Rhode Island state workers could receive $3,000 bonus for getting vaccinated

State government workers in Rhode Island could soon be eligible to receive a $3,000 bonus for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. 

CBS affiliate WPRI reported on Thursday that Gov. Daniel McKee’s (D) administration reached an agreement with AFSCME Council 94 on a new contract that would include the bonuses.

“The state and the unions are working diligently on a contract. Out of respect for the process, the state will not disclose any details until a contract is ratified.” Rhode Island Department of Administration spokesperson Derek Gomes said in a statement to WPRI. 

AFSCME Council 94 President J. Michael Downey said union members will vote Dec. 2 on the proposed four-year deal, which calls for an initial $1,500 payment for state workers who are vaccinated and an additional $1,500 payment coming in July. 

Rhode Island’s government had mandated that state health care workers be fully vaccinated against the virus by Oct. 1, The Associated Press reported.

Neighboring Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) earlier this year signed an executive order telling more than  40,000 state workers to be vaccinated by Oct. 17.