MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark said that he is "hopeful that vaccines become viable enough to warrant a negotiation with MLB for a vaccine protocol," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. MLB declined to comment on the issue. Pfizer on Monday said that its proposed vaccine "had been 90% effective in trials" and four vaccines are in "late-stage trials." California-based law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Partner Thomas Lenz, who practices labor and employment law, said that MLB "could subject itself to an unfair labor practice claim by imposing a vaccination requirement without the consent of the players' union." But he added, "I think the employer has a duty to provide a safe working environment to everyone. To the extent that someone does not get the vaccine, I think the employer would be taking a risk by allowing an individual who has not been vaccinated to be on the field with someone who has." Clark said whether a vaccine is available and whether it can be effective for the '21 season "may very well end up being two different things." He "declined to discuss what might happen if a player declines to take a vaccine" (L.A. TIMES, 11/12).
