if permitted by your organization) , all actions including potential disciplinary action are suspended until a determination is made.
DD Form 3177, _REQUEST FOR A RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION TO THE COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT_ – dd3177
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