Mask Strike 1...
Email 01/28/2021
Good afternoon _____,
Lately I've been forced to work exclusively night shifts due to the mask rule where I work. If we're clocked in, on on company property (inside or out), or in the ambulance, we are to be masked at all times. I've yet to follow this rule, so 'out of sight, out of mind' is my strategy. Yesterday I braved the wild to pick up a day shift on the ambulance. Within 10 minutes of clocking in I was in a debate with my supervisor over me not being muzzled. It really didn't matter what I said, how many studies I cited, my religious objections, etc. His only argument was simply "The company wouldn't spend all this money on masks if they didn't want us to wear them.".
I expected as much, but I brought up another point for which he had no answer. I wear glasses, and they fog up badly if I wear a mask. I can't see to drive the ambulance, to draw up medications (proper dose/dilution), to start IV's, or even properly assess my patients. I cannot safely, or effectively, do my particular job while masked 100% of the time. Benefit vs risk has always been common sense in the past in this regard, but not anymore. He directed me to HR if I wanted to continue the debate, but if he catches me unmasked again it'll be "a different conversation". The battle lines have been drawn.
Nobody cares at all if we're physically able to do our job anymore. Nevermind providing life saving care... Just virtue signal as much as possible, because THAT'S what is important.
Hanging by a thread,
Handy