Protesters push for Google Employees to have choice in vaccine
By Tom Peterson
Ten people were protesting at the front gates of Google in The Dalles on Monday afternoon, Sept. 20, stating that Google is coercing local employees to get the coronavirus vaccine.
“Jab for Job Retention is Coercion…..,” read one sign.
Protestors were holding signs in support of “at least 10” local employees just beyond Google’s gates who don’t want to be vaccinated, they said.
Tech giant Google announced a vaccine requirement in late July for those returning to its offices. The company has some 135,301 employees, according to SEC filings.
In a memo sent to employees, Google's CEO Sundar Pichai wrote that "anyone coming to work on our campuses will need to be vaccinated," according to an ABC story posted Aug. 6.
“Google is the largest international company on earth with billions in revenue,” said protestor Ben Warren. “They have personal information on most of humanity. Now, this corporation is looking at its own employees and saying take this experimental medication or walk.”
Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines have all been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for emergency use.
All three coronavirus vaccines authorized for emergency use in the USA underwent clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. The vaccines have also been subject to peer-reviewed studies. All that research has found the vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe COVID-19 cases, according to a story in the USA Today.
The intention of vaccines is to protect the community, according to a story by Sherita Hill Golden, M.D., M.H.S with John Hopkins Medicine.
“Older people and those living with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are more likely to experience severe — even fatal — cases of COVID-19 if they catch it,” she wrote. “The more people who receive the coronavirus vaccines, the sooner vulnerable people can feel safe among others. Also, since every COVID-19 infection gives the coronavirus a chance to mutate, being vaccinated helps prevent variants.
If those who choose not to receive the vaccine are self-isolated, the same effect could be achieved. But that is not the case in Oregon. During the week of September 5–September 11, there were 14,046 cases of COVID-19. 11,414 (81.3%) were unvaccinated and 2,632 (18.7%) were vaccine breakthrough cases, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
Mark Harmon with security at Google in this golf cart provided water to locals protesting at Google in The Port of The Dalles on Monday afternoon. Protesters are stating Google employees should have a choice on whether to receive the coronavirus vaccine. provided
On Monday, protester Jennifer Gunter shared the following information from a local employee who would not be named for fear of retribution:
“Roughly 3 months ago, they (Google) put out a mandate that said we were required to get vaccinated and had till 9/30 to be fully vaccinated or we would lose our clearance to site. No testing options were offered. We were given paperwork for exemptions, but those that turned them in were immediately declined and informed they are not accepting any at this time.”
“About a month ago they doubled down and said that they will pay the vaccinated $200 a week... Then last week we were all informed that they are extending the deadline to Nov 1st and that testing may be offered.”
“It's incredibly sad. I had people come to me crying cause they didn't want to get the shot but couldn't afford to lose their jobs. They listened to the news outlets say people that quit because they don't want the vaccine won't get unemployment benefits. So, they got the vaccine to save their home and family. They say they felt guilty the entire time. Still do. These people were fear mongered and then bribed. Now are being told that it was all BS,” it reads.
“We’re not anti-vaxxers,” one protester said, noting they had vaccines throughout their life.
Rather, they did not feel safe taking an mRNA vaccine such as Moderna. “We’re pro-choice.”
As protesters were holding up signs a voice calling out from Riverfront Trail yelled, “Vaccines save lives.”
Gunter responded, “Glad you had a choice.”
For those still pondering whether to get a vaccine or not, North Central Public Health District offers a wealth of information to get you started on the topic. Click here.
