ELMA, N.Y. — Moog, Inc. employees walked out on the job Monday afternoon to protest a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

According to one of the walkout organizers, Matt Scheiber, the company sent out a memo on Oct. 20 stating employees must be vaccinated by Dec. 8 or face termination. This memo came after President Joe Biden’s executive order stating federal employees must get the vaccine, and Moog’s employees are federal contractors.

What You Need To Know

  • Moog employees say Moog issued a mandate that they get vaccinated by Dec. 8

  • This comes after President Biden's executive order stating federal employees must get the vaccine

  • Hundreds joined the walkout, but not every person in attendance worked at the facility

  • Moog has not immediately responded for comment

Three people taking part in the walkout said they are not anti-vax, but they are anti-mandate. One third-generation machinist, John Pascucci, said the mandate puts him in a difficult position.

“I remember coming here to pick my father up when I was a kid in the back, taking me in the shop, showing me around, this is how he supported us,” Pascucci said. “This is everything. This is the best job I’ve ever had. I just bought a house here a year and a half ago, and I want to retire here. That’s what it means to me.”

Hundreds in attendance at the walkout included Moog employees and other activist groups.

Moog is an Elma-based manufacturer of aerospace, medical and industrial parts.

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to Moog, Inc. for comment and has not yet received a response.