On September 9th, 2021 Executive Order 14042 was issued which required that by October 8th Federal Government Contractors or Contract-like Instruments take initial steps to comply with executive order 14042 section 2(a) and that by October 15th Federal Government Contractors or Contract-like Instruments incorporate a clause in all contracts requiring adherence to Executive Order 14042 Section 2(a). 

These were the only deadlines and actions explicitly required by Executive Order 14042. However, on October 8th 2021 this company issued a communication requiring vaccination of all employees by December 8th against SARS-COV-2 with the only alternative termination of employment. This policy exceeds the requirements of the standing order. We understand that this policy was designed in anticipation of the coming order from the Occupation Health and Safety Administration, which is anticipated to require all companies with more than 100 employees to meet 100% vaccination rates. However, as a group of individuals currently representing 5% of the Jaffrey Millipore workforce and growing everyday we humbly request the following things:

1)  Advocation for delay of the timeline.
2)  A guarantee that the expression of personal views, allowing it does not negatively impact work efficiency or quality, will not result in targeting of individuals expressing opposition to the new policy or intent to not conform prior to the deadline. 

We request item number one for the following reasons:
•  This group is mainly composed of individuals experiencing great fear. Fear of the vaccine but also fear of loss of bodily autonomy and personal liberty as well as fear of loss of income.
•  There is as of yet no federal requirement that the 100% vaccination rate be met by December 8th. 
•  Those individuals who are fearful of the vaccine deserve time to consult their trusted medical professionals in order to reduce their fear. 

We request item number two for the following reasons:
•  The individuals in this group represent centuries of dedicated work for MilliporeSigma, while we understand that this policy will result in our termination if we do not vaccinate we would prefer to spend what may be our last weeks of employment at this company without the crushing weight of constant fear. 
•  We believe that many individuals at this company share our thoughts and feelings and deserve the support of their community. This group originally formed as what was essentially a support group. Those of us who do decide to vaccinate deserve to the emotional security of a community that understands what they are experiencing. 

Finally, we of course invite you to join us. We believe that this policy represents significant business risk and we further believe that you, as our leadership, do care about us, and our emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. While we of course want this pandemic to end we do not believe that reaching that goal requires a mandate of such harsh terms. If you are interested in discussing these issues with us further or are yourself in need of emotional support during this trying time we invite you to reach out to us.